Parts for your 2020 Audi Q5-Throttle position sensors

2020 Audi Q5 throttle-position-sensors — what they do and how to keep them happy

Technical references from Audi’s Workshop Manual (ElsaPro) for the FY-platform Q5 and Bosch engine-management documentation confirm the 2020 Audi Q5 uses throttle-position-sensors. They’re built into the electronic throttle body (the “Throttle Valve Control Module – J338”) as dual angle sensors and monitored by the engine ECU (Bosch MED17/MG1 families). There’s also a separate accelerator-pedal module with dual position sensors. So yes, throttle-position-sensors are absolutely relevant on the 2020 Audi Q5 — they’re just integrated, not a separate old-school bolt-on potentiometer.

On this Q5, the throttle-position-sensors (TPS) live inside the electronic throttle body and report the exact angle of the throttle plate to the ECU. The ECU cross-checks these signals with the accelerator-pedal sensors to deliver smooth drive-by-wire throttle control, stable idle, good fuel economy, and clean emissions. When everything’s happy, the car responds crisply, when signals don’t add up, the ECU throws an EPC light and can drop into limp mode to protect the engine.

During regular servicing, it’s smart to give the throttle system a bit of love. If the idle hunts or the throttle feels laggy, a professional throttle-body clean can help — just don’t force the butterfly by hand. Use proper throttle-body cleaner and a light touch. After cleaning or any battery disconnect, run a throttle adaptation (Basic Settings) with a scan tool, or follow the factory key-on adaptation procedure so the ECU relearns the end-stops. Skipping adaptation can leave the idle rough or the throttle lazy.

If diagnostics show TPS-related faults (common codes include P0121–P0123, P0221, P0638, P2135), check wiring and connectors first. On these Audis, the TPS is part of the throttle body, so the usual repair for a failed sensor is replacing the entire throttle-body assembly, then performing adaptation. It’s typically a straightforward job for a workshop with access to ODIS, VCDS, or equivalent. Keeping the air filter fresh, fixing vacuum leaks promptly, and maintaining a healthy battery/charging system all help the TPS readings stay reliable over the long haul.

• Warning signs: EPC light, erratic idle, stalling at lights, poor response, limp mode.
• Good practice: professional cleaning when symptoms appear, always perform adaptation after work, and avoid manually forcing the throttle plate.

Popular questions

Where is the throttle-position-sensor on a 2020 Audi Q5?
It’s inside the electronic throttle body on the intake, not a separate stand-alone sensor. The unit houses two angle sensors for redundancy. The accelerator pedal also has its own position sensors, the ECU compares both sides to make sure signals are plausible.

Does the TPS need calibration after cleaning or replacement?
Yes — after cleaning the throttle body, disconnecting the battery, or replacing the throttle body, a throttle adaptation (Basic Settings) should be run. A scan tool (ODIS/VCDS) is the cleanest way, though a key-on adaptation procedure may work. Let the engine idle until stable so the ECU can relearn properly.

Can the TPS be replaced on its own, and what does it cost?
On this model the TPS is integrated into the throttle body, so replacement usually means swapping the whole throttle-body assembly. Labour times are modest, and most workshops can do it within a couple of hours. Parts and labour vary by region, but expect a few hundred to over a thousand AUD/NZD depending on brand and workshop rates.