Up until the late 1980s, most cars had a fairly straightforward throttle control. You stepped on the accelerator pedal, the throttle opened, and air flowed into the engine, where it mixed with gasoline and burned.
This burning gas powered the car’s wheels, getting you down the road. If you wanted to go faster, all you had to do was step down harder the throttle would open wider, giving the car more power.
But electronic throttle control, which is sometimes called drive-by-wire, uses electronic, instead of mechanical, signals to control the throttle.
That means that when you step on your car’s gas pedal, instead of opening the throttle, you’re activating an accelerator pedal module, which converts the pressure you put on the pedal into an electric signal.
That signal is then sent to an electronic control unit, which takes your inputs into account, as well as outside variables, to open the throttle for optimum efficiency and performance.
It’s a complex system, but one that has a lot of benefits for engine wear, performance and efficiency. However, like any complex system, it’s not perfect, and drivers have raised a lot of questions about them.
What is electronic throttle control?
An Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) is a technology for automobile vehicles, which connects the gas pedal to your throttle electronically, restoring the mechanical link.
An ETC system comprises three significant components; an accelerator pedal module, usually with two or more car sensors, a throttle valve that can be electrically operated by a motor.
This motor is often called an electric throttle body and, finally, a power train control module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM).
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.
The motor then unlocks the throttle valve to the right angle through a closed-loop control algorithm inside the Engine Control Module.
Why Do Vehicles Have The Electronic Throttle Control System?
A significant advantage of having the electronic throttle system installed in vehicles is that the component can easily be connected to another system, including electronic stability control, engine, traction, and driving control.
These systems can take control of your throttle when needed to enhance your vehicle’s convenience, fuel economy, and safety.
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. A position sensor then creates a closed-loop control system that makes sure the throttle is opened the right way.
The electronic throttle control light on the car won’t start blinking or turn ON if there’s no fault in your throttle system. Make sure you fix any fault found immediately.
How Does Electronic Throttle Control Work?
The electronic throttle control is the modern version of what was operated by a cable in old cars. 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, joined to a butterfly valve built within the throttle body.
As the valve opens and closes, the mass air flow sensor checks the air changes and transmits this information to your vehicle’s Electronic Control Module (ECM), which then elevates the fuel amount sent to the injectors to maintain the correct air-fuel mixture.
When the ECM has processed the information, it makes the necessary fuel flow changes at the fuel injectors.
What Happens When The Electronic Throttle Control Goes Bad?
The effects of driving with a faulty electronic throttle control include sudden acceleration, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine shutdown, among others.
#1. Sudden Acceleration.
A faulty electronic throttle control could lead to sudden acceleration, usually due to a malfunctioning accelerator pedal sensor picking up incorrect signals. It can also be caused by a faulty input between the brake and the cruise control system or a throttle plate stuck open.
Regardless of what’s causing it, sudden acceleration is dangerous. So it’s best to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if you notice this issue.
#2. Reduced Fuel Efficiency.
The throttle system helps optimize fuel efficiency, so any form of malfunction or damage could lead to increased fuel consumption. This can cost you a lot in the long run as you’ll constantly have to refill your vehicle, more so than usual.
#3. Engine Shutdown.
Again, the throttle system opens the throttle for better efficiency and improved performance. Once it malfunctions, it could affect your engine’s performance and may lead to the sudden shutting down of the engine.
This is dangerous to drive with, especially on busy highways, because there’s a chance you’ll end up in a rear-end collision, especially if the car behind you is driving close.
#4. Safety Issues.
Any form of damage or malfunction within a vehicle can be considered a safety risk, one way or another. This rings especially true if it’s something as significant as the throttle system because it works with the engine and fuel.
The redundant sensors in the accelerator pedal assembly and the throttle body are specifically in place to mitigate possible issues with the ETC.
#5. Illuminated Check Engine Light.
As mentioned, the ETC warning light illuminates when it detects any signs of malfunction within the throttle system. The same rings true for the check engine light because it could affect different parts of your vehicle.
Note that many vehicles have a dedicated specific warning light in addition to the check engine light. The light for the electronic throttle body looks like a cutaway throttle body or a wrench.
What Are Electronic Throttle Control Benefits?
The ETC offers several advantages, including idle air control, engine control, and better transmission RPM management.
#1. Idle Air Control.
Idle speed was once handled by stepper motors with a pintle bypassing the throttle plate. The ETC just automatically changes throttle plate angle.
#2. Engine Control.
With the help of other sensor inputs like the VSS (vehicle speed sensor), individual WSS (wheel speed sensor), and shift position, ETC systems can control engine output to reduce wheel spin on low-traction surfaces like snow, ice, or gravel.
At the same time, the ETC can modulate engine power output to improve vehicle stability at higher speeds by monitoring the VSS, WSS, g-force, and yaw rate sensors.
Lastly, the ETC can cut engine power in case a crash is calculated to be unavoidable using input from the pre-collision system (PCS).
Pro Tip: Unlike pre-ETC systems that needed extra hardware under the hood for cruise control, the ETC system simply uses the existing inputs to the ECM/PCM along with the steering wheel buttons the driver uses to set vehicle speed.
No extra hardware is needed for cruise control on an ETC equipped platform.
#3. Transmission RPM Management.
The ETC can use RPM, shift position, VSS, and other sensors to match the engine speed with the selected gear.
Generally, the driver modulates this in manual transmission vehicles, but an ETC vehicle can perfectly sync throttle blips with downshifts for faster engagement and smoother power transfer.
Some platforms will feather the throttle during shifts for a smoother shift feel, and this can be done electronically.
How Do You Fix Electronic Throttle Control?
The solution to the electronic throttle control problem depends on the problems that cause it. So, if your electronic throttle control system malfunctions and reduces the vehicle’s overall performance, check the main causes of problems first.
In most cases, the faulty throttle body actuator motor causes the ETC system to malfunction.
Take your vehicle to a mechanical shop and replace the faulty throttle body actuator motor to fix the ETC issues. However, here are some highlights that also help to fix the electronic throttle control problems.
There are 5 standard methods for fixing the electronic throttle control , including resetting the service electronic throttle control light, replacing the throttle position sensor, fixing the wiring system, fixing the software issue, and replacing the dead battery.
#1. Reset the Service Electronic Throttle Control Light.
Reset the Service ETC warning light by disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery cables. The warning light sometimes appears on the dashboard without any reason. Generally, disconnecting the battery will fix this issue.
But sometimes, the warning light indicates an actual electronic throttle control problem. In this case, check the ETC-related component to find out if it is faulty. When you find and fix the problem, the warning light will be gone.
#2. Replace the Throttle Position Sensor.
A faulty throttle position sensor is responsible for both the warning light and ETC other problems. I have already discussed above how to check throttle position sensor functionality. The normal voltage of TPS is around 5 volts.
After installing a new throttle position sensor, reset the warning light. In this way, you will fix the electronic throttle control problems.
#3. Fix the Wiring System.
As the wiring system is an essential part of the vehicle, inspect the wiring visually. If any damage or broken wires are detected, replace them. If a proper connection between all the ETC-related components is established, the system will work normally.
#4. Fix the Software Issues.
Update your ECM software to the latest compatible version. Sometimes, the ECM system requires reprogramming. ECM malfunctions rarely cause electronic throttle control problems. However, if it happens, consult with a professional mechanic for proper solutions.
#5. Replace the Dead Battery.
As you know, a weak or dead battery causes several problems including the ETC problem, so replace it as soon as possible. Remember that Ram 1500 batteries prematurely die only if they are not maintained properly.
So, take care of your vehicle battery properly and ensure regular vehicle maintenance.
The summary of the discussion is to check the components that are mainly causing electronic throttle control problems and then address the ETC problem in accordance with the findings.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Electronic Throttle Control?
To fix an electronic throttle control costs between $580-$700, including jeep electronic throttle control repair cost. A mechanic’s labor costs between $100-$125, minus taxes and fees, and repairs in other parts may also be required.
Because this part of the car is a key part of every vehicle’s internal system, the repair cost can be as high as $670.
Also, some other factors play a role in the cost of repair. For example, if your vehicle’s throttle control is in an open area or visible and accessible, it will cost lesser to repair. It may be about $520 or even less.
But if your vehicle’s throttle position is very complicated and hidden, it will be very pricey because a lot of disassembling will have to be done, including taking off the air filter box and intake manifold.
The price may increase, as high as $700 for repair. If your car is new, this may also contribute to increasing the price for the repair.
Final Words
So that’s all you need to know about the electronic throttle control system on automobiles. You should now know the consequences of when your electronic throttle control light jeep compass comes ON and what to do.
Always remember to check your electronic throttle control light along with other indicators while driving so you know on time if your throttle system is faulty to avoid further damage or risky situations.