What are the symptoms of a faulty car throttle pedal sensor?
3 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty throttle sensor include inability to accelerate, intermittent power, and throttle sticking. Below is relevant information: Throttle Sensor: The electronic throttle pedal position sensor is a crucial component in the electronic throttle system. The electronic throttle transmits signals indicating the depth and speed of pedal depression through this sensor. These signals are received and interpreted by the ECU, which then issues control commands to adjust the throttle opening angle accordingly. Principle: The electronic throttle primarily relies on the controller to regulate the throttle motor's crank rotation based on the input signal magnitude, thereby controlling the throttle opening. When the crank rotates, it alters the potentiometer value inside the throttle sensor. The crank stops rotating once the potentiometer value matches the input signal, stabilizing the engine speed at the input signal value.
Last time my car's throttle pedal sensor failed, the feeling was so obvious! Pressing the accelerator felt like stepping on cotton—even with a deep press, the speed wouldn't increase, and the tachometer was stuck at 2000 RPM. It was even more embarrassing when starting from a traffic light—either the car would suddenly lurch forward or just rev loudly without moving. The scariest part was when the engine warning light suddenly came on, and a yellow exclamation mark warning popped up on the center console. Only after checking the trouble codes at the repair shop did I find out it was an abnormal pedal position signal. Replacing the sensor cost just under 300 bucks. If this thing fails, don't push your luck—at best, fuel consumption will skyrocket; at worst, you'll lose all power and get stranded on the road!
Last year, my old Passat's sensor went on strike in the most amusing way: In the morning when I started the car, the RPM would shoot up to 3000 without me touching the accelerator, as if it had a mind of its own. When driving, the acceleration would jerk back and forth like riding a horse. Once on the highway, the cruise control suddenly failed, and the throttle went completely dead, forcing me to coast to the emergency lane. The mechanic said, after running a computer diagnostic, that this sensor acts like a 'throttle interpreter'—when it fails, the engine can't understand how hard you're pressing the pedal. Now, whenever I experience unresponsive acceleration or unstable idling, my first suspect is this sensor. After all, these electronic components are far more delicate than the old cable-operated throttles.
