Updated at: 05-04-2022 - By: micdot

A malfunctioning electronic throttle control compromises both the performance of your engine and your safety. This is what to look out for and how to fix the problem. This author has been thoroughly vetted and is qualified to write about this subject matter. On our website, you may find out more. Cables have been removed and PCs have been installed. All cars using a computerized throttle controller instead of a traditional cable system have this feature. However, even the wonders of modern technology have their limits.An electronic throttle control malfunctions.

To communicate with the ECM rather than moving a cable, ETC use sensors to communicate with sensors. When these sensors fail, symptoms might be severe.Unexpected surges in idle speed and engine stalling are a few of these symptoms, as are an engine light flashing sporadically or a sharp decrease in mileage.Disregarding an ETC problem could lead to a safety danger as well as a decrease in engine performance.Fortunately, we’ll explain everything you need to know about an ETC, including what to do if anything goes wrong.A deeper look at an electronic throttle controller will be our first port of call.

Let us begin with the fundamentals!

Contents of the Book

What Is Electronic Throttle Control?

Throttle control systems can be classified as either electronic or cable, with the former being the more common.

Dynamometer_Throttle_Controllers

Cable

An internal wire connects the gas pedal with the linkage on the throttle body housing in a typical cable system. Circular in shape, the throttle body controls the amount of air that is permitted to enter and burn in a motor’s cylinders. The throttle is opened when the gas pedal is depressed.

Electronic

Instead of a cable, a position sensor is used with electronic throttle control. The ECM uses the position of the gas pedal to open the throttle as efficiently as possible when you press the pedal. With an ETC, it’s easy to connect to additional systems like cruise control, engine control, and traction control, as well as the ESC system. In short, it makes the system as a whole run more smoothly.

Signs That Suggest Your Electronic Throttle Controller Has Gone Bad

A faulty throttle positioning sensor (TPS) will almost certainly result in significant car problems.

Decreased Fuel Mileage

It’s possible that a malfunctioning throttle position sensor (TPS) will cause the butterfly valve inside the throttle body to open or close excessively. If this occurs, your ECM will most likely try to make up for it by reducing your fuel economy significantly.

Acceleration Issues

Consider what would happen if the engine of your car began revving up without warning. Isn’t it a little unnerving, isn’t If your TPS fails, this is an option to consider. It’s possible that you’ll be able to start your automobile, but it won’t run for very long if you have this problem.

Sporadic Idling

Random idle spikes are likely to occur if your TPS decides to retire. Your engine may also be misfiring, stopping, or idling erratically in addition to sporadic idling. Another possibility is that your car is idling at an excessively high or low altitude.

Intermittently Flashing Indicator Light

Your vehicle’s engine is engineered to maximize fuel economy. As a result, when something goes wrong, the system as a whole can become unbalanced. Fortunately, the “check engine” light serves just this purpose. If your TPS fails, you may be alerted by a flashing indicator light at random.

Here’s What To Do If Your Electronic Throttle Controller Goes Bad

What Happens When The Electronic Throttle Control Goes Bad?

ETCs can behave up for a variety of reasons. Because of this, it’s most probable that it’s just unclean. An electronic throttle body may be cleaned with ease. The throttle body may need to be replaced if it’s completely broken down. However, you must first perform a simple multimeter test. You may be able to change the throttle body yourself, depending on where it is located. You should expect to pay between $400 and $1,500 for a new electronic throttle body if you choose to have it repaired. It’s important to keep in mind that this all relies on the type and model of your vehicle.

Just Because Your Throttle Hesitates Doesn’t Mean You Should

Take care of your electronic throttle controller as soon as possible if it fails. As a result, not only will your engine suffer in terms of performance, but it could also result in dangerous acceleration concerns.