The invention is directed to an arrangement for the open-loop and/or closed-loop control of an operating variable of an internal combustion engine. The arrangement includes an electronic open-loop and closed-loop control unit which is influenced with an actuable positioning component operating on the operating value in dependence upon at least one operating variable. This arrangement includes at least one safety means which changes its signal condition in predetermined positions of the actuator. Devices are included for precisely determining and detecting the position of the signal condition change. These devices control the actuator in predetermined operating conditions independently of the operating variable.