I did it on my B5.5 and it worked.

 

No the only thing you did was put it in sports mode for a single run.

 

i've never heard of the pressing the gas pedal, but..

if you put the key in the ignition w/o starting it (turning it on ACC), you'll actually hear the Throttle Body adjust itself. Wait til that actuator sound stops, that usually means its done.

As far as actually doing a TBA, the only full proof way is with a VAG-COM. And resetting the ECU can be done by disconnecting the Neg (-) battery terminal for ~ 5 mins. Then connect it back, your car will run like crap and the rpm needle will bounce back and forth (rough idleing). It will take a few power/start cycles, from my experience approx 20 miles of driving til it returns back to normal. HTH

 

You can always disconnect the battery for 15 minutes. When I used to put my Passat into limp mode, I would disconect the battery for 15 minutes, and then when I would reconnect, the ECU would have to relearn values. Also, I beleive the car does a TBA at this time. After reconnecting the battery, turn the key on and wait til the TB stops clicking and moving. Go drive and you will have much more boost until the ECU relearns your driving style. I think that is how it all goes.

 

If you’re just trying to get it to do a TBA there is a trick. I have a 2001.5 V6 and cleaned my MAF and wanted to do a TBA at the time and just putting the key in and turning it on without starting it did the trick. I could easily hear the clicking sound under the hood. Months later, after changing the air cleaner again, I thought I would do another TBA. Surprise! It no longer would do a TBA so I came to realize that the first time I had done it the hood and drivers door was still open.

I didn’t take time to see which one did that trick, just left the door open and reopened the hood, turned the key back on and TBA happened! I did it a second time just to prove that it was hood/door related, and if they where open TBA every time.

I would be interested to know if the works for everybody or if I just got lucky.

 

The poor man's TBA did not work at all for my 99 B5 1.8T. Went VAG-COM and all is good.

 

Ghetto TBA doesn't work on cable-throttle cars.

 

Ghetto TBA works on my '98 V6, cable car... Door open, hood open, keys in the ignition and on. Freaked me out at first, sounded like the battery was making noise.

 

I've got a 99 1.8T on Cable Throttle

I've done a TBA on mine many times after taking the Throttle Body off for a good clean and its has always worked. I even get the high pitched whine for about 20 seconds as it adjusts.

After having to change the battery and a previous spell diconnecting it to replace my pollen filter seal (to get rid of the famously common water in the rear footwell issue) I thought it would be wise to have a VAG-CON at its next service, even though it seemed to be running fine. I had no problems.

To me it works!

 

(shrug) I dunno then.