Method for operating an internal combustion engine, method for checking such a method for operating an internal combustion engine, internal combustion engine and control unit

The engine is supplied with air through the induction manifold (305) and the flow rate is determined by a controlled throttle valve (306) and a variable stroke inlet valve (304). Both valve actuators (202,203) are coupled to a microprocessor (308) based controller (307). In the event of failure of one of the actuators the command flow rate value is met by adjustment of the second valve.