The gas pedal has evolved from a mechanical linkage to the carburetor, to today’s computerized electronic throttle control.
Pressing the pedal signals the engine to increase speed, a crucial function. In modern cars, the electronic throttle control system does this job, overseen by sensors.
Warning lights, such as the electronic throttle control light, alert you to issues before they leave you stranded. Let’s look at how this system works, what causes the throttle control light to come on, and whether it’s safe to continue driving.
What is a Throttle Control Warning Light?
The throttle control warning light is located in your car’s instrument panel. This light will illuminate when degraded performance of the electronic throttle control is detected.
Like the check engine light (CEL), traction control light, or other warning lights, this light tells you a problem exists that may require corrective action. See your car’s owner’s manual for further information.
When you see the TCL steadily glowing or flashing, the Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD2) will have set one or more trouble codes.
Using a diagnostic tool, you or your service technician can display these codes and use them to find the fault(s) with your car’s fuel-air supply and related systems.
What Does the Electronic Throttle Control Light Look Like?
The TCL icon in your instrument panel looks like this: a short vertical lightning bolt suspended between two curved inward vertical lines. Generally it will be yellow, red, or orange in color.
This light will momentarily illuminate during your car’s engine start procedure to let you know it is operating.
Note: Not every car will have a throttle control warning light. Check your owner’s manual (printed or online) to determine if your car has one.
If it does, the owner’s manual will also show you the location and appearance of this light. Late model Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep products include this feature.
What Will Cause the TCL to Illuminate?
The following malfunctions will turn on the throttle control light:
#1. ETC System Electrical Problems.
Loss of or intermittent signal to or from the ECU or gas pedal module.
Possible Causes
- Faulty wiring or loose/corroded connectors
- Faulty pedal module
- Mechanical failure of module linkage to gas pedal
#2. ACV Butterfly Valve Motion Inhibited.
Valve unable to move smoothly from idle position to wide open position
Possible Causes
- Dirt or corrosion around butterfly valve and/or shaft
- Butterfly valve mechanical failure
- Water entry to ACV causing internal corrosion or servo failure
#3. Sensor Malfunction.
Some type of fault or malfunction in a sensor such as the throttle position sensor (located on the air control valve) can cause the electronic throttle control light to come on.
Symptoms of an Electronic Throttle Control Problem
Engine operation can be adversely affected by any of the above malfunctions. Adverse operation may include any of the following disconcerting behaviors:
- Engine stalling
- Engine misfiring
- Rough or lumpy idling
- Inability to smoothly accelerate
- Inability to maintain a constant speed
- Reduced cruising speed
- The car will reach a certain speed but go no faster.
- This may occur if the ECU determines higher speeds will damage the engine or related systems. This is referred to as limp mode.
- Engine will either not start or be difficult to start
- Noticeable reduction in fuel economy
- Black smoky exhaust
As mentioned above, any problems that cause the TCL to come on will set a fault code. The check engine light (CEL) will also illuminate.
ETC problems can mimic other engine system issues. This is where OBD2 fault codes can prove to be exceptionally beneficial in enabling proper diagnostic work.
What is Electronic Throttle Control?
Electronic throttle control is a system integrated with your car’s master computer, the engine control unit (ECU). It utilizes a control module operated by the accelerator pedal and an electronic throttle body (air control valve – ACV) on the engine.
The electronic fuel injection (EFI) system is also controlled by the ETC. All three devices and systems work together enabling precise engine speed modulation.
When you press the gas pedal down, the ETC system opens the ACV’s internal butterfly valve to admit greater airflow to the engine while the EFI increases fuel flow. Thus the engine speeds up.
At the same time, the ECU adjusts the timing of both the engine valves and ignition in accord with programmed profiles that will produce smooth and powerful engine acceleration.
It should also be noted that the ETC dictates engine speed independent of gas pedal position during the warmup period just after you start the engine.
Engine idle speed is automatically elevated to provide smooth cold operation as well as minimize unburned fuel from exiting the engine to the catalytic converters. In this fashion, emissions are minimized during cold start conditions.
Most air control valves include a throttle position sensor (TPS). The TPS provides a signal back to the ECU confirming that the air valve is responding precisely as it is commanded by the ECU.
In sports or high performance cars, the ETC may be designed to include several operational modes that can be selected by the driver. These modes might look like this:
- A so called ‘normal’ mode will serve most driving situations and offer the best fuel economy.
- A ‘sport’ mode could alter the ETC throttle position profile giving faster throttle response during acceleration.
- The next step might be a ‘track’ mode. This would be intended to further enhance performance.
These alternate modes would also include changes to valve and ignition timing profiles. Of course, selecting a performance setting will decrease fuel economy but will not adversely affect emissions.
This multi-mode capability can add to the driving enjoyment for most automotive enthusiasts.
As clever as it may be, the ETC can malfunction. This is when the throttle control warning light (TCL) comes into play.
Can You Drive With the TCL Illuminated?
A steadily lit throttle control light indicates an intermittent or ongoing problem, but the car may still be driven.
It is possible that the ECU will limit top speed as discussed above. The TCL ‘on’ condition should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid cumulative damage to other systems in your car.
A flashing throttle control light (like a flashing CEL) indicates a serious problem that will require immediate service.
Beyond reaching a safe place off the side of the road, the car should not be further driven when either of these warnings are noted.