Throttle Control Warning Light: What It Means and How to Fix It
As a car owner, there is a vast array of warning lights integrated into your dashboard that gives you an inside look into the health of your car. From check engine lights to maintenance lights to low tire pressure lights, a ton of warning lights work together to tell you precisely what is going on under the hood of your car and what your car needs.
However, not all of these lights are as simple to deconstruct as a low windshield washer fluid light. The electronic throttle control warning light can be tough to detect and even more challenging to resolve. Here is everything you need to know about a throttle control warning light, including what it means for your car and how to fix it.
What does the throttle control light mean?
Simply enough, when your electronic throttle control warning light comes on, there is something wrong with the throttle system in your car. That’s the system in your vehicle that converts inputs from the gas pedal into power delivered from the engine.
When you press your gas pedal, the throttle opens up, sending an air and fuel mixture into your engine. However, if the throttle malfunctions, your engine may receive the wrong air and fuel mixture.
According to CarTreatments, the three main reasons why your throttle control warning light comes on include issues with your ETC system, which involves a failing pedal system with possible faulty wiring or pedal linkages.
Another reason could be ACV butterfly valve issues, which affect your car’s throttle and idle performance.
Lastly, sensor malfunctions could be the problem. These typically occur when your throttle control light comes on, but your car has no noticeable performance drop.
How do I fix my car’s electronic throttle control?
According to RepairPal, you should take your car to a certified mechanic as soon as your throttle control warning light comes on. Your mechanic or service technician should be able to scan your vehicle for warning codes and determine what your car needs to get the warning light off the dash.
How much does it cost to fix electronic throttle control?
The cheapest electronic throttle control fix you could have involves a faulty sensor. According to RepairPal, this fix can land around the $150-$200 price range. For an issue with the pedal linkage or throttle position module, you can expect a charge of around $438 to fix this issue. For problems with the butterfly valve, including an issue with the throttle body itself, you may have to shell out up to $650. However, for the most accurate diagnosis, getting your car to a licensed mechanic before planning for any charges is important.
So, even though it is possible to drive your car with a throttle control warning light on the dash, your vehicle is indicating that there is something wrong. For your car to run as well as it possibly can, it is essential to get all warning lights checked out before catastrophic damage occurs to your engine or other important auto parts.
