Tech Tip: Volkswagen Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Tech Tip: Volkswagen Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P1580 (Throttle Actuator B1 Malfunction) and P0103 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input) are simultaneously stored in DTC memory. The problem may be caused by an attempt to start a vehicle with a dead or low-charged battery.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P1580 (Throttle Actuator B1 Malfunction) and P0103 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input) are simultaneously stored in DTC memory. The problem may be caused by an attempt to start a vehicle with a dead or low-charged battery (below approximately 7V). These DTCs predominately show up together on a vehicle with a low-charged or dead battery.

Affected Models:
• Golf, Jetta and Passat, with engine codes ABA, AAA;
• 1996-’99 Cabrio with engine code ABA; and
• 1997-2000 EuroVan with engine code AES.

Service Procedure:
1. If an attempt is made to start a vehicle with a battery charge at approximately 7V (or lower), DTC P1580 (17988) will be stored in DTC memory.

2. Once DTC P1580 (17988) is stored, if the vehicle is then jump-started and driven, the second DTC, P0103 (16487), will then be stored.
Note: Throttle valve angle (when checked in “Basic setting” Function 04, display group 098) will be “0” in any throttle valve position.

3. Once these DTCs have been stored in DTC memory, the following applies:
• If the DTCs are erased and throttle body adaptation is not performed, both DTCs will be immediately stored again in DTC memory.
• If throttle body adaptation is performed (without erasing the DTCs), “error” will be displayed on the VAG 1551 scan tool in Display Group 098.
• In both cases, the vehicle may not start or may run poorly.

4. Do not replace any parts for this condition. Instead perform the following steps.

5. The following must be performed in sequence to remove stored DTCs P1580 and P0103:
• Battery condition must be OK.
• Charge and/or replace the battery according to procedures in latest version of VESIS, Group 27.

6. With battery condition OK:
• Connect the VAG 1551 scan tool.
• Erase any stored DTCs.
• Perform Throttle Body Adaptation (see appropriate Repair Manual).
• Erase the stored DTCs again.
• Set the readiness code.

Technical service bulletin courtesy of ALLDATA.

For additional tech tips, visit www.alldata.com.

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