I have an 2002 A4 1.8t Quattro. It was starting to have some hard to start issues and then one day just wouldnt start. I used a normal OBD2 scanner and have not was not getting any codes. While watching in in real time mode noticed that the throttle body was giving off readings. I borrowed a friends vagcom to do a throttle body adaptation. The vagcom gave me throttle body error that i couldnt clear and it wouldnt let me do the throttle body adaptation. I went to the junk yard and pulled a throttle body but it still would not allow me to run the adaptation. I get code 17987 - Throttle Actuator (J338) Adaptation Not Started P1579.

Would this cause the car not to start? I know coming from the junkyard the throttle body I got could be bad but what else should I be looking for here?

Thanks
Matt

 

The first thing you need to do for weird electrical issues is check the wiring harness grounds. There are a couple for the engine. Simply loosening and retightening them can fix the issues.

 

Thanks Dave. I just ran some new ones and the car started. I still have to get a hold of Vagcom to do the adaptation but she has started after sitting a few weeks.

 

Excellent. Hope you get her going for good now.