Section 7

Electronic Throttle Control Systems

Throttle Motor
Throttle Valve

Reduction Gears

Throttle Position Sensor

Throttle Return Spring

L852f809

Lesson Objectives 1. Determine the condition of the ETCS-i system based on engine data
2. Determine the root cause of a failure(s) in the ETCS-i system using the
appropriate diagnostic procedures

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852

Section 7

LEXUS Technical Training

 Section 7

Electronic Throttle Control Systems

Electronic Throttle Control

Throttle Motor
System — intelligence (ETCS–i)
Throttle Valve

Reduction Gears

Limp Mode Lever

Throttle Return Spring
Throttle Valve
Throttle Position Sensor

Throttle Position Sensor

Acceleration Pedal
Position Sensor

Magnetic Clutch Fig. 7-01

Throttle Control Motor T852f275/L852f809

Electronic Electronic throttle control system-intelligence(ETCS-i) has several

Throttle advantages over a mechanical linked throttle valve system because the
Control ECM can position the throttle valve for optimum performance under a
Systems variety of conditions.
Overview
In a mechanical system, the ratio between the throttle valve angle and
accelerator pedal position is fixed. This is not desirable under a variety
of conditions. An ETCS-i equipped engine can change the relationship
between the throttle valve angle and accelerator pedal position for opti-
mum engine performance. For example, on vehicles equipped with
Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), ETCS-i will adjust the throttle valve to main-
tain traction on acceleration.

With ETCS-i, the ISC system and cruise control functions are built into
the system. There is no separate ISC or cruise control motor.

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-1

Section 7

There are different versions of the ETCS-i. One version is called a link
type system because there is a cable connected from the accelerator
pedal to the throttle body.

Another version is called a linkless system because there is no mechani-

cal connection from the accelerator pedal to the throttle body.

If the ECM detects an abnormal condition, the engine is put into Fail-
Safe mode and the vehicle under limited power can get home. This is
called the limp home feature. The following is an overview that is com-
mon to both systems.

ETCS-i Throttle
Opening Rate

The relationship between

the accelerator pedal
angle and throttle valve
opening angle changes
Throttle Valve Opening angle

with different modes. Normal-Mode

Power-Mode

Snow-Mode

Accelerator Pedal Angle

Fig. 7-02
T852810

ETCS-i Control The ECM drives the throttle valve to a specified angle as determined by
Modes operating conditions. Different throttle valve angles in relation to the
accelerator pedal position are used to achieve different engine output
characteristics. The following describes the different modes that affect
throttle valve angles. Not all of the following modes are found on all
ETCS-i equipped vehicles.

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 Electronic Throttle Control Systems

• Non-linear Control - Non linear control means the ECM can control
the throttle valve opening rate and position based on such factors as
accelerator pedal effort and engine output to achieve better perform-
ance and comfort.

• Power-mode Control - On vehicles equipped with a POWER switch,

turning this switch on causes the ECM to increase the ratio of acceler-
ator pedal position to throttle valve angle. The increase engine output
in relation to accelerator pedal position.

• Snow-mode Control - When slippery conditions are anticipated, the

driver can turn on the SNOW switch. This will decrease the throttle
valve opening in proportion with the accelerator pedal position. With
the SNOW switch on, engine output is reduced in relation to accelera-
tor pedal position. This will in vehicle stability and tire traction.

• Shift Shock Reduction Control - The throttle control is synchronized

to the Electronically Controlled Transmission control during the shift-
ing of the transmission to reduce the shift shock.

• Idle Speed Control - The ECM adjusts the throttle opening to main-
tain the target idle speed.

• TRAC Throttle Control - As part of the TRAC system, the throttle

valve is closed by a demand signal form the ABS, TRAC, and VSC ECU
if an excessive amount of slippage is occurring at the driving wheel.

• VSC Coordination Control - VSC performance is enhanced when the

throttle valve opening angle is modified by the ABS, TRAC, and VSC
ECU's.

• Cruise Control - ETCS-i eliminates the need for a separate cruise

control system. Cruise control strategies and functions are incorporat-
ed into the ECM.

ETCS-i Throttle The ECM controls the direction and amount of current needed to activate
Motor Circuit the throttle control motor to adjust throttle valve position. The throttle
Operation motor can be in any one of the following five modes.

• Default position

• Throttle closing

• Throttle opening

• Throttle hold

• Idle speed control

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-3

Section 7

This circuit consists of two transistors on the MO and MC wires. One

transistor supplies power and the other transistor completes the path to
ground. This configuration allows the ECM to control the direction of
current through the motor.

This circuit is also pulsewidth modulated to control the rate of throttle

movement and to hold the throttle in a given position. For rapid throttle
opening, the pulse width duty ratio will be high(current flow high) for
rapid movement.

To hold the throttle in the desired position, the ECM applies enough
current to oppose spring pressure.

If the traction control mode is engaged, the pulsewidth will be less,

limiting the rate of opening from idle. If the throttle valve is opened too
far, the ECM will decrease the pulsewidth closing the throttle.

Default Position When there is no current applied to the motor, the springs hold the
throttle valve in the default position. This condition occurs when the
engine ignition key is off or when the ECM has detected a failure in the
ETCS-i system. In this state, the idle is higher than normal when the
engine is at operating temperature.

Throttle Closing Current flows from the MC to the MO terminal. The MC supply transis-
tor and the MO ground transistor are turned on. The rate the throttle
valve closes is a combination of spring tension, pulsewidth duration,
and direction of current flow. To further close the throttle valve after the
default position, current must flow as shown in the drawing.

Throttle Closing
ECM

+B +B

MC

M
MO

Fig. 7-03
T852f279

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 Electronic Throttle Control Systems

Throttle Opening Above the default position, the MO supply transistor and MC ground
transistor are turned on allowing current to flow from MO to MC termi-
nals. Below the default position, the current flow direction is the same as
in the throttle close operation, but the pulsewidth is decreased and in
combination with spring tension, the throttle valve opens.

Throttle Opening ECM

+B +B

MC

M
MO

Fig. 7-04
T852f280

Throttle Hold To maintain the desired throttle valve angle, the applied duty ratio creates
enough force in motor to oppose spring pressure.

Idle Speed Control The throttle valve is adjusted to maintain the desired idle speed. If the
desired idle speed needs the throttle valve below the default position, the
throttle close circuit is activated. Any decrease in duty ratio will open the
throttle valve and raise engine RPM. If the desired idle speed needs the
throttle valve above the default position, the throttle open circuit is acti-
vated.

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-5

Section 7

ETCS-i Link The throttle motor operates the throttle valve as described previously.
Type System An electromagnetic clutch connects the throttle motor to the throttle
Operation valve. The throttle position sensor detects throttle valve angle. The
accelerator pedal position sensor detects accelerator pedal position. The
throttle lever is connected by cable to the accelerator pedal. As the driv-
er moves the accelerator pedal the APPS signal voltage changes indicat-
ing a new pedal position. The ECM then adjusts the throttle angle based
on the APPS signals, engine conditions, and vehicle conditions. Later
versions used a thermostat to keep the throttle body at the proper tem-
perature.

ETCS-i Overview
Throttle Valve Throttle Position
Sensor
Accelerator
Position Sensor

Throttle
Control
Motor

Magnet
Clutch

ABS & TRAC

ECM
& VSC ECU

Fig. 7-05
T852f276

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 Electronic Throttle Control Systems

Thermostat

Thermostat

Wax Valve

To Throttle Body From Water Outlet

Fig. 7-06
T852f277

ETCS-i Link Type The following is description on the function of the major components.
System Component
Operation • Acceleration Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) - The APPS, which is
mounted on the throttle body, is integrated with the throttle lever. The
throttle lever is connected by cable to the accelerator pedal. As the
driver moves the accelerator pedal the APPS signal voltage changes
indicating pedal position. There are two voltage output signals from
the APPS. The ECM uses these two signals to calculate the desired
throttle valve angle. Also, by using two signals the ECM is able to
compare and detect if there is anything wrong with the APPS's per-
formance.

• Throttle Position Sensor - The TPS is used to detect the actual angle
of the throttle valve. This signal indicates to the ECM throttle valve
position and that the throttle valve moved to the desired angle.
Throttle valve position detection is necessary for the ECM to make
adjustments to the throttle valve position and to detect if there is a
failure in the system.

• Throttle Control Motor - The throttle control motor is a DC motor

controlled by the ECM. The ECM controls the direction and the
amperage of the current through the motor. The circuit is pulsewidth
modulated(duty cycle regulated). If there is a malfunction in the sys-
tem, the ECM shuts the circuit (and clutch circuit) off and the return
springs return the throttle to the default position. The ECM will turn
the motor off if there is excessive amperage or not enough amperage
in the motor circuit.

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-7

Section 7

• Magnetic Clutch - Under normal operation, the magnetic clutch

connects the throttle control motor to the throttle valve. The circuit
is pulsewidth modulated reducing power consumption. If there is a
malfunction that will put the ETCS-I into Fail-Safe, the ECM will
turn off the clutch circuit disengaging the motor from the throttle
valve. If the ECM detects too much or not enough amperage in the
circuit, the ECM will turn off the clutch.

• Thermostat - A thermostat is installed on some throttle bodies to

shut off the flow of coolant when coolant temperature is high. This
prevents the throttle body from heating up the intake air reducing
performance. The thermostat uses a wax expansion valve to open
and close the coolant passage.

Fail Safe Mode If an abnormal condition occurs with the ETCS-i, the MIL will illuminate
Link Type to alert the driver. At the same time, current to the throttle control
motor and magnetic clutch are cut off. With no power to the motor or
magnetic clutch, the return spring returns the throttle valve to the
default position. In this situation, called limp mode, the accelerator
pedal operates the limp mode lever. When in limp mode, the throttle can
only be partially opened reducing engine power. The driver will notice
the pedal travel is longer in relation to engine response and that the MIL
is on. Furthermore, ISC and cruise control functions will not operate.

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 Electronic Throttle Control Systems

ETCS-i Linkless Accelerator Pedal Throttle Valve Throttle Position Sensor

Type System Position Sensor
Throttle
There is no mechanical Control
Motor
link or electromagnetic
clutch with this system.
.

Skid
Control
ECU

Mass Air Distance

ECM Control Laser Radar
Flow Meter Sensor*
ECU*

Passenger
Side J/B Snow Switch
ECU

Ignition Fuel
Coils Injectors

Fig. 7-07
*with Laser Cruise Control L852f811

ETCS-i Linkless The linkless ETCS-i uses a compact throttle body with no mechanical
Type System connection between the accelerator pedal and throttle body. The accelera-
Operation tor pedal position sensor is mounted at the accelerator pedal. As the driv-
er moves the accelerator pedal the APPS signal voltage changes indicating
a new pedal position. The ECM then adjusts the throttle angle based on
the APPS signals, engine conditions, and vehicle conditions. The throttle
position sensor detects throttle valve angle.

This system does not use a magnetic clutch. Operation of this system is
nearly identical to the link type.

ETCS-i Linkless Type The following is description on the function of the major components.
System Component
Operation • Acceleration Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) - The APPS is mounted
at the accelerator pedal. As the driver moves the accelerator pedal the
APPS signal voltage changes indicating pedal position.There are two
voltage output signals from the APPS. The ECM uses these two signals
to calculate the desired throttle valve angle. By using two signals the
ECM is able to compare and detect if there is anything wrong with the
APPS's performance. See Fail-Safe Mode Linkless Type for more infor-
mation.

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-9

Section 7

• Throttle Position Sensor - The TPS is used to detect the actual

angle of the throttle valve. This signal indicates to the ECM throttle
valve position and that the throttle valve moved to the desired angle.
Throttle valve position detection is necessary for the ECM to make
adjustments to the throttle valve position and to detect if there is a
failure in the system. See Fail-Safe Mode Linkless Type for more
information.

• Throttle Control Motor - The throttle control motor is a DC motor

controlled by the ECM. The ECM controls the direction and the
amperage of the current through the motor. The circuit is pulsewidth
modulated(duty cycle regulated). If there is a malfunction in the sys-
tem, the ECM shuts the circuit off and the return springs return the
throttle to the default position. The ECM will turn the motor off if
there is excessive amperage or not enough amperage in the motor
circuit.

Fail Safe Mode There are three different Fail-Safe modes with this system.
3UZ-FE Linkless
Type • Fail-Safe Mode APPS Single Circuit Failure - If either the main or
sub Accelerator Pedal Position circuits should fail, the ECM provides
an active throttle range from idle to approximately twenty-five per-
cent of maximum throttle opening. The driver will notice distinct loss
in power, but has limited control of engine RPM.

Fail-Safe Mode
APPS Single Circuit Failure

ECM

Accelerator Pedal Return Spring

Position Sensor Open

Main Main
Sub

Throttle
Sub Throttle Control
Valve Motor

Accelerator Pedal Throttle Body

Fig. 7-08
L852f812

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 Electronic Throttle Control Systems

• Fail-Safe Mode APPS Dual Circuit Failure - If the ECM detects a fail-
ure in both circuits of the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor current to
the throttle motor is turned off, and the force of the return spring
causes the throttle valve to return and stay at a fixed (default) posi-
tion. In this state, engine RPM is fixed. The driver has no control over
engine RPM, but the vehicle will run allowing the vehicle to limp
home.

Fail-Safe Mode
APPS Dual Circuit Failure

ECM

Accelerator Pedal Return Spring

Position Sensor Fixed

Main Main
Sub

Throttle
Sub Throttle Control
Valve Motor

Accelerator Pedal Throttle Body

Fig. 7-09
L852f812

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-11

Section 7

• Fail-Safe Mode TPS Circuit Failure - Any failure of either of the

TPS main and sub circuits causes the ECM to turn off the throttle
control motor and the throttle valve is then held in a fixed (default)
position by the return spring. But in this mode, engine RPM is regu-
lated by controlling fuel injection and ignition timing according to
the APPS signals. The driver will notice a distinct loss in power, but
has limited control of engine RPM.

Fail-Safe Mode
TPS Circuit Failure

Injectors ECM Ignition Coils

Accelerator Pedal Return Spring

Position Sensor Fixed

Main Main
Sub

Throttle
Sub Throttle Control
Valve Motor

Accelerator Pedal Throttle Body

Fig. 7-10
L852f812

Diagnosis The diagnostic procedures for both systems are nearly identical. All
ETCS-i DTCs are one trip DTCs. Retrieve the DTCs and follow repair
manual procedures. The following is a general overview.

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 Electronic Throttle Control Systems

APPS

There are minor circuit variations with

different APPSs. The circuits are
checked by comparing voltage output
to pedal position.

5v
Close

Output Voltage
VPA2

Open

VPA

0v
E2 VPA2 VPA VC Close Open
Accelerator Pedal Angle

Close 5v
Output Voltage

VPA2
Open

VPA

0v
EP2 VPA2 VPA VCP1 Close Open
VCP2 EP1 Accelerator Pedal Angle

Fig. 7-11
T852f281/L852f815
L852f816/L852f813

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-13

Section 7

TPS

The main and sub TPS circuits are

checked by comparing voltage output to
pedal position. If the TPS needs to be
replaced, it must set according to the
repair manual.

5v
Close

Output Voltage
VTA2

Open

VTA

0v
E2 VTA2 VTA VC Close Open
Throttle Valve Opening Angle

Fig. 7-12
T852f281/L852f814

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 Electronic Throttle Control Systems

M+ Signal Waveform
Throttle Motor

The throttle motor control circuit operational 5V/Division

check is performed with an oscilloscope.
The RM provides the waveform when
connected to the M+ or M- terminal. The
waveform will vary with a change in throttle
angle. An ohmmeter is used to check the
resistance of the motor coils. GND

1 msec./Division

M– Signal Waveform

5V/Division

GND

Fig. 7-13
1 msec./Division T852f283/T852f282

Electromagnetic Clutch Circuit

Like the throttle control circuit, the clutch CL Signal Waveform

circuit is checked with an oscilloscope. A
normally operating circuit will be a square
5V/Division
wave. An ohmmeter is used to check the
resistance of the clutch coil.

GND

1 msec./Division

Fig. 7-14
T852f284

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-15

Section 7

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 WORKSHEET 7—1
ETCS-i System
(Instructor Copy)

Vehicle Year/ Prod. Date Engine Transmission

Technician Objectives
With this worksheet, you will learn to test ETCS-i systems using the required tools and equipment, retrieve
and apply the needed service information, retrieve and interpret service data information.

Tools and Equipment

• Vehicle Repair Manual

• Vehicle EWD

• Diagnostic Tester & DVOM

• Hand Tool Set

Section 1
Throttle Control Motor
1. Connect the Diagnostic Tester Auto probe to the throttle motor circuit according to the Repair Manual.
Start the engine and raise engine to approximately 1000 RPM. Draw or print the waveform.

2. Does the waveform match the Repair Manual waveform?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-17

Worksheet 7—1

3. Raise engine RPM to 2000. What happened to the waveform and frequency? Draw the pattern.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Throttle Clutch (Link Type Only)

1. Connect the Diagnostic Tester Autoprobe to the ETCS-i clutch circuit. Set the Diagnostic Tester to the
Oscilloscope function, according to the RM. Connect DVOM to DC volts, Hz.

2. Start the engine and at idle RPM note the waveform.

3. Does the waveform match the Repair Manual waveform?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Draw or print the waveform.

5. What is the frequency?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Raise engine RPM to 2000. What happened to the waveform and frequency?

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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 ETCS—i Systems

Go to ETCS-i DATA LIST. Record the following at:

Idle 1700 RPM What parameters changed and why?

Parameter Name DATA DATA

ACCEL POS #1

ACCEL POS #2

THROTTLE POS #2

THROTTLE TARGET

THROTL OPN DUTY

THROTL CLS DUTY

THROTTLE MOT

ETCS MAG CLUTCH*

+BM

ACCEL IDL POS

THROTTLE IDL POS

FAIL #1

FAIL #2

THROTTL INITIAL

ACCEL LEARN VAL

THROTTLE MOT

ETCS MAG CLUTCH*

*If equipped

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-19

Worksheet 7–1

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 ETCS–i System

Name ____________________________________________________________ Date ________________________________

Review this sheet as you are doing the worksheet. Check each category after completing the worksheet and
instructor presentation. Ask the instructor if you have questions. The comments section is for you to write where
to find the information, questions, etc.

I have questions I know I can

Topic Comment

Locate components in the ETCS-i system

using the EWD and RM

Find wire colors, pin numbers in the fuel

delivery electrical circuits using the EWD
and RM

Locate the ETCS-i Data List and compare

to specs. to determine condition

Test throttle control motor with

oscilloscope

Test clutch with oscilloscpe

Check and retrieve relevant DTCs

Check and retrieve relevant DTCs

Locate in the RM two sections related to

ETCS-i system concerns

Engine Control Systems I - Course L852 7-21

Worksheet 7–1

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