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2012 chevy silverado throttle position sensor problems

by Kyla Green Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) needs to be replaced (best case scenario). There’s a leak in the 2nd gear apply circuit (the servo assembly or 1-2 accumulator), resulting in a large drop in fluid pressure when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) selects 2nd gear. Insufficient line pressure (worst case scenario).

Full Answer

How to replace a throttle position sensor?

How to Replace a Throttle Position Sensor. Remove the battery Before you begin, detach the negative terminal connection from the battery. This will prevent you from receiving undesired shocks as well as causing harm to other components under the hood. Unplug the Previous Sensor

How do you adjust the throttle position sensor?

TPS – Throttle Position Sensor Adjustment

  1. Loosen the jam nut and unscrew the throttle stop screw all the way so that the throttle blade closes fully against the throttle body itself.
  2. Turn the stop screw back in until it just touches the linkage, then turn in ¼ turn more. ...
  3. Tighten the jam nut while holding the stop screw in place to prevent it from moving.
  4. Unplug TPS

More items...

Should I replace the throttle position sensor?

The throttle position sensor not only helps to control the fuel and air mixture in your engine but also helps with shifting gears. While this part is meant to last the lifetime of your vehicle, sometimes it can fail and will need prompt replacement.

How do I replace the throttle position sensor?

  • Back probe leads (optional)
  • Free repair manuals provides free online repair manuals for certain makes and models
  • Protective gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Screwdriver
  • Voltmeter (optional)

What are the symptoms of a failing throttle position sensor?

An unexplainable bucking and jerking in the vehicle.Sudden idle surges.Sudden engine stalling without any apparent reason.Hesitation while accelerating.Sudden surges in speed while driving on the highway.Intermittently flashing of check engine light for no apparent reason.Difficulties in changing gears.More items...

What problems can a throttle position sensor cause?

If your TPS causes the butterfly valve in your throttle to close too much while driving, then it will cause your car engine to die. A malfunctioning TPS can also affect your car's fuel injection system. It might not deliver enough fuel into the engine, and this can cause your vehicle to stall as well.

How do you reset a GM throttle position sensor?

The easiest way to reset your throttle position sensor is to unhook the negative cable from your battery for up to five minutes or to remove the fuse for your engine control module.

How do you reset the throttle body sensor on a Chevy Silverado?

0:322:05GM Truck Electronic Throttle Body (ETB) Relearn Procedure - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext turn the ignition off for 60 seconds. Then start and idle the engine in Park for 3 minutesMoreNext turn the ignition off for 60 seconds. Then start and idle the engine in Park for 3 minutes again after the 3 minute runtime the engine should be idling normally.

Will a bad TPS sensor throw a code?

a faulty tps can set a trouble code in the computer if the voltage value is either not present, sporadic, slow or constant, and this can illuminate your check engine light.

How do you test a throttle position sensor?

1:387:02How to test a TPS sensor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs I open the throttle you'll be able to see an increase in voltage gradually. As the throttle it'sMoreAs I open the throttle you'll be able to see an increase in voltage gradually. As the throttle it's open when you don't want to see any dropouts in boats you don't want to see any glitches.

How do you calibrate a throttle position sensor on a Chevy?

3:224:22How to Calibrate Throttle Position Sensor Using a Multimeter (Set TPS)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clip45 volts and then as you apply throttle. You should see the voltage. Increase steadily up to aboutMore45 volts and then as you apply throttle. You should see the voltage. Increase steadily up to about four and a half volts uh or all the way up to five we should be good to go here.

Do you have to reset computer after replacing throttle position sensor?

After replacing the throttle body to your engine, if the engine light was on and has a pending code, the code will go away. If the code was a hard permanent code, then the ECM (computer) would need a hard reset.

How do you adjust the throttle position sensor on a Chevy?

0:573:46TPS or Throttle Position Sensor Adjustment 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBy simply closing or plugging the idle control valve adjusting the throttle screw for a minimum idleMoreBy simply closing or plugging the idle control valve adjusting the throttle screw for a minimum idle speed. And then readjusting the TPS. The desired idle condition can always be met by the engine.

How do I do the throttle body relearn procedure?

1:112:42Throttle Body Relearn: When Should I Reprogram My Car's ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou might have to let it run for three minutes and then shut the vehicle off. And then run it againMoreYou might have to let it run for three minutes and then shut the vehicle off. And then run it again for three minutes. It depends on the type of vehicle.

How do you calibrate a throttle position sensor?

4:1410:54How to install & calibrate a new Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) #1208YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo all we need to do just drop those pins. Down between the wire insulation. And the rubber grommetMoreSo all we need to do just drop those pins. Down between the wire insulation. And the rubber grommet that's there that's one you've got to go a long way down to get onto the contact.

How do I reset my GM electronic throttle control manually?

Resetting your electronic throttle control manually can be a tricky job. First, make sure the accelerator pedal is fully released. Next, turn the ignition on and then turn it off and wait for ten seconds. During these ten seconds, be sure the throttle valve is moving by listening for a sound of operation.

How does a bad throttle body affect a Silverado?

So, the symptoms of a bad throttle body will all affect how the vehicle feels responding to your throttle input. A rough idle is also a very common symptom.

How to tell if a Silverado throttle is dirty?

Dirty Throttle Body. While coming to a stop, you may notice that your Silverado feels like it wants to die. The RPM may shoot up by as much as 500 until it finally finds the proper idle speed. This is a telltale sign of a dirty throttle body.

What does a bad throttle body mean on a 2019 Chevy Silverado?

November 11, 2019 by Jason. If your Chevy Silverado has a bad throttle body, it can cause it to run terribly. Common symptoms of a bad throttle body include, dirt and grime, the check engine light, and an erratic idle. Your Silverado’s throttle body controls the amount of air that enters the engine. You control the throttle body position ...

Is the check engine light on a Silverado bad?

The check engine light is one of the most common symptoms of a bad throttle body in your Silverado. The check engine light itself being on is not a bad thing. The trouble codes that are stored in the computer can tell a lot about what is actually going on. This makes diagnosing the throttle body much easier.

Can you clean a throttle body?

Here’s a great video showing how to clean a throttle body. Make sure that you use throttle body cleaner, and not brake parts cleaner, WD40, or even carb cleaner. Cleaning it is easy and cost effective.

Why is my throttle position sensor not working?

Code errors can cause your throttle position sensor to work erratically or incorrectly. Otherwise, you’ll need professional software to reprogram your sensor. This job is best done by a professional mechanic. If your sensor just needs repairs, it could be the result of faulty or loose wiring.

What is the function of the throttle position sensor?

When you press down on the gas pedal, your throttle body unit's valve opens. This causes your throttle position sensor to adjust the engine intake manifold accordingly .

How to install a new sensor?

Install your new sensor by working backward through the removal steps. Start by installing the sensor using the mounting screws. Next, connect your sensor to your vehicle's electrical system using a convenient electrical connector. You should be able to easily push it together and hear a distinct click. Check to ensure a firm connection.

Why does my engine keep idling?

Similarly, if your engine struggles to idle efficiently, it could also be a result of a damaged throttle position sensor. Stalling, surging, or hesitating while idling all can be caused by this unassuming sensor.

Where should the throttle sensor be mounted?

It should be mounted to your throttle body, which is on top of your engine. You should disconnect your negative battery cable before removing the sensor. This helps you avoid the risk of electrical shock or causing an error code on your engine control module.

Can you replace a sensor?

Completely replacing your sensor may be the best way to avoid future issues, but some issues can be easily fixed by reprogramming or repairing your sensor. Reprogramming or resetting your sensor can sometimes solve these issues. This step can also be necessary when you install a new sensor.

Is throttle position sensor a corrosion sensor?

Just like any other electrical wiring, your throttle position sensor is susceptible to corrosion and faulty connections. Once you’ve established the issue is with your sensor and that it isn’t a programming fault, check the wiring and connection points before purchasing a new one.

How to tell if throttle position sensor is bad?

Here are some common symptoms of a bad or failing throttle position sensor to watch for: 1. Car won’t accelerate, lacks power when accelerating, or accelerates itself. It may feel as though the car simply doesn't accelerate as it should, and jerks or hesitates as it picks up speed. It may accelerate smoothly, but lack power.

What is a TPS sensor?

The throttle position sensor (TPS) is part of your vehicle's fuel management system and helps ensure that the correct mixture of air and fuel is delivered to your engine . The TPS provides the most direct signal to the fuel injection system of what power demands are being made by the engine. The TPS signal is continually measured ...

Why is the check engine light illuminated?

This sensor can fail gradually, or all at once. In most cases, the Check Engine Light is illuminated if a TPS failure is detected. Also, most manufacturers provide a “limp home” mode of operation with reduced power if a failure is detected.

Why does my car stall when stopped?

This gives the car an unintended burst of speed that occurs because the sensor cannot detect the closed position of the throttle. 2. Engine won’t idle smoothly, idles too slowly, or stalls. If you start to experience engine misfires, stalling, or rough idling when the car is stopped, it can also be a warning sign of a failing TPS.

What happens if your car doesn't accelerate?

1. Car won’t accelerate, lacks power when accelerating, or accelerates itself. 2. Engine won’t idle smoothly, idles too slowly, or stalls. 3. Car accelerates, but won’t exceed a relatively low speed, or shift up. 4. Check Engine Light comes on, accompanied by any of the above behaviors. Next Step.

What does failure mode mean on a TPS?

This is another failure mode of the TPS, which indicates that it is falsely limiting the power being requested with your accelerator pedal foot. You may find that your car will accelerate, but not beyond a speed of 20 - 30 MPH.

Does a throttle position sensor affect fuel economy?

The throttle position sensor can fail in several ways, all of which result in poor fuel economy at best, ...

What is a bad throttle position sensor?

A bad throttle position sensor is the last thing that you will ever wish to have on your ride. The purpose of a throttle position sensor is to keep your car running like it’s supposed to by controlling the throttle.

How much does it cost to replace a throttle position sensor?

The labor costs will be anywhere between $60 and $90, depending on the hourly rate of the mechanics. So in total, you can expect to pay between $135 and $220 for a throttle position sensor replacement. Since replacing the TPS is fairly easy in most cases (depending on its location), you may be able to save yourself some time by doing it yourself.

Why does my computer stall my car?

The simple answer is when your computer can no longer detect any signal from the throttle position sensor. The will likely force your computer to stall the engine and only allow it to run at low RPMs, which means the car will only move at slow speeds.

Why does my check engine light turn off?

The check engine light will randomly turn on and off even if the car is running smoothly without any jerks and stalling. This is often the first ever symptom of a bad TPS.

What is the most common symptom of a bad TPS?

Jerking or bucking of the vehicle is the most common symptom of a bad TPS. These jerks can be experienced during hard acceleration or when under moderate load. What makes diagnosing it tricky is that the bucks and jerks may be completely random and not even occur for some stretches of time.

Can you detect throttle position sensor issues?

Honestly speaking, it is not easy to detect throttle position sensor issues. However, there are specific throttle position sensor signs to look for to help ensure you find the culprit.

Can a throttle position sensor cause a car to accelerate?

A faulty throttle position sensor will not let your car accelerate normally. Though this doesn’t happen all the time. You may experience slow acceleration, acceleration surge at both high and low speeds, hesitation or delay in acceleration, and other related symptoms.

Where is the VSS located on a 1-2 shift?

The VSS is located at the rear of the transmission , which has to be removed to access it.

Is the 4L60-E transmission good?

Most automotive experts would agree that this 4L60-E transmission is the best rendition of one of the best overdrive automatic transmissions ever manufactured. But as with all machines, due to use and/or abuse, there will be failure.

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