Method and apparatus for electronic throttle monitoring

An electronic throttle control for a motor vehicle powertrain comprising:

• a powertrain control module, sensors, actuators, and an electronic throttle control;
• an interface including inputs from said sensors shared with the powertrain control module;
• an electronic throttle monitor including an independent processor including a first operating mode determining whether engine power exceeds power demand and a second operating mode enabling one of a plurality of decreasing power output signals.

A method for monitoring a motor vehicle powertrain having a powertrain control module with a processor for controlling actuators and responding to sensors for engine throttle control comprising:

• monitoring by independently processing inputs shared with the powertrain control module for detecting a power level greater than power demand, and
• decreasing the power level when detected power level is greater than power demand and a fault in said powertrain control module fails to control said actuators.