Starting disabled service throttle massage indicates serious failure of a throttle control system. Your vehicle can also display this error message due to a bad battery, faulty accelerator position sensor, or damaged ECU.
Don’t continue driving the vehicle after having this warning message as it can trigger limp mode and turn off the engine suddenly. Instead, slowly drive the vehicle to the nearest auto repair shop so the mechanic can diagnose the vehicle and fix the issue.
Article Summary
What Does Starting Disabled Service Throttle Mean?
A starting disabled service message means the PCM detects a problem in the electronic throttle control system. It can be the low voltage condition, throttle position sensor malfunction, or wiring issue. If your car doesn’t have maintenance services periodically, it may show this message.
ETC consists of various components including a control module, throttle body, accelerator pedal, and accelerator position sensor. In a modern car, the APS monitors the pedal’s current position and signals the module like the throttle cable of an older model.
ETC module uses this data or signals to control the ETB ( Electronic Throttle Body). During driving, the ETB responds and opens according to the pressure you put on the acceleration pedal.
However, the ETC system fails to do so when there is a problem occurs on any of its components. If so, the computer display starts disabled service throttle error message to inform you about the internal issue.
How To Fix Starting Disabled Service Throttle Error Massage?
Your Chevy or other modern vehicle can activate this warning message due to these issues:
1. Replace Damaged Battery
The throttle control system gets power from the car battery to function. A low charge or damaged battery prevents the throttle system from proper operation and it can trigger a starting disabled service throttle message. If you live in cold weather, the message can be a result of an older or bad battery.
Possibly the battery can’t deliver the required voltage or current to the throttle system or it doesn’t have cranking amps during colder weather. If so, you didn’t hear any noise, or car jerking, or have a check engine light.
In this case, check the battery and its connection. You can disconnect and reconnect the battery terminals to start the vehicle. If the problem occurs again, bring the car to the mechanic shop.
2. Change Accelerator Position Sensor
Older vehicles are designed with throttle cables that connect the throttle body to the accelerator. Newer models come with an accelerator pedal that informs the computer about how much pressure you are putting on the accelerator pedal. Then the computer opens up the throttle plates according to the signal. If the sensor malfunctions, the ETC may get incorrect data and activate the error message.
The ETC can’t also control the throttle body properly due to a lack of the right data. Hence the system can malfunction and shut down the car completely. To fix the issue, you’ll have to inspect the accelerator position sensor properly and take action accordingly.
However, don’t confuse it with the throttle position sensor that is attached to the throttle body under the hood. Check the accelerator pedal position sensor that is attached to the accelerator pedal and placed under the dashboard.
3. Replace Damaged ECU
If your car flashes a starting disabled service throttle warning light during driving and the steering wheel becomes lock to turn, it can be a result of a faulty ECU. If so, your car may start to slow down instead of going faster.
The car may also feel wobbly, particularly during braking and driving over 40 mph. If so, you should stop driving the car immediately and tow it to the nearest auto repair shop.
4. Replace Throttle Control Valve
The throttle control valve controls the airflow entering the engine. It also allows the throttle system to control the power output of the engine. But if the throttle control valve gets clogged in an open or closed position due to dirt or debris, the throttle system can malfunction. Hence, your car computer can activate the starting disabled service throttle message.
How To Troubleshoot Starting Disabled Service Throttle?
If your car shows a warning message like starting a disabled service throttle, you can troubleshoot the issue both physically and using an OBD scanner.
You can connect the scanner to the car port and have the error code that triggers the message. Reading the error code will also narrow down the components you will need to insect to fix the problem. The first test you should perform is battery load test particularly if your car battery is 3 years old. If the battery is good, check the position sensor on the pedal assembly.
The other components you may need to diagnose are the sticking throttle plate, throttle body drive motor, and associated wiring. You may also need to check the throttle body, pedal, or throttle position sensor depending on the code you have.
Since you’ll require higher skills and equipment to diagnose, and repair or replace these components, it’s better to hire an expert mechanic.
How to Reset a Throttle Position Sensor to Clear Starting Disabled Service Throttle Massage?
A faulty throttle position sensor is one of the main reasons that may trigger starting disabled service throttle massage. So you can reset the sensor to see if it fixes the problem and clears the error message before hiring a professional mechanic. The process is:
- Disconnect the car battery and wait around five minutes.
- Reconnect the battery.
- Put the ignition key into the ignition slot and switch to electric. Doing this will illuminate the car entire dashboard.
- Slowly and completely depress the gas pedal and leave it. Wait for around five seconds before depressing the gas pedal. Depress the gas pedal in the same way three times.
- Turn the ignition key to the off position and pull it out.
- If the car is idle, you’ve successfully reset the sensor. If it isn’t depress the gas pedal three more times and turn the key to off position.
FAQs on Starting Disabled Service Throttle
Can A Throttle Body Stop A Car From Starting?
A throttle body regulates the amount of air entering the car engine. If the throttle body gets damaged, your car might not start. So if the throttle body malfunctions, inspect and repair it immediately before you need to tow the vehicle to the auto repair shop.
Can I Drive With The Throttle Control Warning Light On?
You can drive with a throttle control warning light, but it isn’t recommended. Driving with a damaged throttle system can reduce speed and make it difficult to control the vehicle. It can also damage other internal parts and the engine, making it a safety hazard for drivers.
What Does Service Electronic Throttle Control Mean?
ETC regulates the fuel and air intake of the engine to control its internal power combustion. Service electronic throttle control error light comes out when the car computer detects any problem with the fuel and air intake system of the engine.
Final Words
If your car display shows starting disabled service throttle massage during driving, take it to the nearest mechanic shop for inspection. If the engine shuts down and doesn’t start again, disconnect and re-attach the battery negative terminal.
Then the engine should turn on. Lastly, have your car maintenance service periodically to avoid damaging the electronic throttle control system.
