Method of controlling a switching flap, and a switching-flap actuating unit

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