Electronic throttle return mechanism with default and gear backlash control

The invention relates to an electronic throttle control system having a housing (22) with a motor (40), throttle valve (60), gear mechanism (100), and failsafe mechanism (130). A main spring member (150) positioned between the housing (22) and a gear mechanism (104), which in turn is attached to the throttle valve shaft (62), biases the throttle plate (60) towards the closed position. A spring-biased gear backlash sector gear mechanism (130) biases the throttle plate (60) from its closed position to a default or "limp-home" position.