Intake manifold flap position - implausible signal

Hello fellow DIY enthusiasts!

This time, it's about my girlfriend's Passat. It's a Passat 3C with the engine code CBAB and approximately 170,000 kilometers on the odometer.

'For some time now, the yellow warning light for the engine control system has been illuminating during driving (not in limp mode).'
A check of the error memory revealed the problem: Intake manifold flap position sensor, P2015 - implausible signal (voltage 0.304 V).
Deleting it won't help, as the error will reappear immediately.

Since I didn't have anything better to do today, I thought I'd get to the bottom of the problem – unfortunately, it turned out to be a dead end.

The following items were inspected or performed: Wiring harness and connectors - visual inspection (where possible) - OK; Throttle body position sensor was removed, disassembled, cleaned, and reinstalled - nothing unusual detected; subsequently, an actuator diagnosis was performed using VCDS - faulty!
It should be noted that no abnormalities were detected mechanically. Both the intake manifold flaps and the throttle position sensor appear to be functioning correctly (and move freely).
During the actuator diagnosis, it is noticeable that the throttle position sensor emits a high-frequency hum (which is apparently normal, as the throttle valve has the same effect), while the actuator motor remains inactive. A slight 'push' with a screwdriver is enough to move the valve to its end position, where it remains until the actuator diagnosis is 'deactivated.' During the initial phase, no mechanical obstacle is overcome.

I'm assuming the actuator motor is functioning correctly, and I suspect there's an issue with the feedback signal (which can also be seen in the error memory). My question is: How exactly does the feedback mechanism work (inductively)? Can further conclusions be drawn from a measurement taken by the sensor?

I would like to determine if the sensor is actually the problem before I purchase a new one.

Sure, here's the translation:

'Thank you in advance.'

Best regards,
Manuel

Most often, the gears (made of plastic) break. Otherwise, you can also check the corresponding wiring harness for damage caused by rodents or similar.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello, at a reputable repair shop, the cost for the valve is approximately EUR 450. Therefore, I want to rule out any faults in the wiring harness or control unit. What values does the valve output (voltage signal?)? What can I measure at the valve itself, and what can I measure at the connector on the control unit (MSG)? The actuator is working, and everything is mechanically fine.

Best regards, Manuel.

The same part is almost certainly available for a fraction of the price on the open market; you can easily find it by searching online.

Screw the part out and take a look at the gears.

Best regards, Rainer.

Quote:

The identical part is almost certainly available for a fraction of the price on the open market; you can simply search the web.

From Pierburg, for example... Be careful with unbranded products from China.

The easiest way is to check the manufacturer on the device itself.

Hello,

It's been a while - but thank you very much for your tips!
The VDO (Contitech) electric actuator is available for around €130. The installation is relatively straightforward. Since then, the car has been running smoothly again.

Best regards,
Manuel

Thank you for the feedback!