Q: Electronic throttle control light on

asked by on January 22, 2016

The electronic throttle control light just came on. What is the problem?

Throttle Body Replacement $267.08 - $1836.29 Get a Quote

The throttle body is the part that allows and controls the entry of air into the engine. Throttle bodies have a butterfly valve inside them that opens when the gas pedal is pressed and closes when it is released. Your vehicles throttle body is controlled via computer actuating an electric motor as opposed to the older direct cable style. The most likely cause and solution is that the motor for the electronic throttle body has failed and will require replacement in order to drive the vehicle. A reset or learning procedure may be required during this repair so ensure the technician that does it is equipped with all the necessary tools.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Side of my car is touching the ground
Nissan just issued a recall NHTSA Campaign #15V573000 dated 9/17/2015 that the dealer will replace the two front coil springs. You should have or will receive the recall from Nissan. You should contact your dealer and schedule the repairs as...
Reverse lights not working
After replacement of both bulbs and the fuse, my next step would be the reverse light switch. Be sure to have your rear lights tested (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/rear-lights-are-not-working-inspection) by a qualified technician before having it replaced, as it is not guaranteed to...
Car veers left
The damage from the accident may have bent or broken an important suspension component. Control arms and struts take a heavy hit when impacted and can bend, throwing off the vehicles wheel alignment. Have an experienced technician inspect the steering...
Car shaking when started
The right motor mount bracket is known for the bolts coming loose, sometimes falling out, and causing a vibration in the engine. Check for any broken mounts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) or any bolts that are loose or missing. I recommend you seek...
Car won't start
The charging system is not recharging the battery. This is why warning lights are on the dash and the vehicle loses power. It will jump start and run until the battery runs out of juice. The most common problem is...
Transmission has a constant loud & annoying hum
Hello. You are correct that this is not normal, but Acura does not have a fix for it. This is a design flaw in the powertrain. Your only form of recourse on this is to contact their national customer service...
Clunking noise when accelerating, only in drive
As you may know, this is a common sign of a failing CV joint. A CV (Constant Velocity) joint is a shaft that connects the transmission to the wheels, essentially transferring the power from the drive train directly to the...
1978 Beetle advice
Hi there. That's a lot of questions, and we'll do our best to help you out. First off, the odometer on older VW's is only 5 digits as you suggested, so it is very possible that it might have 185,000,...
Heater blows hot air from drivers side and cold air from passenger side of car on 2012 Dodge Avenger. Why??
It sounds like you may have a faulty blend door actuator. Inside your vehicle's vent system, there are small doors that open and close to change the flow of air running through the system. These doors are operated by small...

Related articles

2005 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2005 Chevrolet Blazer: Which One Should I Buy?
Sport SUVs are a class all of their own; these vehicles are meant for a fun drive through the woods and across the trail – but not necessarily to Grandma’s house! Think instead about going through the creek and through...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a City
Living Living and driving in the city means you’re faced with parking constraints, narrow streets, and the constant stop and go of traffic. With all of that said when you’re ready to purchase a used vehicle these are all things...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ballast Resistor
Common signs are the vehicle not starting or starting but immediately dying. Only a professional mechanic should handle the ballast resistor.