How to Relearn Your Chery’s Throttle Body
If you own a Chery vehicle and have recently disconnected the battery, replaced the throttle body, or are experiencing rough idling, you may need to perform a throttle body relearn procedure. This process allows the engine control module (ECM) to recalibrate the throttle body and idle air control valve for optimal performance.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Chery throttle relearn procedure, including:
- What a throttle body relearn is and when it’s needed
- Chery models that require a throttle relearn
- Step-by-step instructions for performing the relearn
- Troubleshooting tips if you encounter issues
By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently complete a throttle relearn on your Chery vehicle. Let’s get started!
What is a Throttle Body Relearn?
The throttle body is a critical component of your vehicle’s air intake system. It controls the amount of air flowing into the engine, which in turn affects engine speed, power output, fuel efficiency, and emissions.
Over time, carbon deposits can build up on the throttle plate and bore, affecting its ability to precisely control airflow. The idle air control valve, which fine-tunes the engine idle speed, can also become clogged or malfunction.
Additionally, disconnecting the battery or replacing the throttle body can cause the ECM to lose its learned settings. The ECM constantly adapts to minor changes to maintain optimal performance. Losing this data means the system needs to relearn.
A throttle body relearn procedure recalibrates the throttle position sensor and idle air control valve so the ECM knows the correct throttle plate position and idle speed. This is also known as a throttle body alignment or idle relearn.
Some signs you may need to do a relearn include:
- Rough, unstable, or high idle speed
- Stalling when coming to a stop
- Hesitation or stumbling on acceleration
- Reduced fuel economy
- Check engine light on with throttle body related codes
It’s important to properly diagnose the issue before performing a relearn, as there may be other underlying problems that need to be addressed first, such as vacuum leaks, dirty MAF sensors, or faulty idle air control valves. When in doubt, have a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle.
Chery Models Requiring a Throttle Relearn
Most Chery models from 2005 and newer use an electronic throttle control system that may require a relearn procedure after battery disconnection or throttle body service. This includes:
- Chery QQ/QQ3 (S11/S21)
- Chery A1/A3/A5/Cowin/Eastar (A15/A21/B14/B11/V5)
- Chery Tiggo/Tiggo 3/Tiggo 5 (T11/T21/T15)
- Chery Arrizo 3/5/7 (M11/M16/M17)
- Chery Fulwin 2 (A13)
- Chery E3/E5 (S22/S61)
Some older Chery models with mechanical throttle linkage do not require any special relearn procedures. Check your owner’s manual or contact your local Chery dealer for model-specific information.
Throttle Body Relearn Instructions
Before beginning, make sure your Chery has a fully charged and properly connected battery. The relearn procedure will not complete if battery voltage is too low. Also ensure the vehicle is at operating temperature.
Follow these steps to perform a throttle body relearn on your Chery:
- Turn the ignition to the ON position but do not start the engine. Wait 3 seconds.
- Fully depress the accelerator pedal to the floor and release it completely. Repeat 5 times within 5 seconds.
- Wait 7 seconds and fully depress the accelerator pedal again. Keep it pressed for about 20 seconds until the check engine light starts blinking.
- Within 3 seconds of the check engine light blinking, release the accelerator pedal completely.
- Start the engine and let it idle. Do not press the accelerator or shift out of Park/Neutral.
- After about 1 minute, the idle speed should drop to normal (around 700 RPM) and stabilize, signaling the relearn is complete. If the idle remains high, repeat the procedure.
- Turn off the engine and wait 10 seconds before restarting to confirm the idle is normal. The check engine light should be off.
- Take your Chery for a 15 minute test drive using various throttle and gear positions to allow the ECM to fine-tune its settings under different conditions.
Some important tips:
- Do not touch the accelerator pedal once the engine is started until the relearn is finished to avoid confusing the ECM.
- Make sure to fully release the accelerator between each press during the relearn. The ECM is measuring the min and max voltages.
- If you get out of sequence or take too long during a step, turn the ignition off and start over from the beginning after 30 seconds.
- The throttle body must be clean and free of carbon buildup for the relearn to be successful. Clean it before the procedure if needed.
- Avoid disconnecting the battery or cycling the ignition during the relearn, as this may corrupt the ECM.
Troubleshooting Throttle Relearn Issues
If the throttle relearn procedure doesn’t resolve your idle issue, there are a few things you can try:
- Inspect for vacuum leaks: Carefully check all vacuum hoses and connections for cracks, kinks, or loose fittings. Spray suspect areas with carburetor cleaner and watch for changes in idle speed that indicate a leak.
- Clean the MAF sensor: A dirty mass airflow sensor can cause incorrect readings, leading to rough idle and other issues. Disconnect the sensor and carefully clean it with MAF sensor cleaner spray. Let it dry completely before reinstalling.
- Check the idle air control valve: The IACV can become clogged with carbon deposits over time, sticking in one position. Remove it and clean the ports and plunger with throttle body cleaner. Make sure it moves freely.
- Perform an ECM reset: Disconnect both battery terminals and touch them together for 30 seconds to drain residual power and reset the ECM to factory defaults. This will clear any learned values and allow the system to start fresh.
- Check for diagnostic trouble codes: Use an OBD2 scanner to check for any pending or stored trouble codes related to the throttle system. Common codes include P0121 (throttle position sensor range/performance), P0507 (idle speed high), and P1508 (idle air control circuit high RPM).
- Verify wiring and connections: Inspect the wiring harness and connectors for the throttle body, accelerator pedal, and related sensors. Look for damaged wires, bent pins, or corrosion that could cause intermittent issues.
If you’ve tried these steps and are still having problems, it’s best to have your Chery diagnosed by a professional technician who can perform more advanced tests. There may be underlying faults with the throttle body, ECM, or other components that require special tools to identify.
Final Words from Boss Erwin
Performing a throttle body relearn on your Chery is a straightforward procedure that can often resolve rough idle and drivability issues related to the electronic throttle control system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can recalibrate the throttle position sensor and idle air control valve to restore optimal performance.
Remember to properly diagnose any underlying issues before attempting a relearn, as it may not be successful if there are other faults present. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the procedure, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a qualified Chery mechanic.
Regular throttle body cleaning and maintenance can help prevent the need for frequent relearns and keep your Chery running smoothly for years to come. Consult your owner’s manual for recommended service intervals.