Solstice L4-2.4L (2007)
Electronic Throttle Actuator: Description and Operation
Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description
Purpose
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 (TP) 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 includes the following components:
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The APP sensors
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The throttle body assembly
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The engine control module (ECM)
Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor
The accelerator pedal contains 2 individual accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors within the assembly. The APP sensors 1 and 2 are potentiometer
type sensors each with 3 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 engine control module (ECM) provides each APP sensor a 5-volt reference circuit and a
low reference circuit. The APP sensors provide the ECM with signal voltage proportional to the pedal movement. The APP sensor 1 signal voltage at
rest position is near the low reference and increases as the pedal is actuated. The APP sensor 2 signal voltage at rest position is also near the low
reference and increases as the pedal is actuated.
Throttle Body Assembly
The throttle assembly contains the following components:
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The throttle blade
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The throttle actuator motor
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The throttle position (TP) sensor 1 and 2
The throttle body functions 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 are used to determine the throttle plate angle. The TP sensors provide the engine control module (ECM) with a signal voltage
proportional to throttle plate movement. The TP sensor 1 signal voltage at closed throttle is near the 5-volt reference and decreases as the throttle plate is
opened. The TP sensor 2 signal voltage at closed throttle is near the low reference and increases as the throttle plate is opened.
Engine Control Module
The engine control module (ECM) is the control center for the throttle actuator control (TAC) system. The ECM determines the drivers intent and then
calculates the appropriate throttle response. The ECM achieves throttle positioning by providing a pulse width modulated voltage to the TAC motor.
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:
