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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a throttle controller?
Where can I get my throttle controller replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my throttle controller?
What happens if I don’t replace my throttle controller?
What is a throttle controller?
Can I replace my throttle controller myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a throttle controller?

You can expect an average total replacement cost of $588 for a throttle controller replacement, with $459 for parts and $128 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace a throttle controller? In general, it takes around 1.1 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

Here’s an overview of throttle controller replacement costs for different vehicles:

Throttle controller replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
November 17, 2024	Joe, 23 Louisville, KY	Plymouth Neon	$1,250	$1,186	$64	0.6 Hours
November 17, 2024	Lucinda, 24 Sioux Falls, SD	Saab 45172	$636	$577	$59	0.6 Hours
November 9, 2024	Carlos, 37 Long Beach, CA	Volkswagen New	$654	$577	$77	0.6 Hours
November 8, 2024	Rosa, 39 Franklin, TN	Hummer H3	$384	$308	$76	0.6 Hours
November 7, 2024	Maria, 40 Miami, FL	Mitsubishi Montero	$695	$627	$69	0.6 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my throttle controller replacement?

A throttle controller replacement is a fairly simple process that involves just one replacement part.

Electronic throttle body: The electronic throttle body does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to throttle control. It’s located between the intake manifold and the intake assembly, and it will usually cost you between $250 and $1,500.

Some reputable brands we recommend include ACDelco, Bosch, and Hitachi for reliable and quality throttle controller replacements. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, RockAuto, and Advance Auto Parts, both online and in person. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

When it comes to your throttle controller, the vehicle you drive will play a large part in determining whether you should buy an OEM or aftermarket throttle body. Oftentimes, aftermarket parts are more affordable, but OEM parts are guaranteed to fit your vehicle.

Where can I buy parts for my throttle controller replacement?

You can purchase throttle controller replacement kits and parts at auto body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, RockAuto, and Advance Auto Parts. You can also find kits on Amazon.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my throttle controller replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your throttle controller a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our vetted shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

137 Reviews

Expert Auto Centers

5351 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL

Throttle Controller Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$508

(Parts - $403, Labor - $105)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$145

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (773) 582-2222

175 Reviews

Tire Rescue On The Go, LLC

4400 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI

Throttle Controller Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$528

(Parts - $403, Labor - $125)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$59.99

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (414) 514-8881

104 Reviews

Import Auto Service

6540 Edsall Rd, Springfield, VA

Throttle Controller Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$528

(Parts - $403, Labor - $125)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (703) 569-2332

145 Reviews

Beetlesmith's Valley Auto Service

4096 E Valley Rd, Renton, WA

Throttle Controller Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$531

(Parts - $403, Labor - $128)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (425) 251-8787

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my throttle controller?

If your car needs a throttle controller replacement, your mechanic will follow these steps to complete it:

Locate the throttle controller and prepare tools

Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery post

Disconnect any clamps and electrical connectors and remove the air intake tube: Remove the throttle controller electrical connector(s)

Remove the throttle body bolts

Throttle controller removal

Reassembly

What happens if I don’t replace my throttle controller?

If you notice any symptoms of a throttle controller problem, get a mechanic to inspect it immediately. It’s dangerous to drive with a failing throttle controller since it can lead to the following issues:

Engine misfire

Difficulty changing gears

Uncontrolled speed surges while driving

You may also see a lit check engine light in your vehicle.

What is a throttle controller?

Your car’s electronic throttle control (ETC) is an automotive technology that connects your gas pedal to your engine and controls your engine’s airflow. The throttle controller is an innovation in newer cars—the technology is often known as drive-by-wire.

When you step on the gas pedal, you activate the throttle controller, which senses the amount of pressure on the pedal and sends a proportionate electric signal to your engine’s electronic control unit (ECU).

Electric throttle controls have many benefits over the old mechanical cables, including:

Lower maintenance costs

Improved responsiveness

Improved fuel economy

When should I replace the throttle controller on my car?

The most common symptoms of a bad throttle controller include:

Engine misfiring, hesitating, or stalling

Difficulty changing gears

Uncontrolled speed surges while driving

Decreased

fuel efficiency

How often should a throttle controller be replaced?

Throttle controllers are meant to live and die with your vehicle, so they don’t fall under your typical car maintenance schedule. Still, you should be aware of the warning signs that your throttle controller might be failing and take your vehicle to a mechanic if you think you need a throttle controller replacement.

Can I replace my throttle controller myself?

You can replace a throttle controller at home if you’re confident in your DIY auto repair skills, but some cars might require a manual re-learn procedure to connect the new throttle controller. In most cases, it’s best to let a professional replace your throttle controller.

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FAQs

What are the symptoms of a faulty throttle controller?

It could be time to replace your throttle controller if you experience decreased engine performance, with symptoms such as:

The engine is hesitating or

misfiring

You have difficulty changing gears

The car is stalling

You experience uncontrolled speed surges while driving

Fuel economy

has decreased

What will a bad throttle controller do?

Driving with a faulty throttle controller is dangerous since it can cause an engine misfire, difficulty changing gears, and uncontrolled speed surges while driving.

Can you drive a car with a bad throttle control?

You shouldn’t drive with a bad throttle controller—it’s both dangerous and bad for your vehicle.

If you think you have a failing throttle controller, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Can I replace throttle body myself?

You can replace a throttle controller at home, but in most cases, it’s best to let a professional handle the replacement.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.