What does the Volkswagen Passat 17705 fault code indicate?
3 Answers
The fault code 17705 in the Volkswagen Passat indicates an issue caused by a damaged throttle valve. Throttle valve faults can be categorized into two types: hard faults and soft faults. Hard faults refer to mechanical damage. The resistor part of the potentiometer is made by spraying a carbon film onto a polyester substrate, which is a relatively basic manufacturing process with low wear resistance. Soft faults refer to issues like dirt accumulation or misalignment. Key points to note about throttle valves: Excessive sludge buildup in the throttle valve may lead to poor engine acceleration and increased fuel consumption, which is a major concern for car owners. When cleaning the throttle valve, it is not necessary to disassemble it, but the sealing parts of the intake must be thoroughly cleaned. The idle speed motor must be removed for a proper cleaning. There are pros and cons to both disassembling and non-disassembling methods for cleaning the fuel injectors.
I just encountered the 17705 fault code on my Passat, and the engine light suddenly came on. I felt unstable power and even jerking during acceleration. After checking, I found out this is a common error in Volkswagen cars, usually indicating an abnormal or excessively high throttle position sensor signal. It might be caused by a dirty sensor with too much carbon buildup or poor wiring contact. I drove to the shop for inspection, and the mechanic confirmed it with a diagnostic tool, cleaned the throttle part, and reset the computer, which fixed the issue. If such minor problems aren't addressed promptly, they can lead to increased fuel consumption and even affect engine performance over time. As a classic model, the Passat occasionally having this issue is quite normal. It's recommended to perform regular maintenance checks and not wait until major problems arise before fixing them.
As a frequent driver of the Passat, the 17705 fault code really concerns me. This code indicates that the throttle position sensor signal is deviating from normal values, commonly manifesting as engine shaking, unstable idling, and especially sudden power loss during city driving, which can be quite unsafe. I noticed the warning light and immediately researched it—turns out it's usually caused by sensor component aging or dirt buildup. The solution is typically cleaning or replacement if necessary. For safety, if you encounter this issue, slow down and pull over immediately to avoid dangerous driving. Especially for long-time Passat owners, regular throttle maintenance is crucial to prevent recurrence.
