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P1731

Moderate

Insufficient Engine Speed Decrease During Self Test

What Does P1731 Mean?

During a PCM self-test or diagnostic routine, the engine speed did not decrease as expected when commanded. This indicates the throttle is not closing properly or something is preventing the engine from decelerating normally.

Common Causes

40%

Sticking throttle blade or throttle body carbon buildup

Throttle Body

25%

Faulty electronic throttle actuator not returning to closed position

Throttle Actuator
Throttle Body Assembly

15%

Throttle position sensor misadjusted or failing

Throttle Position Sensor

10%

Idle air control valve stuck open or malfunctioning

Idle Air Control Valve

10%

PCM software calibration issue or corrupted memory

PCM

Diagnostic Steps

1

Step 1: Inspect throttle body for carbon deposits and sticky operation; clean thoroughly

2

Step 2: Monitor throttle position sensor values to confirm throttle returns to 0% at idle

3

Step 3: Manually operate throttle blade to check for binding or resistance

4

Step 4: Test electronic throttle actuator function using bidirectional scan tool controls

5

Step 5: Check for PCM updates or relearn procedures for electronic throttle system

Estimated Repair Cost

$100 - $500

Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P1731 mean?

During a PCM self-test or diagnostic routine, the engine speed did not decrease as expected when commanded. This indicates the throttle is not closing properly or something is preventing the engine from decelerating normally.

What causes P1731?

The most common cause of P1731 (Insufficient Engine Speed Decrease During Self Test) is: Sticking throttle blade or throttle body carbon buildup

How much does it cost to fix P1731?

Typical repair costs for P1731 range from $100 to $500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with P1731?

Potentially dangerous condition causing high idle or insufficient engine braking. Vehicle may be difficult to control and could continue accelerating when throttle released.

How do I diagnose P1731?

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P1731 to identify the root cause.

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Quick Info

Category

Powertrain

System

Engine Management / Throttle Control

Difficulty

Moderate

Type

Manufacturer

Recommended Tools

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