Lacrosse P0068, P0101 gremlins...

[Dcool]

OK everyone that responded, Thank You.

I found a used TB on Ebay ($!119) which should deliver next week. Mechanic did a diagnostic (2 days worth) last week and confirmed it is the integrated TPS, They have had poor success with aftermarket (Cardone, Dorman, etc which sell for $300+).

In review, it seems the problem usually happens after driving under a sustained load such as pulling a long hill and then coasting while going down the other side. DTC 's set is CEL, stability control, and reduced engine power (limp-mode). Interim solution is to keep my cheap Harbor Freight code reader handy and clear the code which takes it out of limp-mode and then the car runs fine. Once the replacement TB arrives I will RR.

I'm curious to how many Series 3 3800 owners out there with high mileage (>200K miles) have NOT had this issue. Anyone with +300K miles??

Thanks again!

Ok everyone, I figured it out and here is the recap: I drove to Montana for Thanksgiving after installing the E-Bay TB. The code set at the EXACT same spot as 4th of July trip, just after crossing Malad Summit. So I cleared the code on the fly and made it to Montana. It seemed to me it could only be a vacuum leak and after a black Friday trip to the Do It Center, I got a small rubber stopper for where the oil dip-stick goes as the seal was cracked. It was 3 degrees Saturday and the car was frozen but started right up and ran perfectly. No more surging on a cold start. Bought a replacement dip-stick from NAPA and no more codes, problem solved. Yes Virginia, the dip-stick needs to seal properly! Now I have an extra TB just in case...