The throttle actuator control (TAC) system is used to improve emissions, fuel economy, and driveability. The TAC system eliminates the mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and the throttle plate. The TAC system eliminates the need for a cruise control module and idle air control motor. The following is a list of TAC system components:

The ECM monitors the driver demand for acceleration with 2 APP sensors. The APP sensor 1 signal voltage range is from about 0.98-4.16 volts as the accelerator pedal is moved from the rest pedal position to the full pedal travel position. The APP sensor 2 range is from about 0.49-2.08 volts as the accelerator pedal is moved from the rest pedal position to the full pedal travel position. The ECM processes this information along with other sensor inputs to command the throttle plate to a certain position.

The throttle plate is controlled with a direct current motor called a throttle actuator control motor. The ECM can move this motor in the forward or reverse direction by controlling battery voltage and/or ground to 2 internal drivers. The throttle plate is held at a 7 percent rest position using a constant force return spring. This spring holds the throttle plate to the rest position when there is no current flowing to the actuator motor.

The ECM monitors the throttle plate angle with 2 TP sensors. The TP sensor 1 signal voltage range is from about 4.86-0.86 volts as the throttle plate is moved from 0 percent to wide open throttle (WOT). The TP sensor 2 voltage range is from about 0.82-4.14 volts as the throttle plate is moved from 0 percent to WOT.

The ECM performs diagnostics that monitor the voltage levels of both APP sensors, both TP sensors, and the throttle actuator control motor circuit. It also monitors the spring return rate of both return springs that are housed internal to the throttle body assembly. These diagnostics are performed at different times based on whether the engine is running, not running, or whether the ECM is currently in a throttle body relearn procedure.

Every ignition cycle, the ECM performs a quick throttle return spring test to make sure the throttle plate can return to the 7 percent rest position from the 0 percent position. This is to ensure that the throttle plate can be brought to the rest position in case of an actuator motor circuit failure. Observe, under cold conditions, the ECM commands the throttle plate to 7 percent with the ignition ON and the engine OFF to release any ice that may have formed on the throttle plate.

The engine control module (ECM) stores values that include the lowest possible throttle position (TP) sensor positions--0 percent, the rest positions--7 percent, and the return rate of both springs. These values will only be erased or overwritten if the ECM is reprogrammed or if a throttle body relearn procedure is performed. Observe, if the battery is disconnected, the ECM will immediately perform a throttle body relearn procedure when the ignition is turned ON.

A throttle body relearn procedure is performed anytime the ignition is turned ON, with the engine OFF for longer than 29 seconds when the following conditions have been met:

After 29 seconds, the ECM commands the throttle plate from the rest position to full closed, then to around 10 percent open. This procedure takes about 6-8 seconds. If any faults occur in the throttle actuator control (TAC) system, a DTC sets. At the start of this procedure, the scan tool TAC Learn Counter parameter should display 0, then count up to 11 after the procedure is completed. If the counter did not start at 0, or if the counter did not end at 11, a fault has occurred and a DTC should set.

There are 2 reduce power modes that the engine control module (ECM) can default to if an error is detected in the throttle actuator control (TAC) system. If an accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1 or APP sensor 2 circuit fault, throttle position (TP) sensor 2 circuit fault, or if a TP sensor 1 circuit fault is detected with some APP angle, the ECM goes into one of the 2 reduce power modes. In this mode, the engine torque is limited so that the vehicle cannot reach speeds of more than 100 km/h (60 mph). The ECM remains in this reduce power mode during the entire ignition cycle even if the fault is corrected.

If there is a condition with the throttle actuator control circuits, throttle actuator command vs actual position fault, return spring check fault, or a TP sensor 1 circuit fault, the ECM goes into the other reduce engine power mode. In this mode, the engine speed is limited to 2,500 RPM and the 3-6 fuel injectors are randomly turned OFF. At this time the Reduced Power indicator is commanded ON. The ECM remains in the reduce power mode during the entire ignition cycle even if the fault is corrected. Observe, if a TP sensor 1 or throttle actuator control circuit fault is present at the time the vehicle is at idle, with no accelerator pedal angle, the engine may stall.