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Throttle Potentiometer Replacement
Typical Cost: Low
Mobile Repair? Yes
Typical Lead Time: 24 - 48 hours depending on part availability
What does a throttle potentiometer do?
The throttle potentiometer is the recipient of the signal from the accelerator pedal where vehicles have an electronic pedal (and therefore not a cable operated one)
How does a throttle potentiometer work and what are the components?
The throttle potentiometer receives the varying voltage input fed from the accelerator pedal. If you consider the accelerator pedal as a volume control, where 0 is no pressure and 10 is maximum pressure, the throttle body reads the number and alters the position of the throttle plate to allow more air in to increase the power of the engine.At the same time it sends a signal to the engine control unit (ECU) so it can determine how much fuel pressure it requires to match the air input.
Typical symptoms that require throttle potentiometer to be replaced.
Depending on the vehicle, you may observe one or more of the following symptoms;
- Erratic engine idle.
- Hesitation under acceleration.
- Poor engine performance.
- Illuminated engine management light (EML)
What happens during a throttle potentiometer replacement?
Changing throttle potentiometers is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
The mechanic will;
- Assess the situation by reading the diagnostic codes and checking live data
- Once confirmed that the throttle potentiometer is faulty, continue on to replacing it.
- Once replaced, start the engine and recheck the error codes
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your throttle potentiometer to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the throttle potentiometer
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
- VAT (if applicable)
- 12 months parts and labour warranty
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Throttle potentiometer replacement
Associated repairs
Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor replacement
How much does it cost to have a throttle potentiometer replaced?
The cost of a throttle potentiometer replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic
https://www.clickmechanic.com/bookings/car
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the throttle potentiometer doesn’t require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.