The Throttle Position sensor signals the Engine Control Module as to the current position of the engine throttle valve.
The current throttle valve opening is based on the driver's input from the gas pedal. The ECM uses the information from this sensor to help calculate fuel delivery and spark timing.
As long as the throttle plate remains closed, the idling speed and quality is controlled by the PCM via the idle control valve, and as can be seen from the above it should be clear that idle control on a gasoline engine is a complex affair. For instance, if the engine is started in sub-zero temperatures, the PCM will command the idling control valve to allow less air to enter the engine to enrich the air/fuel mixture to create a condition which is roughly analogous to how chokes worked on carburetted engines to control idling in cold weather.
OBD P1617 code and tailpipe testing are two different approaches to identify vehicles in need of repair. The OBD system looks for broken or malfunctioning emissions control components and p1617 sbds interactive codes, while tailpipe tests sample a vehicle's exhaust to see if it is above or below certain prescribed limits. Given the robust nature of today's emissions control components, it is entirely possible for an individual component to P1617 malfunction without leading to an immediate increase in emissions at the tailpipe. In such cases, other components (like the catalyst) can temporarily compensate for the part that is broken however, these other components can only do double duty for so long before they, too, begin to malfunction. In addition, OBD also monitors for P1617 and other malfunctions in the fuel system problems that traditional tailpipe tests were not designed to identify. Most state and local areas also include a gas cap pressure test as part of an emission inspection.
Difficulty Level (Easy)
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Repair Time (20 Min.)
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Cost Prediction : $ 50-100 |
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P1617 is a kind of Powertrain Trouble Code
Powertrain of a modern automobile, comprising engine (with exhaust system), transmission, drive shaft, suspension and the wheels. In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant describes the main components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. |
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