The automotive industry has, over the years, witnessed an advancement in how vehicles work. This also includes the throttle control. Right now, we have vehicles with electronic throttle control (ETC). This is unlike the traditional systems, which were mechanical linkages. That is why sometimes you may come across the message “service electronic throttle control” on your dashboard. What does it even mean? How do you service it?
The message service electronic throttle control means that there is an issue with the electronic throttle control, or it is simply time for you to service the whole system. So, the process will involve inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing the ETC of your vehicle.
Once you have done the necessary repairs or servicing, it becomes easier to start using the vehicle again without the message.
If this sounds interesting, we have a lot more about the topic covered below. We help you understand more about what ETC is, its components, common issues you may encounter, and how best to maintain the system.
Understanding The Electronic Throttle Control
The electronic throttle control (ETC), also known as drive-by-wire, replaces the mechanical linkages in traditional systems between the accelerator and the throttle body.
The ETC system features several components to make the whole system work without glitches. Such include the electronic sensors, actuators, and the ECU vital for regulating how the throttle valve opens and closes.
As you can see, the primary function of the ETC is to accurately and precisely translate the input of the driver from the accelerator into opening the throttle correctly.
Here is a video explaining how the electronic throttle control works in Toyotas
Components Of An Electronic Throttle Control
The electronic throttle control features several components which would work together to ensure the system is effective. Here are the main components you should know about.
Throttle pedal position sensor
This is a sensor in the accelerator pedal assembly whose job is to detect the movement and position of the accelerator pedal. It then sends electronic signals to the ECU with information on the driver’s desired acceleration level.
Throttle body.
The throttle body is a component between the engine and the air intake system. It features the throttle valve or plate, which controls the amount of air getting into the engine.
It will also be part of the ETC system, but this time it has an actuator or electronic motor that adjusts the throttle plate position. This is done very fast based on the ECU signals.
Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
This is the brain of the electronic throttle control system. Its job is to receive signals from the various sensors in the ETC and then process them to adjust the opening of the throttle valve.
Once the ECU has all the information, it sends it to the valve actuator or motor to adjust how wide the valve opens.
One thing about all this communication is that it happens very fast, and you will never experience delay, even when you want to experience more power from a vehicle.
The wiring harness and connectors are what facilitate the transmission of the electronic signals between the various ETC signals. So, it is vital for the wiring and connectors to be in good condition to ensure the best and most efficient transmission of signals.
Benefits Of Using Electronic Throttle Control Over Traditional Systems
You may also be wondering why car manufacturers chose electronic throttle control over traditional mechanical linkages. Here are some of the benefits of the ETC system.
You will experience enhanced precision and throttle responsiveness
There is increased fuel efficiency since the ECU operates the throttle valve optimally
ETC has necessitated the use of advanced safety systems such as stability and traction
There are better diagnostics capabilities. This is because you can always know where to check and have it sorted in case of an issue.
The maintenance is not as much since this system has reduced the number of mechanical linkages.
Why You Are Seeing The Message Service Electronic Throttle Control
Seeing the warning “service electronic throttle control” can make someone unsure of what they can possible do to resolve the issue. First, it is important to understand what the message even means. Below are the reasons for this message.
Sensor Malfunction
One of the reasons you might be seeing the message is because of a sensor malfunction. The common culprits would be the throttle and accelerator pedal position sensors.
When these sensors have a problem, it means that the ECU cannot detect the driver’s input correctly. That is why you may end up with a vehicle that keeps surging or the acceleration is not smooth.
The throttle body houses the throttle plate and actuator. If the throttle body is dirty or clogged, it becomes hard for the ETC to function optimally.
You may notice that the acceleration may not be as smooth as before. This will definitely trigger the message since the ECU cannot activate the actuator to work as expected.
Wiring or Connector Issues
Wiring harnesses and connectors can sometimes experience damage over time due to age, impact, and other factors.
Poor connections between the various components mean the signals are not sent in good time. As such, the message appears on the dashboard so that you know something needs addressing.
ECU Error
It is not common for the ECU to get damaged, but it can happen. Since it is the brain of the whole operation, if it malfunctions, then you may not be able to drive the vehicle.
When the ECU error persists, the warning message service electronic throttle control appears on the dashboard.
Symptoms of a Malfunctioning ETC System
Since the system will not be working efficiently, then you can expect to come across a few symptoms to help you know if there is a problem with the ETC system.
The first sign is seeing the warning message “service electronic throttle control” on the dashboard
The driver will experience reduced engine power
There will be acceleration hesitation or unresponsive throttle pedal
Some may experience stalling or idling issues with the vehicle
Reduced fuel efficiency could be another symptom to notice
FAQs
How often should you service the electronic throttle control?
The frequency of servicing the ETC depends on the manufacturer’s recommendations and your driving conditions. So, it is best to service the various components of the ETC every 30,000 to 50,000 miles or follow the vehicle’s manufacturer’s guidelines.
How much will it cost to repair the electronic throttle control?
It largely depends on what needs replacing in the ETC system. An example is that a throttle controller will range from $300 to $1500, depending on the vehicle model and how long it would take to finish the job.
Can a malfunctioning ETC be repaired, or it needs to be replaced?
Most of the time, the ETC can easily be fixed, and you would not need to replace everything. Remember that the ETC is a combination of several components that do not always fail simultaneously. Work with skilled technicians that can identify the problem and fix only that component rather than replacing the whole system.
Can I drive with a bad ETC?
It is not advisable to drive with a bad ETC over long distances. The reason you are getting the message is because there is a problem. We advise that you always take your time to get the issue sorted before you can keep driving the vehicle. Sometimes, you may experience limited engine performance because of a bad ETC.
Can you reset the “service electronic throttle control” message yourself?
Yes, resetting this message using the OBD II scanner is possible. However, clearing the code does not mean the vehicle can run effectively. This is mostly temporary as the ECU will still detect and highlight an issue on your dashboard.
The cost can range from $300 to $1500, depending on the location and what needs to be replaced. We recommend adequately assessing the vehicle by a qualified mechanic so that you can have the proper repairs done to save on costs.
Conclusion
It is vital to understand what “service electronic throttle control” means. It will help repair the system so that the car can drive as effectively as possible. The last thing is to drive a vehicle with performance issues. We have seen what could be the issue and why you are seeing the message. It is simply important to have a specialist check the various ETC components so that the vehicle can be repaired correctly.
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