chapter ELECTRONIC THROTTLE

CONTROL SYSTEM
36
OBJECTIVES: After studying Chapter 36, the reader will be able to: • Prepare for ASE test content area “E” (Computerized
Engine Controls Diagnosis and Repair). • Describe the purpose and function of an electronic throttle control (ETC) system.
• Explain how an electronic throttle control system works. • List the parts of a typical electronic throttle control system.
• Describe how to diagnose faults in an electronic throttle control system.

KEY TERMS: Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 515 • Coast-down stall 521 • Default position 517
• Drive-by-wire 515 • Electronic throttle control (ETC) 515 • Fail safe position 517 • Neutral position 517
• Servomotor 517 • Throttle position (TP) sensor 515

control (ETC) to describe the system that opens the throttle

ELECTRONIC THROTTLE valve electrically.

CONTROL (ETC) SYSTEM PARTS INVOLVED The typical ETC system includes the
following components:

ADVANTAGES OF ETC The absence of any mechani- 1. Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor, also called ac-
cal linkage between the throttle pedal and the throttle body celerator pedal sensor (APS)
requires the use of an electric actuator motor. The electronic 2. The electronic throttle actuator (servomotor), which is part
throttle system has the following advantages over the conven- of the electronic throttle body
tional cable: 3. A throttle position (TP) sensor
 Eliminates the mechanical throttle cable, thereby 4. An electronic control unit, which is usually the Powertrain
reducing the number of moving parts. Control Module (PCM)
 SEE FIGURE 36–1.
 Eliminates the need for cruise control actuators and
controllers.

NORMAL OPERATION
 Helps reduce engine power for traction control (TC) and
electronic stability control (ESC) systems.
 Used to delay rapid applications of torque to the OF THE ETC SYSTEM
transmission/transaxle to help improve driveability
and to smooth shifts.
Driving a vehicle equipped with an electronic throttle control
 Helps reduce pumping losses by using the electronic (ETC) system is about the same as driving a vehicle with a con-
throttle to open at highway speeds with greater fuel ventional mechanical throttle cable and throttle valve. However,
economy. The electronic throttle control (ETC) opens the driver may notice some differences, which are to be consid-
the throttle to maintain engine and vehicle speed as the ered normal. These normal conditions include:
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) leans the air–fuel ratio,  The engine may not increase above idle speed when
retards ignition timing, and introduces additional exhaust
depressing the accelerator pedal when the gear
gas recirculation (EGR) to reducing pumping losses.
selector is in PARK.
 Used to provide smooth engine operation, especially  If the engine speed does increase when the accelerator is
during rapid acceleration.
depressed with the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, the
 Eliminates the need for an idle air control valve. engine speed will likely be limited to less than 2000 RPM.
The electronic throttle can be called drive-by-wire, but  While accelerating rapidly, there is often a slight delay
most vehicle manufacturers use the term electronic throttle before the engine responds.  SEE FIGURE 36–2.

E L E C T RO N I C T H RO T T L E C O N T RO L SY S T EM 515
 ACCELERATOR
PEDAL POSITION

ACCELERATOR PEDAL
POSITION (APP) SENSOR

TAC PCM THROTTLE

MODULE PEDAL ACTUATOR
ASSEMBLY POSITION

THROTTLE
BLADE
THROTTLE
POSITION
SENSOR

MILLISECONDS
FIGURE 36–2 The opening of the throttle plate can be
TAC delayed as long as 30 milliseconds (0.030 sec.) to allow time
MOTOR for the amount of fuel needed to catch up to the opening of
FIGURE 36–1 The throttle pedal is connected to the the throttle plate.
accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor. The electronic throttle
body includes a throttle position sensor to provide throttle 5V
angle feedback to the vehicle computer. Some systems use a
Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) module to operate the throttle
blade (plate).

 While at cruise speed, the accelerator pedal may or may

not cause the engine speed to increase if the accelerator
pedal is moved slightly.

0.00 V
ACCELERATOR PEDAL 0 DEGREES OPENING
FIGURE 36–3 A typical accelerator pedal position (APP) sen-
POSITION SENSOR sor, showing two different output voltage signals that are used
by the PCM to determine accelerator pedal position. Two
(or three in some applications) are used as a double check
CABLE-OPERATED SYSTEM Honda Accords until 2008 because this is a safety-related sensor.
model year used a cable attached to the accelerator pedal to
operate the APP sensor located under the hood. A similar arrange-
three sensors are used, the third signal can either decrease or
ment was used in Dodge RAM trucks in 2003. In both of these
increase with pedal position, but its voltage range will still be
applications, the throttle cable was simply moving the APP sensor
different from the other two.  SEE FIGURE 36–3.
and not moving the throttle plate. The throttle plate is controlled
by the PCM and moved by the electronic throttle control motor.

TWO SENSORS The accelerator pedal position sensor

THROTTLE BODY
uses two and sometimes three separate sensors, which act
together to give accurate accelerator pedal position information
ASSEMBLY
to the controller, but also are used to check that the sensor is
working properly. They function just like a throttle position sen- The throttle body assembly contains the following components:
sor, and two are needed for proper system function. One APP  Throttle plate
sensor output signal increases as the pedal is depressed and  Electric actuator DC motor
the other signal decreases. The controller compares the signals  Dual throttle position (TP) sensors
with a look-up table to determine the pedal position. Using
two or three signals improves redundancy should one sensor
 Gears used to multiply the torque of the DC motor
fail, and allows the PCM to quickly detect a malfunction. When  Springs used to hold the throttle plate in the default location

516 CHAPTER 36
 ? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION DEFAULT POSITION

What Is the “Spring Test”?

The spring test is a self-test performed by the PCM
whenever the engine is started. The PCM operates THROTTLE POSITION
the throttle to check if it can react to the command AIR FLOW SPRING-LOADED TO
and return to the default (home) position. This self- DEFAULT POSITION
test is used by the PCM to determine that the spring
and motor are working correctly and may be noticed
by some vehicle owners by the following factors:
• A slight delay in the operation of the starter motor.
The PCM performs this test when the ignition switch
is turned to the “on” position. While it takes just a
IDLE POSITION
short time to perform the test, it can be sensed by
the driver that there could be a fault in the ignition
switch or starter motor circuits.
• A slight “clicking” sound may also be heard
coming from under the hood when the ignition is
MOTOR DRIVES THROTTLE
turned on. This is normal and is related to the AIR FLOW SHAFT CLOSED FROM THE
self-test on the throttle as it opens and closes. DEFAULT POSITION

THROTTLE PLATE AND SPRING The throttle plate is

held slightly open by a concentric clock spring. The spring
applies a force that will close the throttle plate if power is lost to
the actuator motor. The spring is also used to open the throttle ACCELERATION
plate slightly from the fully closed position.

ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY MOTOR The actuator

is a DC electric motor and is often called a servomotor. The
throttle plate is held in a default position by a spring inside the
throttle body assembly. This partially open position, also called AIR FLOW MOTOR DRIVES THROTTLE
SHAFT OPEN FROM THE
the neutral position or the fail safe position, is about 16% to
DEFAULT POSITION
20% open. This default position varies depending on the vehicle
and usually results in an engine speed of 1200 to 1500 RPM.
 The throttle plate is driven closed to achieve speeds
lower than the default position, such as idle speed. FIGURE 36–4 The default position for the throttle plate is in
slightly open position. The servomotor then is used to close it
 The throttle plate is driven open to achieve speeds higher
for idle and open it during acceleration.
than the default position, such as during acceleration.
 SEE FIGURE 36–4.
The throttle plate motor is driven by a bidirectional pulse-
width modulated (PWM) signal from the PCM or electronic
throttle control module using an H-bridge circuit.  SEE
FIGURE 36–5a, b.
? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

The H-bridge circuit is controlled by the Powertrain Control Why Not Use a Stepper Motor for ETC?
Module (PCM) by:
A stepper motor is a type of motor that has multiple
 Reversing the polarity of power and ground brushes to windings and is pulsed by a computer to rotate a
the DC motor certain number of degrees when pulsed. The disad-
 Pulse-width modulating (PWM) the current through the vantage is that a stepper motor is too slow to react
motor compared with a conventional DC electric motor and
The PCM monitors the position of the throttle from the two is the reason a stepper motor is not used in elec-
throttle position (TP) sensors. The PCM then commands the tronic throttle control systems.
throttle plate to the desired position.  SEE FIGURE 36–6.

E L E C T RO N I C T H RO T T L E C O N T RO L SY S T EM 517
 DC MOTOR H-BRIDGE CIRCUIT DC MOTOR H-BRIDGE CIRCUIT

DC DC
12 V 12 V
MOTOR MOTOR

(a) (b)
FIGURE 36–5 (a) An H-bridge circuit is used to control the direction of the DC electric motor of the electronic throttle control
unit. (b) To reverse the direction of operation, the polarity of the current through the motor is reversed.

PCM SENSOR 1
ETC
2 5V SOURCE
5
1 TP 1 SIGNAL

TP 1 4

TP SIGNAL VOLTAGE
M 3

2
TP 2 6 GROUND

4 TP 2 SIGNAL 1
5 (PWM) 12V OR GROUND

3 CONSTANT 12V OR GROUND 0

0% 50% 100%
FIGURE 36–6 Schematic of a typical electronic throttle control SENSOR 2
(ETC) system. Note that terminal #5 is always pulse-width mod- FIGURE 36–7 The two TP sensors used on the throttle body
ulated and that terminal #3 is always constant, but both power of an electronic throttle body assembly produce opposite volt-
and ground are switched to change the direction of the motor. age signals as the throttle is opened. The total voltage of both
combined at any throttle plate position is 5 volts.

THROTTLE POSITION
(TP) SENSOR ? FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

How Do You Calibrate a New APP Sensor?

Two throttle position (TP) sensors are used in the throttle body Whenever an accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor
assembly to provide throttle position signals to the PCM. Two is replaced, it should be calibrated before it will work
sensors are used as a fail-safe measure and for diagnosis. correctly. Always check service information for the
There are two types of TP sensors used in electronic throttle exact procedure to follow after APP sensor replace-
control (ETC) systems: potentiometers and Hall-effect. ment. Here is a typical example of the procedure:
STEP 1 Make sure accelerator pedal is fully
THREE-WIRE POTENTIOMETER SENSORS These sen- released.
sors use a 5-volt reference from the PCM and produce an ana- STEP 2 Turn the ignition switch on (engine off)
log (variable) voltage signal that is proportional to the throttle and wait at least 2 seconds.
plate position. The two sensors produce opposite signals as the STEP 3 Turn the ignition switch off and wait at
throttle plate opens: least 10 seconds.
 One sensor starts at low voltage (about 0.5 V) and in- STEP 4 Turn the ignition switch on (engine on)
creases as the throttle plate is opened. and wait at least 2 seconds.

The second sensor starts at a higher voltage (about 4.5 V) STEP 5 Turn the ignition switch off and wait at
and produces a lower voltage as the throttle plate is least 10 seconds.
opened.  SEE FIGURE 36–7.

518 CHAPTER 36
(a) (b)
FIGURE 36–8 (a) A “reduced power” warning light indicates a fault with the electronic throttle control system on some General
Motors vehicles. (b) A symbol showing an engine with an arrow pointing down is used on some General Motors vehicles to indi-
cate a fault with the electronic throttle control system.

HALL-EFFECT TP SENSORS Some vehicle manufactur-

ers, Honda for example, use a non-contact Hall-effect throttle
position sensor. Because there is not physical contact, this type
of sensor is less likely to fail due to wear.

DIAGNOSIS
OF ELECTRONIC THROTTLE
CONTROL SYSTEMS
FAULT MODE Electronic throttle control (ETC) systems can
have faults like any other automatic system. Due to the redun-
dant sensors in accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors and
FIGURE 36–9 A wrench symbol warning lamp on a Ford ve-
throttle position (TP) sensor, many faults result in a “limp home”
hicle. The symbol can also be green.
situation instead of a total failure. The limp home mode is also
called the “fail-safe mode” and indicates the following actions
performed by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
 Chrysler—Red lightning bolt symbol ( SEE
 Engine speed is limited to the default speed (about 1200
FIGURE 36–10)
to 1600 RPM).
 The engine will run and can be driven slowly. This limp-in
 There is slow or no response when the accelerator pedal
mode operation allows the vehicle to be driven off of the
is depressed.
road and to a safe location.
 The cruise control system is disabled.
The ETC may enter the limp-in mode if any of the following
 A diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is set. has occurred:
 An ETC warning lamp on the dash will light. The warning  Low battery voltage has been detected
lamp may be labeled differently, depending on the vehicle  PCM failure
manufacturer. For example:
 One TP and the MAP sensor have failed

General Motors vehicle—Reduced power lamp ( SEE
FIGURE 36–8)
 Both TP sensors have failed
Ford—Wrench symbol (amber or green) ( SEE The ETC actuator motor has failed



FIGURE 36–9)  The ETC throttle spring has failed

E L E C T RO N I C T H RO T T L E C O N T RO L SY S T EM 519
FIGURE 36–10 A symbol used on a Chrysler vehicle indicat- FIGURE 36–11 The throttle plate stayed where it was
ing a fault with the electronic throttle control. moved, which indicates that there is a problem with the elec-
tronic throttle body control assembly.

REAL WORLD FIX

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE If a fault occurs in the ETC
The High Idle Toyota system, check service information for the specified procedure
The owner of a Toyota Camry complained that the to follow for the vehicle being checked. Most vehicle service
engine would idle at over 1200 RPM compared with information includes the following steps:
a normal 600 to 700 RPM. The vehicle would also not STEP 1 Verify the customer concern.
accelerate. Using a scan tool, a check for diagnostic
STEP 2 Use a factory scan tool or an aftermarket scan tool
trouble codes showed one code: P2101—“TAC
with original equipment capability and check for diag-
motor circuit low.”
nostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Checking service information led to the inspec-
tion of the electronic throttle control throttle body STEP 3 If there are stored diagnostic trouble codes, follow
assembly. With the ignition key out of the ignition and service information instructions for diagnosing the
the inlet air duct off the throttle body, the technician system.
used a screwdriver to push gently to see if the throt- STEP 4 If there are no stored diagnostic trouble codes, check
tle plate worked. scan tool data for possible fault areas in the system.
Normal operation—The throttle plate should move and
then spring back quickly to the default position. SCAN TOOL DATA Scan data related to the electronic
Abnormal operation—If the throttle plate stays where throttle control system can be confusing. Typical data and the
it is moved or does not return to the default posi- meaning include:
tion, there is a fault with the throttle body assembly.  APP indicated angle. The scan tool will display a percent-
 SEE FIGURE 36–11. age ranging from 0% to 100%. When the throttle is released,
Solution: The technician replaced the throttle the indicated angle should be 0%. When the throttle is de-
body assembly with an updated version and proper pressed to wide open, the reading should indicate 100%.
engine operation was restored. The technician dis-  TP desired angle. The scan tool will display a percentage
assembled the old throttle body and found it was ranging from 0% to 100%. This represents the desired
corroded inside due to moisture entering the unit throttle angle as commanded by the driver of the vehicle.
through the vent hose.  SEE FIGURE 36–12.  TP indicated angle. The TP indicated angle is the angle
of the measured throttle opening and it should agree with
the TP desired angle.
VACUUM LEAKS The electronic throttle control (ETC) sys-  TP sensors 1 and 2. The scan tool will display “agree”
tem is able to compensate for many vacuum leaks. A vacuum or “disagree.” If the PCM or throttle actuator control
leak at the intake manifold for example will allow air into the (TAC) module receives a voltage signal from one of
engine that is not measured by the mass airflow sensor. The the TP sensors that is not in the proper relationship
ETC system will simply move the throttle as needed to achieve to the other TP sensor, the scan tool will display
the proper idle speed to compensate for the leak. disagree.

520 CHAPTER 3 6
FIGURE 36–12 A corroded electronic throttle control assem- FIGURE 36–13 Notice the small motor gear on the left drives
bly shown with the cover removed. a larger plastic gear (black), which then drives the small gear in
mesh with the section of a gear attached to the throttle plate.
This results in a huge torque increase from the small motor
ETC THROTTLE and helps explain why it could be dangerous to insert a finger

FOLLOWER TEST
into the throttle body assembly.

THROTTLE BODY CLEANING PROCEDURE Before

On some vehicles, such as many Chrysler vehicles, the op- attempting to clean a throttle body on an engine equipped with
eration of the electronic throttle control can be tested using a an electronic throttle control system, be sure that the ignition
factory or factory-level scan tool. To perform this test, use the key is out of the vehicle and the ready light is off if working on
“throttle follower test” procedure as shown on the scan tool. An a Toyota/Lexus hybrid electric vehicle to avoid the possibility of
assistant is needed to check that the throttle plate is moving as personal injury.
the accelerator pedal is depressed. This test cannot be done
normally because the PCM does not normally allow the throttle
plate to be moved unless the engine is running. WARNING

The electric motor that operates the throttle

SERVICING ELECTRONIC plate is strong enough to cut off a finger.  SEE
FIGURE 36–13.
THROTTLE SYSTEMS
ETC-RELATED PERFORMANCE ISSUES The only ser- To clean the throttle, perform the following steps:
vice that an electronic throttle control system may require is a STEP 1 With the ignition off and the key removed from the
cleaning of the throttle body. Throttle body cleaning is a routine ignition, remove the air inlet hose from the throttle
service procedure on port fuel-injected engines and is still body.
needed when the throttle is being opened by an electric motor
STEP 2 Spray throttle body cleaner onto a shop cloth.
rather than a throttle cable tied to a mechanical accelerator
pedal. The throttle body may need cleaning if one or more of STEP 3 Open the throttle body and use the shop cloth to re-
the following symptoms are present: move the varnish and carbon deposits from the throttle
body housing and throttle plate.
 Lower than normal idle speed
CAUTION: Do not spray cleaner into the throt-
 Rough idle
tle body assembly. The liquid cleaner could
 Engine stalls when coming to a stop (called a coast- flow into and damage the throttle position (TP)
down stall) sensors.
If any of the above conditions exists, a throttle body clean- STEP 4 Reinstall the inlet hose being sure that there are no air
ing will often correct these faults. leaks between the hose and the throttle body assembly.
CAUTION: Some vehicle manufacturers add a nonstick STEP 5 Start the engine and allow the PCM to learn the correct
coating to the throttle assembly and warn that cleaning idle. If the idle is not correct, check service information
could remove this protective coating. Always follow the for the specified procedures to follow to perform a
vehicle manufacturer’s recommended procedures. throttle relearn.

E L E C T RO N I C T H RO T T L E C O N T RO L SY S T EM 521
THROTTLE BODY RELEARN PROCEDURE When install-  Intake air temperature (IAT) higher than 40°F (5°C)
ing a new throttle body or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or  No throttle diagnostic trouble codes set
sometimes after cleaning the throttle body, the throttle position If all of the above conditions are met, perform the follow-
has to be learned by the PCM. After the following conditions have ing steps:
been met, a typical throttle body relearn procedure for a General
STEP 1 Turn the ignition on (engine off) for 30 seconds.
Motors vehicle includes:
STEP 2 Turn the ignition off and wait 30 seconds.
 Accelerator pedal released
Start the engine and the idle learn procedure should cause
 Battery voltage higher than 8 volts
the engine to idle at the correct speed.
 Vehicle speed must be zero
 Engine coolant temperature (ECT) higher than 40°F (5°C)
and lower than 212°F (100°C)

SUMMARY
1. Using an electronic throttle control (ETC) system on an 4. Limp-in mode is commanded if there is a major fault in the
engine has many advantages over a conventional method system, which can allow the vehicle to be driven enough
that uses a mechanical cable between the accelerator to be pulled off the road to safety.
pedal and the throttle valve. 5. The diagnostic procedure for the ETC system includes
2. The major components of an electronic throttle control verifying the customer concern, using a scan tool to check
system include: for diagnostic trouble codes, and checking the value of the
• Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor TP and APP sensors.
• Electronic throttle control actuator motor and spring 6. Servicing the ETC system includes cleaning the throttle
• Throttle position (TP) sensor body and throttle plate.
• Electronic control unit
3. The throttle position (TP) sensor is actually two sensors
that share the 5-volt reference from the PCM and produce
opposite signals as a redundant check.

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What parts can be deleted if an engine uses an electronic 4. What component parts are included in an electronic throt-
throttle control (ETC) system instead of a conventional ac- tle control system?
celerator pedal and cable to operate the throttle valve? 5. What is the default or limp-in position of the throttle plate?
2. How can the use of an electronic throttle control (ETC) 6. What dash warning light indicates a fault with the ETC
system improve fuel economy? system?
3. How is the operation of the throttle different on a system
that uses an electronic throttle control system compared
with a conventional mechanical system?

CHAPTER QUIZ
1. The use of an electronic throttle control (ETC) system al- 2. The throttle plate is spring loaded to hold the throttle
lows the elimination of all except ______________. slightly open how far?
a. Accelerator pedal a. 3% to 5%
b. Mechanical throttle cable (most systems) b. 8% to 10%
c. Cruise control actuator c. 16% to 20%
d. Idle air control d. 22% to 28%

522 CHAPTER 3 6
3. The throttle plate actuator motor is what type of electric 8. A technician is checking the operation of the electronic
motor? throttle control system by depressing the accelerator pedal
a. Stepper motor c. AC motor with the ignition in the on (run) position (engine off). What is
b. DC motor d. Brushless motor the most likely result if the system is functioning correctly?
4. The actuator motor is controlled by the PCM through what a. The throttle goes to wide open when the accelerator
type of circuit? pedal is depressed all the way
a. Series c. H-bridge b. No throttle movement
b. Parallel d. Series-parallel c. The throttle will open partially but not all of the way
d. The throttle will perform a self-test by closing and then
5. When does the PCM perform a self-test of the ETC system?
opening to the default position
a. During cruise speed when the throttle is steady
b. During deceleration 9. With the ignition off and the key out of the ignition, what
c. During acceleration should happen if a technician uses a screwdriver and
d. When the ignition switch is first rotated to the on posi- gently pushes on the throttle plate in an attempt to open
tion before the engine starts the valve?
a. Nothing. The throttle should be kept from moving by
6. The throttle position sensor used in the throttle body as-
the motor, which is not energized with the key off.
sembly of an electronic throttle control (ETC) system is
b. The throttle should move and stay where it is moved
what type?
and not go back unless moved back.
a. A single potentiometer
c. The throttle should move, and then spring back to the
b. Two potentiometers that read in the opposite direction
home position when released.
c. A Hall-effect sensor
d. The throttle should move closed, but not open further
d. Either b or c
than the default position.
7. A green wrench symbol is displayed on the dash. What
10. The throttle body may be cleaned (if recommended by the
does this mean?
vehicle manufacturer) if what conditions are occurring?
a. A fault in the ETC in a Ford has been detected
a. Coast-down stall
b. A fault in the ETC in a Honda has been detected
b. Rough idle
c. A fault in the ETC in a Chrysler has been detected
c. Lower-than-normal idle speed
d. A fault in the ETC in a General Motors vehicle has
d. Any of the above
been detected

E L E C T RO N I C T H RO T T L E C O N T RO L SY S T EM 523