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.
Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) Motor
The TAC is a DC motor controlled by the PCM (requires 2 wires). The gear ratio from the motor to the throttle plate shaft is 17:1. The motor housing is integrated into the main housing. Two springs are used; one is used to close the throttle (main spring) and the other is in a plunger assembly that results in a default angle when no power is applied. The force of the plunger spring is 2 times stronger than the main spring. The default angle is usually set to result in a top vehicle speed of 48 km/h (30 mph). Typically this throttle angle is 7 to 8 degrees from the hard stop angle. The closed throttle plate hard stop is used to prevent the throttle from binding in the bore (~0.75 degree). This hard stop setting is not adjustable and is set to result in less airflow than the minimum engine airflow required at idle. For additional information, refer to the TORQUE BASED ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC)Β .
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.