AutoCodes – Generic – P1659

P1659 Code - Electronic Throttle Control System Control Relay OFF Malfunction

Quick Answer

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the throttle valve opening. Common causes include Faulty Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) Relay, Electronic Throttle Control System Relay harness is open or shorted, Electronic Throttle Control System Relay circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1659 indicates Electronic Throttle Control System Control Relay OFF Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) Relay, Electronic Throttle Control System Relay harness is open or shorted, Electronic Throttle Control System Relay circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 19,727

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 26, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1659 Description

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the throttle valve opening. The system includes the throttle actuator, the throttle valve, Throttle Position (TP) sensors A and B, the Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor, the Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) control relay, and the PCM. The APP sensor is operated via the throttle cable to determine the accelerator opening value when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal opening value is converted to a signal in the APP sensor and transmitted to the PCM to compute the target position. The PCM determines the throttle valve target position according to the signal received and operates the throttle actuator to move the throttle valve to the target position. The actual throttle valve position is determined by TP sensor A (installed in the throttle body). When the voltage is applied from the ETCS control relay to the IG1ETCS terminal for a set time after the ETCS control relay is turned off, the PCM detects a malfunction in the ETCS control relay power switch, and a DTC is stored.

OBDII Code P1659 - Electronic Throttle Control System Control Relay OFF Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P1659 Code - Electronic Throttle Control System Control Relay OFF Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1659?

Faulty Electronic Throttle Control System (ETCS) Relay
Electronic Throttle Control System Relay harness is open or shorted
Electronic Throttle Control System Relay circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P1659?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1659 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Makes

P1659 Acura — Electronic Throttle Control System Control Relay OFF Malfunction
P1659 Audi — Engine Coolant Blower Motor Speed 1 Short To Positive
P1659 Honda — Electronic Throttle Control System Control Relay OFF Malfunction
P1659 Saab — Turbocharger Bypass Valve Short To Positive
P1659 Volkswagen — Engine Coolant Blower Motor Speed 1 Short To Positive

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.