Abstract: In a method for controlling a switching flap (10) arranged in an intake pipe connected with an internal-combustion engine the switching flap (10) is rotated with the aid of a switching-flap shaft (12) connected with an electromotor (18). With the aid of a position-detecting device (22,26;24,26) an end position of the switching flap (10) is detected. Subsequently, a rotation force is continued to be applied to the shaft (12) to hold the switching flap (10) in the end position. For detecting a breakage of the switching-flap shaft (12), an error message is generated when the switching-flap shaft (12) continues to rotate beyond the end position.

Abstract: An air intake channel system for internal combustion engines comprises several air intake channels (48,50) each of which is formed by at least a first and a second channel member (52,54). A common channel member (52) allocated to two air intake channels (48,50) comprises two air inlet openings (60,62). By pivoting the common channel member (52), the length of the air intake channels (48,50) can be jointly varied.