Volkswagen: 96 VW Passat TPS Code, vw passat, peaks and valleys

Question
After scanning the computer system with my snapon scanner I came up with a TPS code, changed the Throttle Body to solve the problem and it did not go away.  Visually inspected all the wires, did not find anything wrong.  Vehicle smokes black on start-up and stalls when going down the road.  Have you heard of this and what should I try next?

Answer
Hi Robert,

I am not 100% sure what would be causing this.  However, I would rule out the TPS code until you do the procedure below and reset the system. I hunted around online and found a very interesting solution that may just fix your problem.  It involves using silicone di-electric compound. (available at Radio Shack or any Auto parts store)  It looks like a tube of toothpaste and it basically is used to improve electrical connections.  I have used it on many VW's and it seems to do wonders.

Below is an excerpt from the gentleman online.  I wish I could thank him, as this is a direct quote from a forum which I stumbled upon.  His User Name is "Cage" and he is from Ohio.  

Here it is:

"It is known that the EGR will cause stumbling when plugged but I just learned that the MAF does too. Reading MAF threads here mostly speak of poor performance caused by the MAF failure requiring replacement. Well I just discovered that the MAF also causes stumbling and unsteady power delivery but isn't a failed MAF. The plug in connection is very sensitive and needs to be cleaned, reset, and protected. I have since put silicone electronic insulating compound(not adhesive)in the connection and the difference is amazing. The power is super smooth throughout the entire power band. With how great it is now driving I also put the silicone in the MAP connection and am going to look into putting it in other critical connections. (like fuel pump harness) Just wanted people to know because I know there are others out there whos cars are basically running good but are stumbling slightly or are unsteady with peaks and valleys in the power band. I wonder if this could be contributing to the burnout of MAF's since a poor connection will cause voltage spikes in the delicate chip circuits of the MAF."

Let me know how you make out!

Ron