Q: Electronic throttle control light is on

asked by on March 15, 2016

My electronic throttle control light is on. My truck is not starting.

Newer cars don’t have a choke like the old cars did. The throttle body actually has a small gap that acts as the choke. If this gap gets clogged, and it does from time to time, the car wont start. If the sensor has gone bad and is reading that you are stepping on the throttle, it will cut off fuel. This happens to avoid flooding your car with fuel. Special equipment, like a scanner that can read codes has graphing capabilities, is sometimes necessary. A mechanic such as one from YourMechanic will have the appropriate tools to help diagnose the issue properly.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I read the speedometer in a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
The speedometer is on the right side of your instrument control panel. It tells you how fast you are driving at. The speedometer is a semicircle with numbers on it; the numbers represent the speed in either mph or km/h....
Clunking under acceleration
Sounds like you might have a broken motor mount. Broken mounts are a common issue and easily fixable. Most front wheel drive cars have 3 engine mounts and 2 transmission mounts. Some have additional torque mounts, so no need to...
Car Alarm goes off when driving - 2012 Toyota Corolla
Hi and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Car alarms are tricky and can drive people crazy. To my knowledge, there are several ways that the car will arm the alarm with the key in the ignition. Go around the vehicle...
Are red headlights illegal?
Hi there, Yes, this is true. It is indeed illegal to have anything but white or blue headlights. Red is meant to indicate the back of a car. Yellow is for marker lights, including turn signal lights. It is conceivable...
Door ajar light is on and the cab lights won't turn off while driving
Hi there. From the description you have provided, this is probably the result of a failed door ajar light switch. The door ajar switch is part of the door latch assembly (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/door-latch-replacement). It may have to be replaced as an...
Where is the canister purge selinoid located at?
The EVAP system is located in the rear of the vehicle near the fuel tank, which may be part of your problem in the event there is a leak in the EVAP system. Your car has a small purge valve...
Transmission runs good ,the select shift won't shift
Hello. The warning light you are referring to is not one we know by that name. Check your owner's manual for more information on what the warning lights mean and how critical they are to service. If the vehicle has...
My front end shakes when I accelerate at low and high speeds 2003 Pontiac Grand Prixh
Hello - from your symptom description, you have a worn out or damaged Constant Velocity joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-damaged-cv-joint) on one or both front axles. These worn joints allows excess "wobble" of the axle, especially when under power, creating the vibration you...
Slip light is on
Hi There, The VDC slip light relates to the vehicle's traction control system. The traction control system monitors the steering and stability of the vehicle and engages when loss of traction has been detected. This is done by the use...

Related articles

How to Get a Replacement Car Key
Lost car keys can be extremely frustrating. Try to find missing keys first, then call a local locksmith to see if they can make a replacement car key.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Throttle Position Sensor
Common signs include lacking power when accelerating, rough or slow idle, stalling, inability to shift up, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
How to Replace an Ignition Ignitor
The ignition ignitor sends a signal to supply power and start the engine. A common sign of failure is a disruption in the engine's starting process.