electronic throttle control problems

by Heath Spinka Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

^{Electronic Throttle Control Light Causes}

Faulty Throttle Control Sensor Just because your vehicle’s ECM tells the throttle to open a specific amount doesn’t mean that the ECM trusts that it will. ...
Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor There are a few different parts to your electronic throttle control system, and an integral one is the accelerator pedal position sensor. ...
Stuck Throttle Body

Rather than moving a cable, ETC uses sensors to inform the ECM of the position of the gas pedal, and when it fails, symptoms can be severe. Some of these include sudden idle surges and engine stalling, an engine light that flashes intermittently, or a massive drop in mileage.May 27, 2022

What happens when the electronic throttle control goes bad?

What happens when the electronic throttle control goes bad? When a TPS goes bad, then the car’s throttle body won’t function properly. It could either stay shut or it won’t close properly which is a severe issue. … When the throttle gets stuck in an open position than your vehicle will receive too much air and cause it to have a high or fluctuating idle.

How much does it cost to repair electronic throttle control?

Since this is such a key part to every car’s internal system, the average cost for this repair can be quite pricey – the average electronic throttle control repair cost comes out to around $645!Aug 17, 2020. How do I reset my electronic throttle control? Resetting your electronic throttle control manually can be a tricky job.

How do I Reset my electronic throttle control manually?

Service electronic throttle control

Run a diagnosis on your vehicle. Even after noticing a symptom, you need to know the exact issue with your car. ...
Temperature check/regulation. Practice taking the vehicle’s engine up to operating temperature and checking that the ignition timing is set according to the package recommendations.
Release your gas paddle. ...
On and off your ignition. ...
Final step. ...

Why should I add a throttle controller?

Because you want one. ...
Because you want to do stuff like aerial refuelling and carrier landings in DCS, and need the added precision.
Because you dont want to mess with finding keys and clicking cockpit switches in the middle of a dogfight. ...
Because you want the immersion of your controls being the same as the real aircraft, the same you see in VR.

What causes electronic throttle control problems?

The most common causes of an electronic throttle control light are a faulty throttle control sensor or a faulty throttle accelerator pedal position sensor.

What does it mean when my electronic throttle control light comes on?

Some type of fault or malfunction in a sensor such as the throttle position sensor (located on the air control valve) can cause the electronic throttle control light to come on.

How do I reset my electronic throttle control manually?

Resetting your electronic throttle control manually can be a tricky job. First, make sure the accelerator pedal is fully released. Next, turn the ignition on and then turn it off and wait for ten seconds. During these ten seconds, be sure the throttle valve is moving by listening for a sound of operation.

What happens when your throttle control goes out?

What happens when an electronic throttle control goes bad? ETC uses sensors instead of cables to deliver gas pedal information to the ECM, and when it fails, it can cause serious problems. Among these are sudden surges in idle and engine stalls, intermittent engine light flashes, and major mileage decreases.

How much does it cost to fix electronic throttle control?

$300 to $1,500If it's the electronic throttle controller then the replacement cost can range from $300 to $1,500 depending on the location and time to complete the job. If it's the throttle body itself that is damaged and needs to be replaced, the costs can also be in the same neighborhood.

How do I service my electronic throttle control?

1:023:03Ram Eco-Diesel Service Electronic Throttle Control message | possible fixYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd right there that t-40 bolt comes out and that sensor is going to come out you're going to unplugMoreAnd right there that t-40 bolt comes out and that sensor is going to come out you're going to unplug it and you're going to pull it right there you go a little better. Look.

Do you have to reset computer after replacing throttle position sensor?

After replacing the throttle body to your engine, if the engine light was on and has a pending code, the code will go away. If the code was a hard permanent code, then the ECM (computer) would need a hard reset.

Can throttle control make car not start?

What happens when my throttle position sensor goes bad. When a TPS goes bad, then the car's throttle body won't function properly. It could either stay shut or it won't close properly which is a severe issue. If it stays shut then your engine is not going receive air and it won't start.

What does the red lightning bolt mean on a car?

This is the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Indicator symbol. This light, a lightning bolt between reversed brackets or parenthesis, will illuminate if there is a problem in the electronic throttle control system. As an electronic system, it can sometimes be reset with a restart.

How do I know if my electronic throttle control is bad?

An unexplainable bucking and jerking in the vehicle.Sudden idle surges.Sudden engine stalling without any apparent reason.Hesitation while accelerating.Sudden surges in speed while driving on the highway.Intermittently flashing of check engine light for no apparent reason.Difficulties in changing gears.More items...

What are the symptoms of a failing throttle position sensor?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Throttle Position SensorCar won't accelerate, lacks power when accelerating, or accelerates itself.Engine won't idle smoothly, idles too slowly, or stalls.Car accelerates, but won't exceed a relatively low speed, or shift up.More items...•

Can a throttle controller damage your engine?

Like any good thing, a throttle controller can be misused and can be harmful to your engine. Imagine pressing the gas pedal as far as you can each time you drive. Some will push their vehicles to the point that they are damaging components. Just like an airplane, you can have a skilled pilot but still damage a plane.

What is throttle control?

The Throttle Controller is the electronic version of what used to be operated by a mechanical cable. The function of the throttle control is operated by what we know as an accelerator or gas pedal. In earlier model vehicles, this pedal was connected to a cable that ran from the pedal to the engine and was connected to a mechanical linkage mounted to a carburetor or throttle body. As you press down on the accelerator pedal, the throttle control cable pulls on the linkage described above which is connected to what is often times referred to as a “butterfly valve” inside the throttle body.

Why does my throttle controller lose a signal?

In some instances, the electric signal is disrupted, whether due to a loose electrical wire, a relay control issue, or damage done to a sensor. In any case, in some instances it will cause the throttle controller to lose a signal and deliver intermittent throttle control. Sometimes this is a minor issue that is more of an inconvenience while other times it can cause the vehicle to shut down or for the driver to lose the ability to control the throttle pedal.

What causes throttle controller error code?

In most cases, issues with the throttle controller are electric, either caused by a damaged sensor or electrical relay.

How long does a throttle controller last?

Under most circumstances, the throttle controller will last for the life of the vehicle . However, like any other mechanical and electrical component, there are some instances when it will fail, wear out or simply break. If this occurs, it will cause a few symptoms to occur that often alert the driver that a problem with the throttle control exists and corrective action is needed by a certified mechanic. Noted below are a few of the common warning signs of a bad or failing throttle controller.

What happens when throttle is engaged?

In some cases a damaged throttle controller will cause the engine to have issues with acceleration or cause a "stumbling" effect when the throttle is engaged by the driver. This can result in lack of performance and can be a safety concern if not inspected and repaired quickly.

How does an electronic ignition system work?

Whether it's the electronic ignition system or advanced emission control units, each system works independently to operate specific components that allow drivers to start and drive their vehicles. One of the most important systems in use today is the electronic throttle controller, which receives an electrical signal from the physical action of depressing the throttle pedal and controls the opening and closing of the throttle body.

How does ECM work?

The ECM then increases the amount of fuel being sent to the injectors in order to maintain the proper air/fuel mixture. As the ECM processes this information, it makes the requisite changes to fuel flow at the fuel injectors. Under most circumstances, the throttle controller will last for the life of the vehicle.

What happens if you have an electronic throttle light on?

If you have an electronic throttle light that’s on, you can quickly damage your engine, which can lead to even more expensive repairs when you get it to a repair shop.

What happens when you push the throttle?

When you pushed the pedal, you opened the throttle body, and you increased the amount of air that enters your engine. But in as technologies advanced, physical linkages were replaced with sensors and actuators. While this system allows for better air ...

What does ECM tell you?

From there, the ECM tells the throttle how much to open or close. But if the ECM can’t get an accurate reading from the pedal due to a faulty sensor, you’ll never get the acceleration you want. If the computer recognizes that something is wrong with the sensor, you’ll get an electronic throttle control light. 3.

What is the part of the throttle control system?

There are a few different parts to your electronic throttle control system, and an integral one is the accelerator pedal position sensor . This sensor communicates with your vehicle’s ECM to let it know how fast you want to go.

What does ECM do when everything doesn't come back?

So, when everything doesn’t come back the way it expects, it throws an electronic throttle control light so you can check out what’s going on. 2.

What happens if a throttle actuator breaks?

While this system allows for better air to fuel ratios for better fuel economy and engine performance, the tradeoff is that if a sensor or actuator breaks, you lose control of your throttle. That’s why vehicle manufacturers packed their vehicles full of sensors and an entire system to monitor your electronic throttle control.

Why does my throttle light turn on?

Your electronic throttle control light monitors the throttle control system to ensure that everything is working the way it should. When it’s not, the light turns on to let you know that there is a problem.

How to tell if throttle control is faulty?

While the most visible symptom of a faulty electronic throttle control is a check engine light or an electronic throttle control light, some performance concerns will crop up as well. It’s because of these performance concerns that you can’t just ignore the light and hope for the best.

Why is electronic throttle important?

Electronic throttle controls have enabled manufacturers to rearrange engine layouts and eliminated mechanical linkages that were prone to break.

What does a throttle position sensor tell the ECU?

This sensor tells the ECU the throttle body’s current position, so the ECU knows the perfect fuel and timing ratios to adjust everything else too. With a faulty throttle position sensor, the ECU doesn’t know how to time everything, and an engine code will be the result.

Why do you need to take the time to repair throttle control?

Because electronic throttle control systems have such a wide-ranging impact, you must take the time to properly troubleshoot and repair the system as soon as something goes wrong. The good news is that it’s just a faulty sensor most of the time, and it can be quick and easy to fix.

Why is my throttle body high idle?

High Idle/Stalling/Sputtering Engine. Sometimes faulty electronic throttle controls will lead to a throttle body that never closes to a regular idle. Instead, it might only close partially, leading to an excessively high idle. Conversely, the throttle might close too much, either while idling or while driving.

What is the throttle control sensor?

Modern vehicles are loaded with sensors at every twist and turn. While this enables all kinds of cool features, the tradeoff is that as soon as one sensor goes wrong , the entire system can go down. That’s the case with the throttle control sensor, also known as the throttle body position sensor.

How long does it take for the lights to turn off when you turn on a car?

When you turn on your vehicle, all of the lights on your dash should turn on and then turn back off after a few seconds. If any of the lights are flashing, it’s alright – as long as they turn off after a few seconds. At this point, your vehicle is running a system check, and everything is perfectly normal. Not every car has a throttle control ...

What Is Electronic Throttle Control?

Numerous complex systems operate in unison to keep our automobiles running. Most drivers are clueless about how they function. However, having a basic understanding of it might aid in future car problems.

Electronic Throttle Control Function

In its most straightforward configuration, the ETC system receives data from the Accelerator Pedal Sensor (APS) and sends servomotor commands towards the throttle body.

Benefits Of Electronic Throttle Control

After taking some time to understand how the electronic throttle control functions.

Signs and Symptoms Of A Bad of Electronic Throttle Control

The electronic throttle controller, in most cases, will last the lifetime of your car. However, like with every single electrical or mechanical part of your vehicle, it will sometimes fail, deteriorate, or just shatter.

Electronic Throttle Control Repair Cost

Repairing an electronic throttle control ranges from around $580 up to $700. A technician’s labor charges run roughly around $100 up to $125, excluding other fees, and further fixes in other areas might be necessary.

Conclusion

The electronic throttle control represents a good advancement in your vehicle’s throttle and its operation. At the same time, it has several advantages in engine performance, efficiency, and safety. However, neglecting it when it needs immediate response could physically hurt you as you run your car.

FAQs

Manually resetting your ETC light might be a difficult task. To begin, ensure that the gas pedal is completely depressed. Then, switch on your ignition and switch it off, then wait for 10 seconds to pass. Throughout these 10 seconds, listen carefully to the sound of your throttle valve operating, which indicates a moving valve.

Why is electronic throttle control important?

Most car enthusiasts are unaware of the Electronic Throttle Control’s benefits because this it’s goal is to make sure that the car’s powertrain or transmission system operates optimally regardless of predominant situations , including altitude, accessory loads, and temperature of the engine.

Why is my throttle controller not working?

In a few situations, the signal is interrupted. This can be due to a faulty sensor, or relay; this will cause the throttle controller to be unable to receive signals and give out intermittent throttle control. Sometimes, this can cause your vehicle’s engine to knock down, or you will not be able to control the throttle pedal.

Why is my car idling?

Rough idling of your vehicle’s engine can sometimes be due to a change in the throttle body position sensor calibration position. To correct this change, you need to follow these steps on how to reset the electronic throttle control light.

How does an electric throttle control system work?

As oppose to old vehicles, almost all modern vehicles have an electric throttle control system, so applying pressure on the gas pedal transmits a signal to the ECM. The ECM uses the signal’s information to transmit a control signal to the electric motor placed on the throttle body that changes the valve’s position accordingly.

What is engine control module?

The Engine Control Module is an electrically control type module unit, a computer system designed with computer memory, processor, and output or input surface devices that use software to figure out the needed throttle position through calculations from information gotten other various sensors. These sensors include the gas pedal position sensors, vehicle or engine speed sensor, and control switches.

What is the gas pedal?

The gas pedal controls the job of your throttle control. In old vehicles, the gas pedal is connected by a cable that links it to the engine and is joined to a linkage fixed to the carburetor or throttle body. But for vehicles with ETC, when you apply pressure on your accelerator pedal, the throttle cable forces the mechanical linkage inward, ...

What is ETC in automobiles?

Many of the engineering involved in automobile technologies, including the Electronic Throttle Control, handle the fault and failure management. Several ETC systems have sensors and controller redundancy with independent software inside a control module designed to inspect possible faults or errors.

What happens if throttle body fails?

if the throttle body fails, you will see the engine having worse idling system. The electronic throttle body is controlled by the computer engine of the vehicle in modern cars. So, if the throttle body fails then, the computer engine controls it and interrupts from moving the valve and, consequently, helps to save the whole engine ...

What does it mean when throttle body is less power?

Less Power or Reduced Power Sign on the Dash. If the throttle body has any problems, then you will feel less power in driving. You may see the power reduced alert on the power gauge of your vehicle. In that case, it’s the throttle body that needs to fix.

What is the purpose of the throttle body valve?

This valve does the main task in an electronic throttle body. This valve opens up as much needed and lets the air goes in and helps to create pressure in the engine. So, the throttle body has a direct connection to create the proper pressure in the engine and give you the perfect mileage.

How does a throttle body work?

The throttle body works by getting a sensor from the accelerator paddle. Sometimes, any leak in the electric connection to the throttle body makes it a failure and can’t get the air in letting amount sensor

Why is throttle body important?

When the throttle body gets any problem, it reduces the power in letting to the engine to avoid engine issues. The throttle body itself is made such that it will decrease the power pressure itself mainly to save the engine from having any significant damage.

Why is my Ford F150 not showing the screen?

Have you found that your Ford F150 Display Screen Not Working? The main reason for this issue is that the wiring of your vehicle may be faulty. However, many truck drivers find their Ford display...

Why is my radio not working on my F150?

Are you worried that your Ford F150 radio not working? The main reason behind this problem is a fuse blown out. It is one of the most common issues that other truck drivers face; it might happen...

How to check if throttle valve is moving?

After that, start the car and sit tight for about ten seconds before turning it off. Listen for a sound of operating condition (of your ETC) during these ten seconds to confirm that the throttle valve is moving.

Where is the throttle control light on a car?

The warning light for throttle control is found in the instrument panel of your vehicle. When there’s a problem with the throttle system, the electronic throttle control light comes on.

How long to rev a car engine?

Rev the engine numerous times in a space 0f 20-30 seconds to ensure that the idle speed is within the manufacturer’s specifications. That concludes the procedure. You’ve completed your tasks. If you’re still having trouble, turn off your car for 60 seconds and try again.

What is ETC in car?

Electronic throttle control (ETC) is an important component of your car. It works hand in hand with other parts to manage the operations of your vehicle. Thus, knowing when and how to maintain or repair it when necessary is very important.

Can you speed up if everything isn't working?

Although there are numerous benefits to doing so, if everything isn’t working properly, you won’t be able to speed up as quickly.

Can you reset your ETC?

If codes related to the air circulation sensor, pressure in the exhaust system, or incorrect idle speed are detected , or if the service engine light is illuminated, do not reset your ETC. However, if everything is in order, you can proceed with the rebooting methodology.

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