What are the common faults of electronic throttle?
3 Answers
Common faults of electronic throttle include: 1. Engine malfunction indicator light on; 2. Unstable engine idle speed, with car idle speed fluctuating between high and low; 3. Weak car acceleration; 4. Difficult car starting, usually caused by electronic throttle failure, excessively low engine temperature, or spark plug failure. The electronic throttle is an important control component of a car engine, composed of the engine, speed sensor, and throttle. The use of an electronic throttle control system enables precise control of throttle opening, which can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, achieve integrated idle speed control, cruise control, and vehicle stability control, and simplify the control system structure.
Electronic throttle bodies have quite common faults, which I've encountered several times while driving. The most frequent issue is the position sensor failure. It's responsible for transmitting throttle opening signals to the ECU. Once damaged, it sends erratic signals, causing sudden jerks or surges during acceleration. Secondly, excessive carbon buildup on the throttle plate - accumulated dust and oil residues can obstruct blade movement, leading to unstable idle and hard starting. Thirdly, aging control motors or water-induced short circuits may cause switching failures, particularly prone during rainy weather. Wiring connections are also susceptible to loosening or corrosion, resulting in poor current conduction. These faults can increase fuel consumption, cause acceleration lag, or even lead to ignition failure, affecting daily commutes. I recommend regular cleaning of throttle blades with specialized cleaners and inspecting sensor conditions every 20,000 km for early prevention to avoid major issues.
During my last long-distance trip, the electronic throttle suddenly malfunctioned, causing weak acceleration and erratic idle speed fluctuations. Common issues include abnormal sensor signals, which may be inaccurate or completely failed; excessive carbon buildup on the throttle, causing the blade to stick and not open/close properly; a faulty motor leading to unstable operation; and loose wiring harness connections or corroded wires causing intermittent circuit breaks. These problems not only make driving uncomfortable but also increase safety risks, such as stalling on highways. For troubleshooting, I would first check the electrical connectors and clean the throttle blade. If there's no improvement, I would take it to a professional shop to replace the faulty components. Overall, electronic throttle failures often stem from aging and lack of maintenance, so regular inspections can save a lot of hassle.
