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Electronic Throttle Control is a device that can connect an accelerator pedal to the throttle body electronically and replaces the mechanical linkage. It is of The en known as drive-by-wire. The electronic throttle controls and prevents vehicle accidents and automatically throttles the engine’s power to user-defined levels. This article will cover what Electronic Throttle Control does and how it works.
An electronic throttle control system was first developed in the late 1980s and was first sold commercially in 1988.
Most of the electronic control works by providing air to the engine. The pressure on the accelerator pedal initiates a signal to the engine control module, which utilizes this information to send a signal that controls the motor mounted on the throttle body. A throttle position sensor helps create a closed-loop system function that regulates and ensures the correct position of the throttle body.
A throttle plate is a metal plate inside (usually) the intake manifold between each cylinder. Electronic Throttle Controllers (ETC) analyze the throttle position as measured by an inertial measurement unit or potentiometer integrated into the handlebars of a motorcycle, moped, or E-bike.
The main components of an electronic throttle are:
Position sensor, which is located on the accelerator pedal.
The throttle body is electronically controlled and provided with a small motor to open and close the throttle body.
A control module is most probably an individual ETC model.
Although an electronic throttle system is complex, it can be set up to differ between road speeds, such as lower engine speeds to higher speeds. It also helps in the easy and safe drive of a car.
An electronic throttle has one of two main applications:
Electronic throttles systems are also used to control engines in yachts and ships to achieve speeds exceeding. In such applications, the engine management system knows the engine’s physical dimensions so that it can calculate how much RPM the engine should run at specific speeds. If a propeller is installed, then its pitch angle must be known to make this calculation. Electronic throttles are, therefore, often combined with anti-rotation clutches (referred to as Engine Timing Control Units or ETCU).
Electronic throttles are used to control the power of small engines in motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters but have not yet been introduced to full-sized automobiles.
There are many cases where people have installed an ETC on vehicles that don’t need it, or have abused the use of one. This can be done by cranking up the engine speed past its limits and causing damage to the engine.
Electronic throttle systems can also be used to control boat and ship engines. Most electronic throttles systems for boats use multiple rpm sensors and a computer unit for ignition timing, fuel delivery, propeller pitch angle etcetera.
How To Fix Electronic Throttle Control Failure
This is the essential part for those who have been using the vehicle for a more extended period and are using an Electronic Throttle Control system should know the following if they are facing the failure of an electronic throttle control:
Although the engine may shut down about 15% of the time, it will be more reliable than a mechanical throttle and, in some cases, can prevent fires. The new technology has many advantages over the old-style mechanical throttles. An automatic throttle relies on only one sensor, its cable. If the line breaks, the throttle will open, causing an accident that could have been prevented with an electronic one. Electrical malfunctions on electronic systems are rarer than those on mechanical ones.
A mechanical throttle relies on a single sensor and cable to control the engine speed and can break anytime. The line can break, and if it does, the throttle will open, causing an accident that could have been prevented with an electronic one. Electrical malfunctions on mechanical systems are more common than those on electronic ones.
Electronic Throttle Controllers may not be suitable for everyone, and all vehicles are not suited to them; however, they are great for anyone who wants to save money and reduce insurance premiums, primarily by reducing the risk of injury or death caused by inattentive or reckless vehicle drivers or operators.
The major disadvantage of the system is that if the engine speed is increased beyond a certain point, the system will shut down. An installer can set these shutdown points for each specific car model, typically 10–15% faster than its top speed. When these limits are exceeded, the engine may enter into fuel cutoff mode, which means it is without ignition and could cause severe injury or death to oneself and others.
How To Reset The Electronic Throttle Control Light:
The electronic throttle light on the car indicates that the electronic throttle has turned off the engine is reset when the ignition key is turned off and back on again. If this does not work, try disconnecting the ETC’s battery fuse or remove its battery and turn the key to see if it will reset itself. If this still doesn’t work, a bug in the system or an electrical problem might be present. Check all fuses and connectors for loose or broken wiring. Check all wire joints for signs of heat damage like discoloration or cracking, and replace them if you find any.
Replacement cost of an electronic throttle control:
Although an electronic throttle control is expensive to replace, its wrong working can result in its failure that is immediately needed to return to sustain the life of an engine and to control the speed of the vehicle. An average cost of an electronic throttle control depends on the labor cost, which may vary from $ 580 to $700. The cost may also vary according to the services of the throttle control.
