TVA removal is a professional ECU calibration service that disables the control and diagnostic routines of the Throttle Valve Actuator (TVA) when this component is intentionally deactivated or removed for off-road or motorsport use, ensuring that only the TVA logic is affected while other safety functions remain intact.

TVA Removal (Throttle Valve Actuator Disable)

In petrol engines the throttle flap meters fresh air to set torque and power; in modern diesels it mainly supports EGR operation and smooth shutdown. Over time, throttle actuators can stick or fail and trigger persistent DTCs (for example codes in the P2100–P2119 range), causing idle instability, reduced power or limp mode.

TVA removal safely deactivates the actuator logic at software level so that the unit can be unplugged or mechanically removed without generating related error codes, while preserving all other ECU safety and drivability functions. This service is intended for off-road or motorsport use, or where local laws explicitly allow it.

How TVA removal works

We adjust the ECU so that throttle-flap control requests, feedback checks and plausibility monitors for the TVA are disabled. Once the calibration is applied, the actuator can be disconnected or fixed in a safe position without causing warning lights or limp mode. All TVA Off solutions are bench-validated and dyno-tested to maintain OEM-level drivability, proper boost control and exhaust management.

Idle control, injection timing and turbo protection strategies remain fully functional. The aim is to remove only the TVA-related routines that are no longer compatible with the mechanical configuration, while keeping the rest of the ECU logic exactly as intended by the manufacturer.

When TVA removal is recommended

• Mechanical or electrical failure of the throttle actuator (sticking flap, damaged linkage, motor error).
• Recurrent DTCs such as P2100, P2101, P2111, P2112, P2119 leading to limp mode or torque limitation.
• Racing or off-road builds, or after EGR / DPF delete, where TVA no longer provides meaningful benefits.
• To remove an intake restriction and restore consistent airflow and throttle response on compatible engines.

Technical notes and safety considerations

Modern ECUs use the throttle valve actuator not only for torque request, but also to shape exhaust temperature, EGR flow and shutdown smoothness. If the TVA is removed without calibration, the ECU will continue to command the actuator and interpret its feedback, causing repeated error codes and unpredictable behavior. A correct TVA removal calibration ensures that these routines are neutralised cleanly while all unrelated monitoring (such as overboost, temperature limits and torque-safety checks) remains active.

In some architectures, especially on diesel engines, the TVA is used to improve shutdown comfort by closing the flap briefly when the engine is turned off. After TVA removal, shutdown dynamics may change slightly, but this does not affect engine integrity when the calibration is carried out properly for off-road or motorsport use.

For a broader overview of throttle functions in engine management, you can refer to

Throttle body (Wikipedia)
.

Supported TVA ECU platforms

Use the list below to check which ECUs and firmware versions are already supported for TVA removal. Coverage is expanded regularly as new engines and control units are analysed, logged and validated by the TuningBot engineering team.

Compliance, usage and ECU coverage

This service is intended for non-road, track or motorsport applications, or for scenarios where your local regulations explicitly allow modification of throttle valve actuator behavior. It must not be used to conceal genuine faults on vehicles that are required to comply with on-road diagnostics and emissions standards.

To verify global ECU coverage and related services, visit the ECU Service Coverage page. If your software code does not appear in the list, submit your ORI through Tune Your File: new variants are frequently added based on demand.