Abstract: An automotive type carburetor is provided with a choke construction that assures opening of the choke valve without the use of vacuum in the event of an electrical failure in the choke assembly, or a failure in the secondary air pump system of the engine; the choke housing being supplied with hot air under pressure from the engine secondary air pump to warm the choke bimetal, the choke assembly also including a PTC heater element to independently warm the bimetal, either heating means being adequate to assure opening of the choke valve within a desired time in the event of a failure of the other heating means.