freeskiwp

Maybe someone can help. A few days ago i was driving on the highway and the car just shut off. I pulled over and tried to start it again with no luck. Finally it did start again, but would only stay running for a few minutes at a time. I got the car to my friends house and left it there until I could get vag com on it. When i ran vag com i got a Throttle Valve Control Module #J388 error code. I drove the car a few miles home but when it went over 1500 rpm on the road it would buck hard, and then drop down to 800 rpm. it continued to do this until i got it home. We have tried throttle body adaptation and it doesnt want to do it, taken apart the throttle body but nothing looked too messed up. Any ideas guys? I need my car up and running to get to work. Is it time for a new throttle body? anyone got one laying around they will sell for cheap? THANK YOU!
btw, car is a 98 1.8tqm with a giac tune.

andysprague

I always had to force it with the VAG.

Come to think of it, I think I should do one on mine.

freeskiwp

Mine has always worked with the key, but no i did not try it with vag com. When we tried it multiple times with the key it didnt even make noise like it normally does.

JPRobertsons

If my experiences are anything to go by, those TBs are real *rap. Prob. time to replace it.

andysprague

Try it with the VAG & if if doesn't work maybe try swapping in a new TB.

freeskiwp

would it matter that the car died very shortly(within 5 seconds) after i turned off my water injection system after merging onto the highway?

4Driver4

Please edit the subject lines in your responses. Thanks.

pipebender

take the TB off and use a whole can of TB cleaner. Also, some times when it's mighty hot in the engine bay the TB might refuse to do adaptation and will throw codes.