Idle Speed Control Closed Throttle Determination - Applications Without Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)

One of the fundamental criteria for entering RPM control is an indication of closed throttle. Throttle mode is always calculated to the lowest learned throttle position (TP) voltage seen since engine start. This lowest learned value is called ratch, since the software acts like a one-way ratch. The ratch value (voltage) is displayed as the TPREL PID. The ratch value is relearned after every engine start. Ratch learns the lowest, steady TP voltage seen after the engine starts. In some cases, ratch can learn higher values of TP. The time to learn the higher values is significantly longer than the time to learn the lower values. The brakes must also be applied to learn the higher values.

All PCM functions are done using this ratch voltage, including idle speed control. The PCM goes into closed throttle mode when the TP voltage is at the ratch (TPREL PID) value. An increase in TP voltage, normally less than 0.05 volts, puts the PCM in part throttle mode. Throttle mode can be viewed by looking at the TP MODE PID. With the throttle closed, the PID must read C/T (closed throttle). Slightly corrupt values of ratch can prevent the PCM from entering closed throttle mode. An incorrect part throttle indication at idle prevents entry into closed throttle RPM control, and could result in a high idle. Ratch can be corrupted by a throttle position sensor or a circuit that drops out or is noisy, or by loose/worn throttle plates that close tight during a deceleration and spring back at a normal engine vacuum.