Electronic Throttle Control Systems

Lesson Objectives 1. Determine the condition of the ETCS-i system based on engine
data

2. Determine the root cause of a failure(s) in the ETCS-i system

using the appropriate diagnostic procedures
 Electronic Electronic Throttle Control System - intelligence (ETCS-i) has several
Throttle Control advantages because the ECM will position the throttle valve for
Systems optimum performance. In a mechanical system, the opening rate of the
throttle valve is controlled directly by the driver. ETCS-i can control
the rate for better engine performance. On vehicles equipped with
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), ETCS-i will adjust the throttle valve to
maintain traction on acceleration. The ISC system and cruise control
functions are part of the ECTS-i system. There is also a limp home
feature if the system is shut off.

The throttle motor operates the throttle valve. An electromagnetic

clutch connects the throttle motor to the throttle valve. The throttle
position sensor detects throttle valve angle. The accelerator pedal
position sensor detects accelerator pedal position. The ECM adjusts the
throttle valve angle in response to engine and vehicle conditions. Some
versions used a thermostat to keep the throttle body at the proper
temperature.
Operation The following describe the functions of the major components of
ETCS-i.

 Acceleration Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) - The APPS,

which is mounted on the throttle body, is integrated with the
throttle lever. The throttle lever is connected by cable to the
accelerator pedal. As the driver moves the accelerator pedal the
APPS signal voltage changes indicating pedal position. There
are two voltage output signals from the APPS. The ECM uses
 these two signals to calculate the desired throttle valve angle.
Also, by using two signals the ECM is able to compare and
detect if there is anything wrong with the APPS's performance.

 Throttle Position Sensor - The TPS is used to detect the actual

angle of the throttle valve. This signal indicates to the ECM
throttle valve position and that the throttle valve moved to the
desired angle. Throttle valve position detection is necessary for
the ECM to make adjustments to the throttle valve position and
to detect if there is a failure in the system.

 Throttle Control Motor - The throttle control motor is a DC

motor controlled by the ECM. The ECM controls the direction
and the amperage of the current through the motor. The circuit
is pulsewidth modulated (duty ratio cycle regulated). If there is
a malfunction in the system, the ECM shuts the circuit (and
clutch circuit) off and the return springs close the throttle valve.
The ECM will turn the motor off if there is excessive amperage
or not enough amperage in the motor circuit.

 Magnetic Clutch - Under normal operation, the magnetic

clutch connects the throttle control motor to the throttle valve.
The circuit is pulsewidth modulated reducing power
consumption. If there is a malfunction in ETCS-i, the ECM
turns off the clutch circuit (and motor) if there is too much or
not enough amperage in the circuit.

 Thermostat - A thermostat is installed in the throttle body to

shut off the flow of coolant when coolant temperature is high.
This prevents the throttle body from heating up the intake air
reducing performance. The thermostat uses a wax expansion
valve to open and close the coolant passage.

 Fail-Safe - If an abnormal condition occurs with the ETCS-i,

the MIL will illuminate to alert the driver. At the same time,
current to the throttle control motor and magnetic clutch are cut
off. With no power to the motor or magnetic clutch, the return
spring closes the throttle valve to the default position. In this
situation, called limp mode, the accelerator pedal operates the
limp mode lever. When in limp mode, the throttle can only be
partially opened reducing engine power. Furthermore, ISC and
cruise control systems will not operate.
ETCS-i Control The ECM drives the throttle control motor to a target throttle angle as
Modes determined by operating conditions. The following describes the
different modes:

 Non-linear Control - Non-linear control means the ECM can

control the throttle valve opening rate and position based on
such factors as accelerator pedal effort and engine rpm to
achieve better performance and comfort. In slippery conditions,
the throttle valve can be controlled to aid in vehicle stability.

 Shift Shock Reduction Control - The throttle control is

synchronized to the Electronically Controlled Transmission
control during the shifting of the transmission to reduce the
shift shock.

 Idle Speed Control - The ECM adjusts the throttle opening to

maintain the target idle speed.

 TRAC Throttle Control - As part of the TRAC system, the

throttle valve is closed by a demand signal from the ABS,
TRAC, and VSC ECU if an excessive amount of slippage is
occurring at the driven wheel.

 VSC Coordination Control - VSC performance is enhanced

when the throttle valve opening angle is modified by the ABS,
TRAC, and VSC ECUs.
  Cruise Control - ETCS-i eliminates the need for a separate
cruise control system. Cruise control strategies and functions
are incorporated into the ECM.

ETCS-i Throttle The ECM controls the direction and amount of current needed to
Motor Circuit activate the throttle control motor to adjust throttle valve position. The
Operation throttle motor can be in any one of the following five modes:

 Default position.
 Throttle closing.
 Throttle opening.
 Throttle hold.
 Idle speed control.

The motor circuit consists of four control transistors on the MO and

MC circuits. One transistor supplies power and the other transistor
completes the path to ground. This configuration allows the ECM to
control the direction of current through the motor.

This circuit is also pulsewidth modulated to control the rate of throttle

movement and to hold the throttle in a given position. For rapid throttle
opening, the pulse width duty ratio will be high (current flow high) for
rapid movement.

To hold the throttle in the desired position, the ECM applies enough
current to oppose spring pressure.

If the traction control mode is engaged, the pulsewidth will be less,

limiting the rate of opening from idle. If the throttle valve is opened too
far, the ECM will decrease the pulsewidth closing the throttle.
Default Position When there is no current applied to the motor, the springs hold the
throttle valve in the default position. This condition occurs when the
engine ignition key is off or when the ECM has detected a failure in the
ETCS-i system. When a failure is detected, current to the motor and
clutch is turned off. These actions disengage the motor from the
throttle shaft and prevent the motor moving the throttle valve. In this
state, the idle is higher than normal when the engine is at operating
temperature. The throttle valve will move if the driver presses down
further on the accelerator pedal.
Throttle Hold To maintain the desired throttle valve angle, the applied duty ratio
creates enough force in the motor to oppose spring pressure.
Idle Speed The throttle valve is adjusted to maintain the desired idle speed. If the
Control desired idle speed needs the throttle valve below the default position,
the throttle close circuit is activated. Any decrease in duty ratio will
open the throttle valve and raise engine RPM. If the desired idle speed
needs the throttle valve above the default position, the throttle open
circuit is activated.
Diagnostics When ETCS-i is in Fail Safe mode, the driver will notice the pedal
travel is longer in relation to engine response and that the MIL is on.
Retrieve the DTCs and follow repair manual procedures.
 WORKSHEET 7—1
ETCS-i System

Technician Objectives

With this worksheet, you will learn to test ETCS-i systems using the required tools and
equipment, retrieve and apply the needed service information, retrieve and interpret service
data information.

Tools and Equipment

 Vehicle Repair Manual

 Vehicle EWD
 Diagnostic Tester & DVOM
 Hand Tool Set

Section 1

Throttle Control Motor

1. Connect the Diagnostic Tester Auto probe to the throttle motor circuit according to
the Repair Manual. Start the engine and raise engine to approximately 1000 RPM.
Draw or print the waveform.
 2. Does the waveform match the Repair Manual waveform?

_____________________

3. Raise engine RPM to 2000. What happened to the waveform and frequency? Draw
the pattern.

Throttle Clutch

1. Connect the Diagnostic Tester Autoprobe to the ETCS-i clutch circuit. Set the
Diagnostic Tester to the Oscilloscope function, according to the RM. Connect
DVOM to DC volts, Hz.

2. Start the engine and at idle RPM note the waveform.

3. Does the waveform match the Repair Manual waveform?

_____________________

4. Draw or print the waveform.

Section 2

1. Using the RM, inspect IACV operation by connecting TE1 and E1 terminals in
DLC1 (if applicable). What happened to the idle?

_____________________

2. Go to Active Test for the IACV system. Increase the IACV percentage. What
happened to engine RPM?

_____________________

3. Decrease IACV percentage. What happened to engine RPM?

_____________________

4. What is the frequency?

_____________________

5. Raise engine RPM to 2000. What happened to the waveform and frequency?

_____________________

Go to ETCS-i DATA LIST. Record the following at:

Section 3

Using the Repair Manual, complete the following statements.

1. For the rotary solenoid with two driver circuits:

Applying battery voltage to terminal +B and grounding the RSC terminal will
cause the valve to

_____________________

Applying battery voltage to terminal +B and grounding the RSO terminal will
cause the valve to
 _____________________

2. For the rotary solenoid with a single driver circuit:

_____________________

Applying battery voltage to terminal +B and grounding the RSO terminal will
cause the valve to

_____________________