The world has undergone many changes over the years; the same goes for automobiles. One of the developments cars have experienced in these several changes that have taken place is how engine speed is controlled. Below are the subtopics we are going to cover about the electronic throttle control light:
- Methods of throttle used over the years
- What electronic throttle control light means
- Why the throttle’s light turns on
Below are some of the notable changes that have been made on the electronic throttle control light
Several Throttle Modifications that have been used over the Years
● Hand throttle
● Mechanical throttle
● Electronic or computerized throttle
Hand Throttle System
See this as an extension of a gas pedal controlled by hand. It is responsible for managing the speed of the engine. This throttle is located on the steering wheel or close to the steering wheel.
Mechanical Throttle System
In the 1980s, a mechanical throttle system was used to control the engine speed of vehicles. The throttle sends signals to the engine once the accelerator pedal is stepped on by the driver’s right foot. When the gas is pressed, the throttle will open, and once the throttle is opened, it brings in more airflow to the carburettor.
Once there is more air, fuel in the engine dries up, and the car speeds up.
Computerized Throttle System
A new system came to be in 1990, which abolished the mechanical throttle system and introduced a computerized system. This new system is called the electronic throttle control (ETC).
Under the Electronic throttle control, The throttle receives electrical signals when the gas pedal is pressed, and when this signal is received, the throttle opens up. These signals are known as the “accelerator pedal Module.”
The accelerator pedal module is built with sensors, which enables it to interpret and act accurately.
The ETC works together with the Electronic fuel injection EFI and the ACV. These components work together to enable the engine’s speed.
Once the driver presses the gas pedal, the ETC opens the ACV, and the ACV enables the engine to receive enough air; when there is enough airflow, the EFI will increase fuel flow.
If the Electric throttle control develops a problem, it can be seen through the TCL.
What does the electronic throttle control light mean?
The electronic throttle control light only turns on when there is a problem with a car’s throttle system. This light will be seen on the car’s dashboard by the driver.
The throttle control warning light alerts drivers on fuel and air intake-related issues.
Before they escalate into damage that will cost much to repair, the driver is expected to take safety measures immediately when the light is on; however, it is better if he turns off the engine or contacts a professional.
Once the light is on, it is advisable not to keep driving the car until the problem has been fixed to avoid more significant damage or even cause the engine to break down.
It is best to turn off the engine for safety.
Why does the light turn on?
The ETC light only turns on when there is a problem with a car’s throttle system. This light will be seen on the car’s dashboard by the driver.
Reasons why the throttle light may be on?
● When the throttle system becomes faulty: The ETC light may come on once the throttle system becomes faulty.
● When the ECM becomes faulty: The ECM controls the ECT. Once it files or becomes faulty, the light may turn on.
● When there is a faulty censor: The light may illuminate when the censor becomes faulty and cannot interpret signals.
● When there is faulty wiring: The ECT can become faulty when there is faulty wiring, and thus the light may turn on.
● When the engine is faulty: The light may be turned on because the engine is faulty.
Steps to fix the electronic throttle control light
The ETC light illuminates the dashboard of vehicles using an electronic or computerized throttle control system. This light only turns on when there is a problem with fuel intake or air intake in the engine.
You can fix the electronic throttle control light using the following techniques, which are general to an extent.
● Examine and Reset the car: The light can come up because of malfunctioning or system errors. All you need to do now is examine your car, turn off the engines and reset it. If the light refuses to go off after turning the engines on, you might need to try a troubleshooting process.
● Check out the body of the throttle: The body regulates airflow to the engine. Because of this, the throttle body may develop carbon build-up, which can cause issues with the throttle control system. You can clean up the throttle body by removing these carbons or any filth you find on it.
● Examine the wiring connections: If the wiring connections are faulty, the throttle control system will be affected. Examine the system wires to see if they are correctly connected and are solid. It can cause communication problems between the throttle control module and the body if they are not connected. Reconnect the wires if they were not correctly done.
● Try Resetting the System: Restarting the system can fix short-term errors. Take out the Fuse marked “throttle control “for a bit of time and plug it in later. By doing this, any temporary error can be fixed, and the system will be reset.
● Employ diagnostic tools: Taking the car to an auto repair shop is another way to fix this problem, especially if the light refuses to go off. Auto repair shops use diagnostic tools to check why the light is on, and if an error code has been saved in the car’s computer system, it can be restored.
Is it safe to drive with the electronic throttle control light on?
The throttle light only turns on when there is a problem with a car’s throttle system. The driver will see this light on the car’s dashboard, indicating an issue that should be fixed immediately.
The throttle control warning light alerts the driver on fuel intake and air intake-related issues before they escalate into damage that will cost much to repair.
The driver is expected to take safety measures immediately after the light is on as his sweet ride can turn horrible if he continues driving. The car may also go off on the road and even cause accidents, which could be fatal.
So, it is better if the driver turns off the engine or contact a professional. It is best to turn off the vehicle engine for safety.
Lifespan of the throttle in cars
The lifespan of a car throttle solely depends on the vehicle and method of driving. Even though the lifespan is not explicitly given because of your driving style and type of vehicle, it is recommended that you have it cleaned up after 100-150 thousand kilometers. The throttle may get dirty after such a long drive, making it malfunction.
As stated above, you will receive a signal on your car dashboard through the illuminating ETC warning light.