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.
Electronic throttle unit
The electronic throttle unit, using the PWM control signal from the engine control module (ECM), regulates the amount of air for engine combustion. This is done using an electronically controlled shutter.
The aluminum electronic throttle unit consists of a round throttle disc on a spindle. The spindle is driven by a DC motor (damper motor), gear wheel and two springs; one for opening and one for return.
By changing the polarity of the power supply, the DC motor can be run in both directions. At one of the limit positions the throttle disc is closed so that minimal air can pass the throttle unit. In the other limit position, the throttle disc is parallel to the air flow. This provides maximum airflow through the electronic throttle unit.
Two permanent magnets in the gear sector on the throttle spindle are used to check the position of the throttle disc. The permanent magnets affect two throttle position (TP) Hall sensors in the cover. The analog signals from the two sensors are transmitted to the engine control module (ECM). The signals are offset. The engine control module (ECM) compares these signals with the stored desired values to check if they are plausible.
The electronic throttle unit is located on the engine intake manifold. In the event of a fault, the throttle unit must be replaced as a single unit.
The engine control module (ECM) can diagnose the electronic throttle unit.
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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.
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