Ram Truck Service Electronic Throttle Control (Let’s See)

Ram Trucks, known as Dodge Ram, is a light and medium-duty truck and commercial vehicle manufacturer based in the United States.

This truck is available in a variety of models. The Electronic Throttle Control in this vehicle is a very important component. 

It is a feature that is hardly ever seen as it operates in the background, making it easy and convenient for the driver to change between gears while driving. 

Nearly all today’s cars include electronic throttle controls, and the Ram Truck is not left out. The electronic throttle control system in Ram vehicles employs sensors that track the engine’s speed, the load on the engine, and the throttle position to modify the flow of fuel and ignition timing. 

What is Electronic Throttle Control? 

Electronic Throttle Control has been around for a long time. Various names have been given to it.

These systems are in charge of increasing fuel efficiency, lowering emissions, safeguarding powertrain components, and offering a better overall driving experience. 

As the name implies, Electronic Throttle Control is a vehicle technology that electronically links the pedal for accelerating to the throttle displacing the mechanical link. 

Electronic throttle control is a technology that works with your vehicle’s master computer, also known as the engine control unit (ECU).

It uses an engine’s electronic throttle body (air control valve, ACV) and a control module controlled by the accelerator pedal.

 An ETC system consists of three main parts; 

• An accelerator pedal module with two or more vehicle sensors 
• A throttle valve that can be controlled electrically by the electric throttle body. 
• A powertrain control module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM)

The Engine Control Module is an electrically controlled type module unit, a computer system with memory, CPU, and input or output device that uses software to calculate the required throttle position from data obtained from various sensors.

Throttle position sensors, engine speed sensors, and control switches are examples of these sensors. 

How Does It Work? 

The electronic throttle control is an advanced type of cable-operated throttle control found in older vehicles.

In older trucks, the gas pedal is connected to the engine by a cable attached to a link connecting to the throttle body.

When you press down on the accelerator pedal in a car with ETC, the throttle cable pulls the mechanical linkage in, connecting it to a butterfly valve installed in the throttle body.

The mass air flow sensor detects air changes as the valve opens and closes.

It then sends the information to your car’s Electronic Control Module (ECM), which subsequently increases the amount of fuel fed to the injector to ensure an adequate air-fuel ratio.

After the ECM has analyzed the information received, it alters the fuel flow at the fuel injectors as needed. 

It is important to note that the Electronic throttle control does not work on engines with mechanical throttles. 

#1. Pros 

#1. Reduction In Maintenance

Mechanical throttle systems are vulnerable to a lot of wear since they have many moving parts. The components of a car might wear out over time.

An electronic throttle control system, on the other hand, has fewer moving parts because it communicates its signals by electric impulse rather than moving parts.

 As a result, the system’s maintenance requirements are reduced. 

#2. Safety Advantages 

The throttle in a mechanical system is solely dependent on driver input to determine how much it should open or close.

The main control unit of an electronic throttle control system detects input from the driver’s foot on the accelerator.

It also evaluates input from slipping, gripping, steering, and braking wheels. 

As a result, it helps to remedy any error from the driver and keep the car under control.

The throttle control system helps a car’s speed and direction by balancing numerous aspects. 

#2. Cons 

• The electronic control unit aids in engine control. It’s in charge of keeping track of and controlling the engine’s performance. It accomplishes this by communicating with the throttle. If the electronic control unit has an issue, it will not communicate with the throttle. 

It could cause various engine problems, including engine stalling, loss of power, and poor fuel efficiency. 

• The electronic throttle control problem in the 2013 Dodge Ram might cause the vehicle to stop accelerating or accelerate too quickly and lurch forward suddenly. On highways, this makes it hard for vehicles to maintain a consistent speed or stay in their lane. 
• Throttle controls have one big drawback: most can greatly restrict accelerator pedal speed. If your controller is set to performance mode after reaching around 50% of the pedal, the electronic control unit will already be reading 100%. Anything above that isn’t going to change the situation. 

What Does It Mean When It Says Service Electronic Throttle Control? 

The Service Electronic Throttle Control light, like the check engine light, indicates an issue that may require immediate attention.

It could mean that the Electronic Throttle Control needs to be replaced or reset. 

The light is similar to a lightning bolt with a parenthesis on both sides. It is usually yellow, crimson, or orange.

When this light suddenly appears, it implies a problem with your ETC. Most of the time, it serves as a warning before the engine develops serious complications. 

How Do I Reset My Electronic Throttle Control System? 

To reset the throttle control system; 

• Firstly, ensure the accelerator pedal is not engaged 
• After that, start the vehicle and wait ten seconds. Listen for a sound of operation from the throttle valve to show it’s working for these 10 seconds, then turn it off. 

If resetting it does not work, you will need to replace it because it may no longer be functional. 

How Much Does it Cost to Service Electronic Throttle Control? 

The cost of replacing the electronic throttle controller ranges from $300 to $1,500, based on where you live and how long it takes to perform the task. 

Consider the mechanic’s artistry as it determines the total cost of servicing the Electronic Throttle Control.

The cost is also determined by what needs to be repaired or replaced and what might be wrong with the throttle body or other parts. 

Also, a unique relearn procedure is necessary when the throttle control has been changed.

The relearn method is required so that the control module may learn how to operate the gas pedal and throttle in resting settings. 

Can I Drive With Service Electronic Throttle Control? 

Yes, you can still drive with the Service Electronic Throttle Control light.

But remember that the light is on in your vehicle means that there is a throttle control problem or a problem in the engine that needs immediate attention. 

Such a problem needs to be attended to as quickly as possible to prevent additional damage to the throttle control system, the engine, and other parts of the vehicle. 

Conclusion 

Electronic throttle control is responsible for electrically attaching the gas pedal to the throttle, such that if there is a break, it affects the vehicle’s entire performance.

Therefore, checking your electronic throttle control light and other indications while driving is critical.

Although the ETC is a complicated technology, it makes driving a car easier and safer while lowering maintenance costs.