Sierra 1500 4WD V8-4.8L VIN V (2004)
Electronic Throttle Actuator: Description and Operation
THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL (TAC) SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
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:
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Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensing
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Throttle positioning to meet driver and engine demands
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Throttle position sensing
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Internal diagnostics
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Cruise control functions
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Manage TAC electrical power consumption
The TAC system components include the following:
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The APP sensors
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The throttle body assembly
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The TAC module
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The powertrain control module (PCM)
Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor
The accelerator pedal assembly contains 2 individual APP sensors within the assembly. The APP sensors 1 and 2 are potentiometer type sensors, each
with the following circuits:
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A 5-volt reference circuit
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A low reference circuit
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A signal 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 similar to a conventional throttle body with the following exceptions:
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An electric motor opens and closes the throttle valve.
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The throttle blade is spring loaded in both directions and the default position is slightly open.
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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:
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A 5-volt reference circuit
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A low reference circuit
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A signal 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 TAC module is the control center for the throttle actuator control system. The TAC system is self-diagnosing and provides diagnostic information
to the 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 PCM determines the driver's intent, then calculates the appropriate throttle response. This information is sent to the TAC module through a
dedicated serial data line.
MODES OF OPERATION
Normal Mode
During the operation of the TAC system, several modes or functions are considered normal. The following modes may be entered during normal
operation:
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Minimum pedal value-At key-up the PCM updates the learned minimum pedal value.
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Minimum 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.
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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.
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Battery saver mode-After a predetermined time without engine RPM, the control module commands the battery saver mode. During the battery