Bob W.

....what values are you getting for 'throttle position sensor %' at full throttle?

RI A6

above 5500 rpm or so. Below that it's variable, but somewhere around 55%

Bob W.

I did a TBA, and immediately afterward logged 85.9% at WOT. absolute throttle position B is 86% at WOT. no fault codes.

RI A6

It's worth a try.

Bob W.

where/how is that done w/o a battery disconnect?

RI A6

Select control module
go to the drivetrain tab
select 01 Engine
Fault Codes
Clear Codes

select 11 Engine II
Fault Codes
Clear Codes

Bob W.

I had already cleared all the codes from I and II before I did the TBA, but I did it again anyway. Did another TBA, then logged a couple of WOT runs...same result, max TB sensor at 85.9% during WOT. Car runs strong as ever, auto-scanned it again and no DTCs. I'm going to post this over in the VAG-COM forum and see what happens.

RI A6

I believe you can hard reset the throttle body by pulling the lead and disconnecting it from the ECU. Then turn the ignition on. This should register as a fault with the ecu, so you might get a CEL. Then turn the ignition off, reconnect the throttle body.

This ought to simulate changing out a malfunctioning throttle body.

Bob W.

i'll keep that in mind, but i'm going to log my MAF first, as you suggested in TOF.