The throttle actuator control (TAC) system delivers improved throttle response and greater reliability and eliminates the need for mechanical cable. The TAC system performs the following functions:
| • | Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensing |
| • | Throttle positioning to meet driver and engine demands |
| • | Throttle position sensing |
| • | Cruise control functions |
| • | Manage TAC electrical power consumption |
The TAC system components include the following:
| • | The throttle body assembly |
| • | The powertrain control module (PCM) |
Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor
The accelerator pedal assembly contains 2 individual accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors within the assembly. The APP sensors 1 and 2 are potentiometer type sensors, each with the following circuits:
| • | A 5-volt reference circuit |
| • | A low reference circuit |
The APP sensors are used to determine the pedal angle. The control module provides each APP sensor a 5-volt reference circuit and a low reference circuit. The APP sensors then provide the control module with signal voltage proportional to pedal movement.
Both APP sensor signal voltages are low at rest position and increase as the pedal is applied.
Throttle Body Assembly
The throttle body assembly consists of the throttle body, the throttle position (TP) sensors, and the throttle actuator motor. The throttle body functions similar to a conventional throttle body with the following exceptions:
| • | An electric motor opens and closes the throttle valve. |
| • | The throttle blade is spring loaded in both directions and the default position is slightly open. |
| • | There are 2 individual TP sensors within the throttle body assembly. |
The TP sensors 1 and 2 are potentiometer type sensors, each with the following circuits:
| • | A 5-volt reference circuit |
| • | A low reference circuit |
The TP sensors are used to determine the throttle plate angle. The control module provides each TP sensor a 5-volt reference circuit and a low reference circuit. The TP sensors then provide the control module with signal voltage proportional to throttle
plate movement. Both TP sensor signal voltages are low at closed throttle and increase as the throttle opens.
Throttle Actuator Control Module
The throttle actuator control (TAC) module is the control center for the throttle actuator control system. The TAC system is self-diagnosing and provides diagnostic information to the powertrain control module (PCM) through a dedicated serial data line.
The TAC achieves throttle positioning by providing a pulse width modulated voltage to the TAC, as directed by the PCM.
Powertrain Control Module
The powertrain control module (PCM) determines the driver's intent, then calculates the appropriate throttle response. This information is sent to the throttle actuator control (TAC) module through a dedicated serial data line.
Modes of Operation
Normal Mode
During the operation of the throttle actuator control (TAC) system, several modes or functions are considered normal. The following modes may be entered during normal operation:
| • | Minimum pedal value--At key-up the powertrain control module (PCM) updates the learned minimum pedal value. |
| • | Minimum throttle position (TP) values--At key-up the PCM updates the learned minimum TP value. In order to learn the minimum TP value, the throttle blade is moved to the closed position. |
| • | Ice break mode--If the throttle is not able to reach a predetermined minimum throttle position, the ice break mode is entered. During the ice break mode, the control module commands the maximum pulse width several times to the throttle actuator
motor in the closing direction. |
| • | Battery saver mode--After a predetermined time without engine RPM, the control module commands the battery saver mode. During the battery saver mode, the TAC module removes the voltage from the motor control circuits, which removes the current
draw used to maintain the idle position and allows the throttle to return to the spring loaded default position. |
Reduced Engine Power Mode
When the PCM detects a condition with the TAC system, the PCM may enter a reduced engine power mode. Reduced engine power may cause one or more of the following conditions:
| • | Acceleration limiting--The control module will continue to use the accelerator pedal for throttle control; however, the vehicle acceleration is limited. |
| • | Limited throttle mode--The control module will continue to use the accelerator pedal for throttle control; however, the maximum throttle opening is limited. |
| • | Throttle default mode--The control module will turn off the throttle actuator motor and the throttle will return to the spring loaded default position. |
| • | Forced idle mode--The control module will perform the following actions: |
| - | Limit engine speed to idle by positioning throttle position, or by controlling fuel and spark if throttle is turned off. |
| - | Ignore accelerator pedal input. |
| • | Engine shutdown mode--The control module will disable fuel and de-energize the throttle actuator. |
