ETC Light Came On Then Went Off: What's Wrong?

The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system is a very crucial component of your vehicle. If you pay less attention to its operation, you may not notice when your throttle system begins to fail. Its function is very similar to the check engine light, a very common issue of an Electric throttle control system occurs when the control light suddenly comes on.

ETC warning light highlights

• Common reasons:throttle control problems, sensors or switches issues
• How to fix:read the codes, take it in for inspection
• Possible consequences:you may not be able to control the throttle
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes, if possible
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$550

How Does Electronic Throttle Control Work?

Every part of your vehicle serves different purposes. Therefore, your car may malfunction once any component of your vehicle becomes faulty. This applies to the ETC and you may be surprised how important the ETC system is in the operation of your vehicle. But what do you know about its operation?

The ETC system is a modern upgrade to what operated in old cars. The Electronic Control System includes the throttle body, accelerator, and wirings, and they all work together. The component sends an electrical signal to the engine which opens the throttle when you apply pressure on the accelerator pedal. The operation of the ETC system is complicated. The ETC system is different from that of the olden days vehicle which operates with mechanical connections. 

Is It Safe to Drive with an Electronic Throttle Control Light?

The ETC light is usually the last warning you get before your car engine becomes affected; therefore, you shouldn't drive when the ETC light comes on. The problem usually starts from a drop in the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and a drop in the acceleration, and it gets worse when the sensor reading goes awry.

The throttle body usually controls the amount of air that enters the car engine, and once the electronic throttle system fails to keep an accurate tab on this, the situation can quickly get out of hand and it can damage your engine. A damaged engine will add to your expenses at the repair shop so you shouldn't attempt to drive your car when the control light comes on.

Symptoms of the Electronic Throttle Control Light Problem

The Electric Throttle control light only comes on when the system is faulty, and some uncomfortable occurrences follow once the light illuminates.

Below are some issues you may experience once the ETC light comes on.

1) Engine Stall

This is a very common symptom, and there are several factors responsible for this. The power train is a usual reason for engine stalling but the ETC can also be responsible for this. 

2) Check Engine Light

The check engine light generally indicates that there is a problem with your engine. But in some cases, the check engine light comes on along electronic control light once there is an error from the ETC unit.

3) Rough Idling

This is a very unpleasant situation you wouldn't want to experience while driving, and the Electric Throttle Control light usually comes up in this case. When the throttle of your vehicle is varying, the engine may remain idle at either a high or low RPM. In some cases, the RPM during idle may be fine and suddenly, it will surge or stagger. This is a clear sign that the throttle is faulty and must be addressed immediately. You may notice this sign when one or multiple components of the ETC fail.

4) Intermittent Throttle Control

Since the throttle operates electrically, there are some situations where there is a signal interruption. This is because the sensor is faulty, this issue will not allow the throttle controller to receive signals and it will not give out intermittent throttle control. If you don't quickly notice this symptom or address the issue, the engine of your vehicle may break down and you won't be able to control the accelerator pedal.

5) Throttle hesitation or accelerating problems

When the throttle controller is faulty, your engine may begin to have issues and it can cause more negative effects on acceleration when you engage the throttle i.e. when you stop the vehicle while on acceleration. The control light will usually come on in this type of situation and it can result in poor performance of the vehicle if you don't address the issue immediately. Remember that not having full control of the vehicle can cause accidents.

6) Drastic changes in fuel economy

A damaged throttle can increase the rate of fuel consumption in your vehicle. A miscommunication between the throttle and the air-fuel mixture is a factor responsible for this.

Other symptoms are as follows:

• Engine misfiring
• Inability to maintain a constant speed
• Reduced cruising speed
• Difficulty in starting the engine 
• Black smoky exhaust

How Do I Reset My Electronic Throttle Control?

Rough or lumpy idling on the engine of your vehicle may be caused by a change in the body position of the throttle or the position of the sensor calibration.

The steps below highlight how you can reset the electronic throttle control light.

Step 1: the first step is to diagnose your vehicle with any trouble codes to get it fixed. Usually, the inbuilt Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD2) has a set of these trouble codes. With the use of the diagnostic tool, you or the technician can use these codes to identify issues with the car fuel supply and related systems. Check the powertrain control module system to confirm any problem. You should also check the engine of the car to confirm if there is any air leakage. Then check your PCV system for filter cap seals and the dipstick for any issues.

Don't reset the ETC once you detect that the control light is on or you confirm the airflow sensor, the absolute pressure of the manifold, and idle speed all have issues. But you can proceed to reset if everything is in order.

Step 2: leave your engine at the normal functioning temperature and make sure you set the ignition timing to the specification of the manufacturer. Turn the radio off and also the air conditioner, defogger, and rare window so that your engine will not be overloaded. Set the front wheels in the neutral position (make it face straight). You can then proceed to reset the throttle control after you follow the above instructions.

Step 3: release the gas pedal, then turn on the ignition for about two seconds without igniting the engine, and turn off the ignition for about ten seconds. Repeat this process. This will send a notification to your system about the new position of the gas pedal and the closed position.

Step 4: turn on the ignition for three seconds this time, and immediately after the three seconds, press the gas pedals five times then release it within five seconds. Wait for seven seconds and press the pedal again for twenty seconds until the control light stays on and doesn't fluctuate. Release the pedal as soon as the light stops fluctuating after three seconds.

Step 5: start the engine and leave it idle for about twenty seconds and rev it several times to confirm that the idle speed meets the manufacturer's specification.

And there you go! If the process was unsuccessful, turn off the ignition for a minute and begin the process again.

How Do You Fix Electronic Throttle Control?

The electronic control system rarely fails and it usually last longer than the car but when it fails, it may be very difficult to repair it. The electronic throttle control issue is a long-lasting issue and it can last throughout the life span of a vehicle. However, just like other electrical devices, there are chances that this challenge will falter. 

The ETC system is made of different components and repairing these components is more complicated than fixing the mechanical components of old vehicles. The best and safest solution is to take the vehicle to the mechanic shop to check it any time the Electronic Control Light comes on.

If you want to fix it yourself, you will have to replace the components part by part starting from the wires. Then clean the butterfly valve, it is not necessary to replace the water valve. A common reason for ETC failure is when it is clogged and it can be cleaned easily.

If the issue of the electronic throttle control persists after trying these options, it could mean that the throttle control is bad beyond repair and the only viable solution here is to replace the entire ETC unit. 

Final Words

So, here is everything you need to know about the ETC system on modern vehicles. Now that you understand the implications of the electronic control light that comes up, it won't be a challenge to deal with the issue when it happens. Don't underestimate the effects of the ETC light and remember to constantly check it with other indicators anytime you are driving to prevent damage on your vehicle and other dangerous situations.