How Much Does It Cost to Fix Electronic Throttle Control?

For most vehicles, fixing an electronic throttle control (ETC) issue costs between $300 and $1,200, depending on the root cause. Minor fixes like cleaning and recalibration may run $120–$250, while replacing the electronic throttle body typically totals $450–$1,200 (and up to $1,800+ on some luxury models). Diagnostic fees usually add $100–$170. Below is a breakdown of what you might pay and why prices vary.

What “Electronic Throttle Control” Repair Usually Means

Modern cars use drive-by-wire systems: your accelerator pedal sends an electronic signal to the engine computer, which commands a motorized throttle body to open and close. When the ETC light appears or the car enters “limp mode,” the fault may be in the throttle body itself, the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor, wiring/connectors, or the engine control module (ECM/PCM). Costs range widely because some problems are simple maintenance items while others require parts replacement and calibration.

Typical Costs by Repair Type

The following ranges reflect typical U.S. prices at independent shops in 2025, with labor rates commonly $110–$210 per hour. Dealer pricing may be higher; economy or DIY options may be lower.

• Diagnostic scan and testing: $100–$170.
• Throttle body cleaning and idle/throttle relearn: $120–$250 at a shop; $0–$150 DIY with cleaner and a scan tool capable of relearn.
• Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor or pedal assembly: $150–$450 total (parts $60–$250; labor $80–$200).
• Throttle position sensor (if serviceable separately; many are integrated): $150–$350 total (parts $40–$180; labor $80–$150).
• Wiring/connector repair (corrosion, broken pins, chafed harness): $50–$300 for simple repairs; $400–$800 if harness sections must be replaced.
• ECM/PCM reflash (software update): $120–$200. Full module replacement is uncommon but can run $750–$1,500 including programming.
• Electronic throttle body replacement:
  – Aftermarket part: $220–$450; labor 0.8–1.5 hours ($100–$300); total $350–$900.
  – OEM part: $350–$900+; labor 0.8–1.5 hours ($100–$300); total $500–$1,200+.
  – Premium/luxury models or difficult access: $900–$1,800+ total.
• Gaskets and incidentals (often included with the job): $5–$25.

In most cases, shops start with diagnostics and, if appropriate, a cleaning and relearn. If faults persist or components fail testing, sensor or throttle body replacement becomes the cost driver.

Labor Time and Shop Rates in 2025

ETC-related jobs typically book 0.5–1.5 hours, depending on the vehicle and the specific repair. U.S. independent shop labor rates commonly range from $110 to $210 per hour; dealers may charge $150 to $250+. Access on some turbocharged or tightly packaged engines can increase time and cost. A post-repair throttle/idle relearn is often required and may be billed separately.

Factors That Affect Your Price

Pricing varies by parts, vehicle design, and where you service the car. Consider the following influences before approving a repair.

• Make/model and engine layout (tight packaging or turbo plumbing increases labor).
• OEM vs. aftermarket parts (OEM cost more but may have better fit/updates).
• Shop type (dealer vs. independent) and local labor rates.
• Whether the throttle position sensor is integrated (common) or serviceable separately.
• Need for software updates, calibrations, or specialized scan tools.
• Extent of corrosion or wiring damage (especially in rust-belt or flood-exposed vehicles).

As a rule, the more integrated the component and the more complex the access or calibration, the higher the final bill.

Signs You Need Service (and Driving Advice)

ETC issues can escalate quickly from nuisance to safety concern. Watch for these symptoms and adjust your driving decisions accordingly.

• ETC/“wrench” or check engine light illuminated.
• Sudden loss of power or “limp mode.”
• Erratic idle, stalling, or surging.
• Poor throttle response or delayed acceleration.
• Hesitation after cold start or after battery disconnect.

If the vehicle limits speed, won’t accelerate predictably, or stalls, avoid highway driving and have it inspected promptly; intermittent faults can become permanent and strand you.

How Mechanics Diagnose ETC Problems

Technicians follow a structured process to pinpoint the cause and avoid unnecessary parts replacement.

1. Scan for codes and freeze-frame data (common codes include P0121–P0123, P2101, P2111, P2112, P2135, etc.).
2. View live data: pedal position, throttle angle, commanded vs. actual, and voltage tracks.
3. Inspect connectors and wiring for corrosion, loose pins, water intrusion, or chafing.
4. Test pedal sensor and throttle motor/TPS with manufacturer procedures.
5. Clean throttle bore/plate if carbon buildup is suspected; perform idle/throttle relearn.
6. Check for applicable technical service bulletins (TSBs) and apply ECM updates if specified.
7. Road test and verify that commanded and actual throttle agree under load.

This sequence often resolves minor issues with cleaning and calibration; if not, component replacement is justified by test results rather than guesswork.

Warranty, Recalls, and Coverage

Powertrain or extended warranties may cover ETC-related components during the coverage period; policies vary by manufacturer. Federal emissions warranty (8yr/80k mi) typically covers the engine computer and catalysts, not the throttle body itself, though some brands provide broader coverage. Check for recalls or customer satisfaction programs tied to your VIN at the NHTSA website or your manufacturer’s owner portal—certain models have had throttle body or software campaigns that reduce or eliminate repair costs.

DIY or Shop?

Some ETC fixes are approachable for experienced DIYers, but modern systems require calibration and careful handling.

• Reasonable DIY: throttle body cleaning, basic connector checks, pedal assembly replacement on accessible vehicles.
• Better left to a shop: integrated throttle body replacement requiring scan-tool relearn, wiring repairs, and ECM updates/programming.
• Risks: overtightening can warp housings; skipping relearn can cause unstable idle; aftermarket parts of poor quality may trigger repeat faults.

If you lack a scan tool that supports OEM relearn procedures, professional service often saves time and prevents comebacks.

Bottom Line

Budget $300–$1,200 to fix most electronic throttle control problems, with throttle body replacement typically falling between $450 and $1,200 and minor fixes or calibrations costing less. Get a proper diagnostic first, ask whether cleaning and relearn are advisable, and confirm parts quality and warranty—especially on vehicles with complex access or known service bulletins.

Summary

Fixing ETC issues usually costs $300–$1,200, driven mainly by whether you need cleaning/relearn, sensor work, or a full throttle body replacement. Labor rates, parts choice (OEM vs. aftermarket), and vehicle design shape the final bill. Start with diagnostics, check for TSBs/recalls, and ensure post-repair calibration to restore smooth, safe throttle operation.

What causes electronic throttle control to fail?

Electronic throttle control (ETC) problems are often caused by a dirty or sticking throttle body due to carbon buildup, faulty sensors (like the accelerator pedal position sensor or throttle position sensor), internal wear in the throttle body’s motor or gears, or wiring issues affecting electrical signals to and from the system. These issues can trigger warning lights, lead to a vehicle’s engine going into “limp mode” (limited power), or cause symptoms like poor acceleration or a rough idle.
 
This video explains how a dirty throttle body can cause a rough idle and other issues: 57sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Dec 31, 2022
Common Causes of ETC Problems

• Dirty Throttle Body: Carbon deposits, oil, and fuel contaminants from the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system can build up on the throttle plate, obstructing airflow and causing it to stick or operate unevenly. 
• Faulty Sensors:
  • Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS): A malfunctioning APPS can send incorrect signals to the engine’s computer, leading to erratic acceleration. 
  • Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): The TPS monitors the throttle valve’s position; a faulty sensor can provide inaccurate information, triggering an ETC light. 
• Internal Throttle Body Failure: Problems with the electric motor, its gears, or the butterfly valve itself can occur. Worn gear teeth can cause lag between the computer command and the actual movement of the throttle plate. 
• Wiring Issues: Damaged or loose wiring in the ETC system, which includes the throttle body, accelerator pedal sensor, and engine control module (ECM), can disrupt communication between components. 
• Engine Control Module (ECM) Malfunction: While less common, a faulty ECM can fail to properly control the ETC system, leading to malfunctions. 
• Electromagnetic Interference: In some cases, external electromagnetic interference can disrupt the electronic signals within the ETC system. 

You can watch this video to learn about how faulty wiring can cause electronic throttle control issues: 1mCarsNToysYouTube · Aug 30, 2022
Symptoms of ETC Problems

• Warning Lights: The Check Engine light, Traction Control light, or a dedicated Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light will illuminate. 
• Limp Mode: The vehicle’s engine power is electronically limited as a safety measure to prevent damage. 
• Poor Acceleration: The vehicle may feel sluggish, hesitant, or slow to pick up speed. 
• Rough or High Idle: Carbon buildup can cause the idle speed to be too low, too high, or fluctuate. 
• Stalling: In severe cases, the vehicle may stall. 
• Intermittent Operation: The problem might appear and disappear, sometimes resolving temporarily by restarting the engine. 

How serious is an electronic throttle control light?

Solution: This indicates a serious failure of your throttle control system. The engine computer is programmed to go into limp mode when the system malfunctions, in an attempt to limit your speed and prevent damage to the engine. It can be caused by a sensor failure, or even by outside electromagnetic interference.

Is electronic throttle control expensive to fix?

Electronic throttle control (ETC) repairs can be expensive, with replacement costs for a faulty throttle body ranging from $70 to over $1,000, depending on the vehicle’s part cost and labor rates in your area. A simple cleaning might be a cheaper fix, but a complete throttle body replacement is the most common repair for ETC issues, and labor costs, diagnostic fees, and the need for a special “re-learn” procedure on some vehicles can add to the expense.
 
Factors influencing cost:

• Diagnostic fees: Mechanics must run diagnostics to pinpoint the exact issue, which can be costly. 
• Parts cost: The price of the new throttle body itself varies significantly by make and model. 
• Labor rates: These hourly charges from the repair shop differ based on your location and the specific mechanic. 
• “Re-learn” procedure: Some vehicles require a special electronic re-learn procedure after a throttle body replacement, which adds to the labor time and cost. 

What you can expect:

• Cleaning: A simple cleaning of a dirty throttle body can be a low-cost solution. 
• Replacement: If the throttle body needs to be replaced, the total cost combines the part and labor. For example, a 2014 Chrysler 200 throttle body replacement can range from $472 to $522, while costs for other vehicles can be significantly different. 
• Other repairs: The problem might stem from a cheaper part, like a throttle position sensor, rather than the entire throttle body. 

To get a more accurate estimate:

• Get multiple estimates: Contact several mechanics for quotes based on your specific vehicle. 
• Provide details: Be prepared to provide details about your vehicle’s make, model, and year to get the most accurate estimate. 
• Ask about the re-learn procedure: Inquire if the repair will include the electronic re-learn procedure, which can add to the total cost. 

Can you drive with a bad electronic throttle control?

No, driving with a flashing electronic throttle control light is not recommended. It signals a serious issue with the electronic throttle control system, and continuing to drive could damage the engine or lead to a sudden loss of power.