The accelerator pedal, commonly called the ‘gas pedal’, controls the throttle. In turn, this sits in the aptly-named electronic throttle body (ETB).The throttle – so named because it controls the airflow – is a butterfly valve. In very basic terms, it’s a disc-shaped piece of metal hinged across its central line.The more it rotates, the more air passes it. As more oxygen enters the engine, the ECM sends more fuel to the cylinders. The result is more powerful combustion, increasing your car’s output.You’ll know (well, you should!) that pressing the accelerator pedal means you speed up. Lifting off means you slow down.This doesn’t happen by magic! Inside the throttle body, the butterfly valve pivots. The more you push the pedal, the wider open it turns, allowing more air into the cylinders.But how is your gas pedal linked to the throttle body? That’s where the electronic throttle control comes in.