Throttle Control Modules

An Electronic Throttle Actuator Control Module or Electronic Throttle Controller (ETC) receives an electrical signal from the physical depressing the accelerator pedal; it controls the opening/closing of the throttle body. Electronic throttle controller is a modern version of an old-fashioned controlled operated mechanically by a cable that is connected to the pedal and linked to a carburetor or throttle body. Each time a driver presses the accelerator pedal, the throttle control cable activates a “butterfly valve” inside the throttle body.

A typical Electronic Throttle Control system consists of three components:

An accelerator pedal module with independent sensors
A throttle valve or electronic throttle body (ETB)
A Powertrain Control Module (PCM/ECM).

The PCM/ECM determines the required throttle position with the data pulled from all sensors together (accelerator pedal position sensors, speed sensors, etc). Then the throttle valve is opened to the required angle by an electric motor via a closed-loop control algorithm within the PCM. As the throttle valve opens/closes, a Mass Air Flow Sensor controls this change and relays that information to the vehicle’s Electronic Control Module. Then, the ECM increases/decreases the amount of fuel being sent to the injectors in order to keep the proper air/fuel mixture.

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Electronic Throttle Control benefits:

Makes a vehicle’s powertrain characteristics seamlessly consistent
Works ‘behind the scenes’ to drastically improve the ease of use of a vehicle (gear changes & extreme torque changes).
Helps the integration of cruise control, traction control, stability control, and other features that require torque control since the throttle can irrespectively move the position of the accelerator pedal.
Air-fuel ratio & exhaust emissions control, fuel consumption reduction.

Usually, a throttle controller lasts for the life of the vehicle. However, like any other mechanical/electrical component, it may fail, wear out or break in some instances. The intermittent throttle operation causing a disruption of the electrical signal (loose electrical wire, electrical relay control issue or sensor damage) is the most common symptom of a failing throttle controller. If you notice when pressing down on the pedal that the car does not accelerate, know that it may be caused by a damaged throttle controller, and the car should be inspected by a mechanic. In most situations, issues with the throttle controller are electric.

All of our Throttle Control Modules come with a Lifetime Warranty. We are currently in the process of listing all the Throttle Control Modules we have in-stock available for purchase. We plan to have them all on our website as soon as possible, in the meantime please give our office a call or send us an email to speak with one of our customer representatives.