hansschaefer1
T-Cross Throttle Issues Hurt Performance & MPG
4 comment(s)
hansschaefer1 (Author)
Had my latest service at 129593km just a few weeks ago. The mechanic found carbon buildup on the throttle valve and cleaned it, but the issue persists. The check engine light remains off, and the rough starts happen mainly when the engine is warm. Connected an OBD reader but no error codes showed up, making it harder to pinpoint. Starting to think the throttle position sensor needs replacement rather than just cleaning. The sluggish throttle response is definitely worse than when I wrote my initial post, especially during normal acceleration. Fuel consumption continues increasing week by week. Based on your experience with the accelerator pedal module, I might get that checked too while they diagnose the car throttle system.
florianlehmann1
Thanks for those extra details. Having gone through this with my T-Roc, the lack of error codes despite worsening symptoms is very familiar. The carbon buildup cleaning on the throttle valve was also my first fix attempt, but like you, it didnt solve the core issue. The increased fuel consumption combined with sluggish throttle response, especially during warm engine conditions, strongly suggests an air intake measurement problem. In my case, the accelerator pedal module replacement fixed it, but your symptoms point more toward the throttle position sensor as you suspect. A failing throttle position sensor can cause the engine idle to become unstable and affect air-fuel mixture, leading to the exact issues youre experiencing. This would explain why the problems persist after cleaning and why they worsen with a warm engine. Workshop cost for throttle position sensor replacement typically runs 180-280€, depending on parts availability. If you decide to get it checked, have them test both the throttle body sensor and accelerator module during diagnosis since the symptoms overlap. A quick way to help confirm if its the position sensor: does the engine idle fluctuate when sitting at a stop? This was not present in my accelerator module issue but is common with faulty throttle position sensors.
hansschaefer1 (Author)
Thanks for sharing those specific repair costs and suggestions. Given my current symptoms match more with the throttle position sensor issue rather than the accelerator module problem you had, I will get that checked first. The engine does actually fluctuate at idle stops, which adds weight to the throttle sensor theory. The fuel efficiency keeps dropping and throttle response is getting worse, so I will book it in next week. Will ask them to do a complete diagnostic of both the throttle position sensor and control valve since the carbon cleaning on the throttle valve didnt help. Better to get a thorough check now than risk further issues. I appreciate you sharing your experience, even though your fix was different, the troubleshooting steps and component relationships help make sense of whats likely happening in my case. Will update once I get the actual diagnosis and repair completed.
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florianlehmann1
Having some experience with engine throttle issues, I faced a similar problem on my 2020 T-Roc. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered, poor fuel efficiency and inconsistent throttle response. Initially thought it was the throttle body or control valve, but after diagnosis, it turned out to be a defective accelerator pedal module. The repair cost me 205€, including parts and labor. The fix completely restored normal throttle response and brought fuel consumption back to normal levels. Before suggesting this is definitely your issue, could you share: Current mileage, Check engine light status, Whether the issue occurs more when the engine is cold or warm, Any error codes if you have access to a scanner The car throttle behavior can point to various components, and these details would help narrow down if your issue matches what I experienced. The workshop will need this information anyway for proper diagnosis. Its worth checking the simpler potential causes first, like throttle body cleaning, before replacing components. But if symptoms persist, having the accelerator pedal module checked would be a good next step.