Why does my 1998 Audi A3 1.8 Turbo idle high?

1998 AUDI A3
100,000 MILES
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SIMONBAKER82
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When my car is up to temperature it idles at around 1200rpm, it should be well under 1000rpm. Under full throttle it blows a little black smoke indicating that it may be running a bit rich?

An engine scan has brought up an error with the throttle body. My mechanic has recommended that the throttle body be replaced along with the coolant temperature sensor.

Does this seem like the right thing to do?

Thanks
Apr 21, 2012 at 2:34 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I would need to know what code. This vehicle shouldn't need a new throttle body at 100K
Apr 21, 2012 at 2:40 AM
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SIMONBAKER82
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three codes came up as per below:

17967 P1559 035
Throttle valvle control part-J338-
Malfunction in basic settings

17973 P1565 035
Throttle valve control part-J338-
lower stop not reached

16500 P0116 035
Engine coolant temperature sensor 1
Circuit Range/Performance
Sporadic
Apr 21, 2012 at 3:04 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I would recommend you start by checking the coolant sensor. It could cause the other settings to be off.
Apr 21, 2012 at 9:32 PM
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SIMONBAKER82
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Ok, thanks so much for the advice. So can the coolant sensor be changed easily without draining the coolant? Is this a job I should attempt myself or get a mechanic to do? Also roughly where is the sensor located?
Apr 21, 2012 at 11:05 PM