ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SERVO OVERHEAT PROTECTION SYSTEM

A method for controlling a positioning device (34) of an internal combustion engine includes the step of providing an electric motor (30) for actuating a positioning device (34). A user employs an actuator (21) to command the throttle plate (34) to change to a commanded position. A motor effort sensor (38) then detects a control effort required by the motor (30) to change to the commanded position. A throttle control unit (28) determines whether the control effort exceeds a threshold for a predetermined time period. If the control effort exceeds the threshold for the predetermined time period, the throttle control unit (28) actuates the motor (30) to reduce the control effort.