Throttle-By-Wire Diagnostics
Throttle-by-wire systems proactively manage the air and fuel going into the combustion chamber.
Diagnosing Throttle-By-Wire Limp Modes
Throttle-by-wire allows engines to better utilize variable valve timing and direct injection for torque and power.
Throttle-By-Wire: More Than Just A Throttle Butterfly
Swapping one throttle-by-wire unit for a new unit in hopes of resolving a code or limp-mode problem is not an option due to the high price and strict manufacturer return policies.
Diagnosing Throttle-By-Wire Problems
The main reason for the switch to Throttle-By-Wire (TBW) or Drive-by-Wire is that it allows the ECM to work in harmony with other engine control systems such as cruise control, traction control, torque management and stability control.
VIDEO: Resetting Throttle-By-Wire
Jason Stahl discusses the best and safest way to reset a throttle-by-wire system. Sponsored by Standard.
Idle And Throttle-By-Wire Systems
With carburetors, idle was a set RPM number that depended on the angle of the primary’s throttle. During a tune up, idle was set with a screwdriver. Also set was the fast idle cam that changed the throttle angle when the choke was set on some carburetors. Idle was a fixed angle and the idle would change as the A/C compressor clutch engaged or electrical loads increased.
Inside Throttle-By-Wire
A simple cable linking the gas pedal to the throttle plate just wasn’t good enough for engineers, who have now complicated the design with throttle-by-wire.
Throttle-By-Wire Diagnostics
Throttle-by-wire is a standard feature on most late-model vehicles. Most of the time, the system is very reliable and usually does not fail completely, thereby leaving the driver stranded. Instead it “limps” along, letting the driver move at idle or at a restricted speed. Swapping a throttle-by-wire unit for a new unit hoping to resolve a code or limp-mode problem is not an option due to the high price and strict manufacturer return policies. Being able to think through and diagnose a throttle-by-wire problem is critical to working on late-model vehicles.
Throttle-By-Wire Codes: P1512 On 2002 GMC Envoy
The PCM continuously monitors the commanded and actual throttle positions. The commanded throttle position is compared to the actual throttle position based on accelerator pedal position and possibly other limiting factors, and both values should be within a calibrated range of the other.
The Benefits and Innerworkings of Throttle-By-Wire
A simple cable linking the gas pedal to the throttle plate just wasn’t good enough for engineers, who have now complicated the design with throttle-by-wire. Why do engineers do these things to us? That expensive throttle body can’t be cheaper than a little throttle cable — or can it? Does this design provide any advantages
