GOODBYE, ENGINE LAG. HELLO, THROTTLE CONTROLLER

In the old days, the only real relationship you had with a vehicle’s motor was the right go-pedal, the accelerator. Funny when you think of that!

That relationship was a rigid wire that ran from the top of the pedal, through the firewall and along to the top of the motor. It was called the Bowden cable system. This system was very basic and worked okay, but as with many other mechanical forces, it wasn’t that reliable. It was prone to inefficiency, wear and tear, or failure over extended time.

Originally this cable controlled the “butterfly” flap inside the carburettor, which managed the fuel and air mixture, so the driver could select their desired speed. It rarely did more than control one mechanism.

DRIVE-BY-WIRE

These days, that Bowden wire cable has become pretty redundant with modern cars. Today, just about all cars, including 4WDs, are adopting technology to improve efficiency, performance and safety, which has led to the conventional mechanical throttle wire being replaced with an electronic interface.

“TODAY, JUST ABOUT ALL CARS, INCLUDING 4WDS, ARE ADOPTING