What is an electronic throttle (ETB/ETC)? How does an electronic throttle work? What are the advantages to electronic throttle control What are the signs of an electronic throttle malfunction? Why does the throttle fail to work?
Most cars used a simple throttle control system until the 1980s. The throttle control system is simple. When you press the accelerator pedal, the mechanical link attached to the carburetor activates by a wire. This allows the vehicle’s air-fuel mixture to be adjusted. This system is used almost every day by internal combustion engines. The vehicle would move faster if the accelerator pedal was pressed harder. Modern vehicles are not like this.
The automotive industry has created new systems to control the throttle using electronic signals thanks to technological advances. Instead of using cables and mechanical connections (some still have wires), sensors or modules that convert pressure from the accelerator pedal to an electronic signal are used. The ECM, PCM, or ETB control the throttle body. This is dependent on how much the accelerator pedal is depressed. How much the throttle plate opens and closes is controlled by signals sent from an electric motor attached to the throttle body.
The ECM (engine control module) is a computer that controls the engine. The engine and transmission are controlled by powertrain control modules (PCM). ETB modules control and maintain the electronic throttle body. ETB modules are not required for wired vehicles. The throttle body is controlled via the ECM/PCM. ETB modules are now used in all vehicles manufactured after 2000.
How does electronic throttle work?
The four major components of most ETB systems are:
- – Control module for managing the ETB system
- – A motor that powers this mechanism
- – A valve that opens or closes.
- – An accelerator pedal module equipped with sensors
The ETB system must work properly if your vehicle’s primary computers collects data from several sensors like cruise control, accelerator pedals, mass air flow sensors, engine speed sensors, engine, and cruise control. The module uses this data to regulate the air-fuel mixture and determine how high the ETB valve opens.
The majority of modern vehicles don’t have an acceleration pedal cable. Instead, pedal-mounted position sensors (APP) are used to monitor the pedal’s acceleration. The PCM is the brain behind the operation. The PCM analyses the signal from the throttle sensor and commands the electronic engine accordingly to open the ETB. The PCM checks if the valve opens properly using the throttle position sensor.
The throttle body is the primary area of operation. The throttle body receives commands directly from the PCM. The ETB valve opening and the accelerator pedal position sensor are not directly related. The ETB valve will not fully open if you press down on the gas pedal. The ETB valve opens according to a variety of inputs and driving conditions.
Advantages of electronic throttle control
Electronic throttle control is designed for smooth, seamless driving. ETB technology can bring you many advantages.
- – Lower maintenance and wear costs because of the use less mechanical and moving parts
- – Less fuel consumption through more precise control of the air-fuel ratio
- – Higher torque and improved throttle response
- – Simpler cruise control/traction control systems
Why does the Electronic Throttle fail?
The ETB system is more sensitive and efficient than other technologies, but it can also fail. Most common causes of failure are carbon and dirt deposits in the body. These deposits can block airflow and cause slow throttle response, as well as vehicle stalling.
A damaged throttle position sensor, or accelerator pedal position sensor is another common cause. The PCM is not receiving the correct information from a defective sensor, which can lead to a malfunctioning air-fuel mixture.
Electronic Throttle Failure Symptoms
It is also more complex and it may be difficult to pinpoint the source of any malfunction. The following symptoms can be caused by a malfunctioning throttle body in your vehicle:
- – Hesitation, shaking during acceleration
- – Slow acceleration
- – Uncontrolled acceleration (spontaneous vehicle speed increase)
- Long reaction time when you press the accelerator pedal
- – Fluctuations of idle speed
- – Resolving issues
- Problems with gear shifting in vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission
- – Illumination for the check engine light
- If the throttle fails, the vehicle enters the safe driving mode (Limp Mod) where the vehicle’s speed is limited to 40 km/h.
Carbon and other pollutants can build up over time in your vehicle’s ETB. Even though most vehicle manufacturers do NOT include ETB maintenance as part of their service programs, you should clean the system at least once a month. Some vehicles will need to reprogram the idle speed once the ETB is cleared.
