Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Electric Assist Choke: Description
Some vehicles are equipped with an electrically assisted choke thermostatic spring heater to aid in fast choke release and to improve emission characteristics. Two types of chokes are used, a temperature sensitive type and a constant operating type. Both types operate from current supplied from the center tap of the alternator when the engine is running.
The temperature sensitive electric assist choke system consists of a choke cap, thermostatic spring, a bi-metal temperature sensing disc (switch), and a ceramic positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater. The all-electric choke has 2 of these "heating pills", the second of which is turned on when the temperature is rising (54° to 74°F).
The constant operating type choke system consists of a choke cap, bi-metal spring, choke heater and a vacuum diaphragm and spring.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.