How to Perform a Throttle Body Relearn on Your Bugatti
If you own a Bugatti Veyron, Chiron, Divo, or Centodieci, it’s important to know how to properly perform a throttle body relearn procedure after replacing the throttle body or if you experience issues with the idle or acceleration. The throttle body controls airflow into the engine, and the car’s computer makes adjustments over time to maintain the proper idle. Replacing the throttle body requires recalibrating it with the engine control module.
What is a Throttle Body Relearn?
The engine control module (ECM) monitors the throttle position sensor and makes adjustments to the throttle blade angle to compensate for carbon buildup and maintain the proper engine idle speed. When you install a new, clean throttle body, the ECM is still operating as if the old throttle body is in place. Performing a throttle body relearn or idle relearn tells the computer to adjust its settings for the new component.
Without doing a relearn, you may experience issues like:
- Rough or unstable idle
- Engine stalling
- Hesitation on acceleration
- Check engine light for idle speed codes
Bugatti Models That Require a TB Relearn
The throttle body relearn procedure applies to the following Bugatti models equipped with electronic throttle control:
- Veyron (2005-2015)
- Chiron (2016-present)
- Divo (2019-present)
- Centodieci (2020-present)
Older carburetor-equipped models like the EB110 do not have electronic throttle bodies. If you are unsure if your specific Bugatti has an electronic throttle, refer to your owner’s manual or contact your authorized dealer.
Throttle Body Relearn Instructions
Follow these steps to perform the relearn on your Bugatti:
- Make sure the accelerator pedal is fully released.
- Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine. Wait 3 seconds.
- Slowly depress the accelerator pedal fully and release it slowly. Repeat 5 times.
- Start the engine but do not touch the accelerator. Let it idle for 3 minutes so the ECM can relearn the idle.
- Turn the engine off and wait 60 seconds.
- Restart the engine and let it idle for 3 more minutes. The idle speed should gradually decrease.
- Take the vehicle for a 5-10 minute test drive, making sure to accelerate and decelerate several times so the computer can fully adapt.
After completing the relearn, the idle speed should be back to normal and any hesitation should be eliminated. If a check engine light was triggered for idle speed codes, clear them with a scan tool.
Tips for a Successful Relearn
- Make sure the battery is fully charged before starting the procedure. A weak battery can cause the ECM to lose its learned memory.
- Do not touch the accelerator pedal once the engine is started and idling. Let the computer do its learning.
- If the check engine light comes on during the relearn, let the cycle complete before clearing codes. The ECM needs to see the full procedure.
- An OBD scan tool is not required to do the relearn on Bugatti models, but can be helpful to check for codes and verify the idle speed.
When to Perform a Relearn
It’s recommended to do a throttle body relearn any time the throttle body is replaced, cleaned, or removed for service. You should also do it if you experience idle or acceleration issues that appear to be throttle-related.
Proper maintenance, including regularly cleaning the throttle body about every 50,000 miles, can help prevent the need for a relearn in between throttle body replacements. However, all throttle bodies will wear out eventually and require replacement and relearning.
If the procedure does not restore normal idle and throttle operation, there may be a deeper issue with the electronic throttle control system that requires diagnosis by a Bugatti service specialist. However, performing the relearn is an important first step and often resolves drivability issues after a throttle body replacement.