Throttle Control Warning Light: What It Means and How to Fix It
As a car owner, there are 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 even low windshield washer fluid lights, there are a ton of warning lights that work together to tell you exactly what is going on under the hood of your car, and what your car needs.
But not all of these lights are as simple to deconstruct as a low windshield washer fluid light. The throttle control warning light can be tough to detect, and even tougher 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 it mean when the throttle control light comes on?
Simply enough, when your throttle control warning light comes on, there is something wrong with the throttle system in your car, in other words, the system in your car 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, but if the throttle malfunctions, your engine may be receiving the wrong amount of air and fuel mixture.
According to cartreatments.com, 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 issues with your ACV butterfly valve, which affects 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 does not have any noticeable drop in performance.
How do I fix my 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 should be able to scan your car for any warning codes and figure out what your car needs to get the warning light to come off the dash.
How much does it cost to fix my electronic throttle control?
The cheapest fix you could have involves a faulty sensor, and 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, but for the most accurate diagnosis, it is important to get your car to a licensed mechanic first before planning for any charges.
Keep your car in top-performing condition!
Even though it is possible to drive your car with a throttle control warning light on the dash, your car is indicating that there is something wrong, and for your car to be running as well as it possibly can, it is important to get all warning lights checked out before catastrophic damage occurs to your engine.
