replacing a throttle position sensor

How to Replace a Throttle Position Sensor

• Step 1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery by loosening the clamp's nut with an adjustable wrench in a...
• Step 2. Locate the throttle position sensor. It is attached to the throttle body on the top of the engine.
• Step 3. Separate the wiring harness connector from the throttle position sensor by pressing in on the...

Full Answer

How do I reprogram the throttle position sensor?

This category here is for Acceleration Pedal Release Position Procedure and Learning.

1. Be sure that you have fully released your car accelerator pedal.
2. Then Turn car ignition switch “ON” and then you have to wait for least 2 secs while holding onto the keys.
3. Now turn “OFF” the ignition switch and wait for another 10 seconds before proceeding to the next step.

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What happens if you disconnect throttle position sensor?

What happens if you disconnect your throttle position sensor depends on the car you drive. Generally, a light on the dashboard comes on, and your car might not run at all. Some cars enter a “limp home” mode or “limp mode,” like when the TPS fails.

How do you change the throttle position sensor?

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What are symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor?

What Are The Symptoms and Signs Of a Failing Throttle Position Sensor?

• Lack Of Power. If your engine isn’t getting the fuel it needs, or is getting too much, you’ll notice that it doesn’t seem to be accelerating as it should be.
• Trouble Accelerating. In a similar vein, you may notice that your car will accelerate, but won’t get past a certain speed.
• Uneven Idle. ...
• Check Engine Light. ...

Can you replace just the throttle position sensor?

Once you've gone through the symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor, it's time to find a solution. 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.

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

The average replacement cost for the throttle position sensor is anywhere from $110 to $200. The parts cost is anywhere from $75 to $105 while the labor cost is anywhere from $35 to $95. In addition, you will have to account for any extra fees and taxes that get added on as well.

How do I replace a throttle position sensor?

Remove the throttle position sensor. Clean the sensor connector as needed using electrical contact cleaner or spray. Install the new throttle position sensor. Tighten the mounting screws and attach the electrical connector.

What are the symptoms of a failing throttle position sensor?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Throttle Position SensorCar won't accelerate, lacks power when accelerating, or accelerates itself.Engine won't idle smoothly, idles too slowly, or stalls.Car accelerates, but won't exceed a relatively low speed, or shift up.More items...•

How many hours does it take to replace a throttle body?

How long does a throttle body replacement take? The job usually takes around an hour for either a replacement or a cleaning.

What is difference between throttle body and throttle position sensor?

The TPS checks the amount of air/fuel mixture being delivered to the engine, while the throttle body temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the air/fuel mixture and the actual throttle body.

What happens if TPS is not calibrated?

If your TPS is faulty or uncalibrated, the sensor will be unable to accurately determine the position of the sensor. This will lead to a variety of symptoms, all of which are caused by the fact that the ECM is delivering the wrong air/fuel ratio to the cylinders thanks to the bad sensor.

How do you reset a throttle pedal position sensor?

Accelerator Pedal Release Position Learning Procedure. Turn ignition switch “ON” and wait at least 2 seconds. Turn ignition switch “OFF” wait at least 10 seconds. Turn ignition switch “ON” and wait at least 2 seconds. Turn ignition switch “OFF” wait at least 10 seconds.

Where is a TPS sensor located?

throttle bodyThe TPS is usually mounted on the throttle body (the housing that contains the throttle valve).

Does throttle position sensor affect transmission?

Automatic transmission problems The throttle position sensor is used to control the amount of gas that goes into the engine and thereby determine engine load and control vehicle speed. If it fails, it can result in automatic transmission hard-shifting issues.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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 disconnect negative cable from battery?

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery by loosening the clamp's nut with an adjustable wrench in a counterclockwise direction. Lift the cable from the battery terminal in a twisting motion and lay it aside.

What happens when a throttle position sensor goes bad?

When a throttle position sensor goes bad, your vehicle may stall or run rough at idle, and may stumble upon acceleration. The replacement of the TPS is a straightforward procedure that should take an amateur mechanic less than an hour to complete.

Where is the throttle position sensor located?

The throttle position sensor (TPS) on most vehicles is located in the engine compartment. It sends input to the electronic engine control so that ignition and fuel injection timing can be adjusted for proper engine operation.

What to do if gears are not changing?

If you notice that the gears are not changing properly, get the throttle position sensor (TPS) inspected. A good mechanic will clean the throttle body during a tune-up. If the Check Engine light is on, get the car inspected as soon as you can.

What is a throttle position sensor?

What is the Throttle Position Sensor all about? For a car to run smoothly, it needs the proper mixture of air and fuel. The amount of air in the engine is controlled by the air intake system. A throttle body is part of the air intake system that helps control the amount of air that gets into the engine. The throttle body has a throttle plate.

How does the air intake system work?

The amount of air that enters the engine is controlled by the air intake system. The faster your engine is moving, the more air it needs, so your air intake system is in tune with your gas pedal. Your throttle position sensor is constantly sending information about your gas pedal to the vehicle’s engine control unit.

What happens if the throttle position sensor stops working?

If this sensor stops working, the car's computer will not be able to calculate the right amount of fuel to be injected in the system. It may not be able to change the gears. Your car will not get the right amount of power. It may not even start.

What does it mean when the gas pedal is pushing harder?

The harder you push the gas pedal, the wider the plate will open, and more air will flow to the engine. This means more power and more speed. The throttle position sensor reports the position of the gas pedal to the computer in your car (Engine Control Unit).

What does it mean when a throttle body is closed?

The throttle body has a throttle plate. If the plate is closed, it prevents the air from getting into the engine. When you push the gas pedal, it opens the plate, allowing the air to enter the engine. The amount of air depends on the position of the plate, which is controlled by the gas pedal.

Why does my car not get the right amount of air into the engine?

As a result, your vehicle will not get the right amount of air into the engine, and your engine will lose power and run very poorly. In some cases, this will keep your vehicle from being able to change gears.

What is TPS in a car?

Your TPS supplies information to your vehicle's computer about the throttle position-specifically, its relative position to the throttle body-which guarantees a smooth-running ride since the proper amount of air is entering your engine.

Can a TPS stall if throttle is closed?

A faulty TPS also doesn't know if the throttle is completely closed when your vehicle is idling. And, with a malfunctioning TPS, your engine can stall abruptly at any time, since your ride's on-board computer can't guide the engine to function optimally.

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.

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.

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 a TPS sensor be repaired?

Unfortunately, a TPS cannot be repaired as it is a tiny sensor but the good news is that a new sensor “usually” isn’t too expensive so you can get back on the road soon enough.

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.

How to tell if throttle position sensor is bad?

What are signs of a bad Throttle Position Sensor? 1 Acceleration issues: A bad TPS may cause all sorts of power issues. Your engine may start up but it will have little to no power and it causes it to shut off. On the other hand, it can also cause your car to have spontaneous accelerations even if you didn't step on the gas. 2 Unstable Engine Idle: Faulty position sensors can cause sporadic idle conditions due to fluctuating airflow. If you see your car misfiring, Idling rough, or stalling out while you drive then you definitely want to have a professional check out that sensor. 3 Unusual fuel consumption: The TPS works alongside other sensors to ensure that your ride is driving smoothly and efficiently. When these sensors start to go bad then other modules might start working differently to compensate for lack or abundance of airflow. In most cases when your sensor goes bad, you will see the vehicle consuming more fuel than usual 4 Warning lights: The check engine light is designed to warn you when any sensor goes bad. If the check engine light turned on in your car, then it's important to check it out before the issue gets worse.

Where is the throttle body located?

The air will travel up the intake and it will reach your throttle body. The throttle body is a circular valve that’s located in between your air filter and Intake Manifold. In the old days, there was a wire attached to the gas pedal ...

What happens if a car sensor is faulty?

If the sensor is faulty, it will cause your car to shake heavily. Eventually, if this issue is left unattended it will put major stress on your motor and transmission mounts to the point where they will give out and will need replacement.

Why won't my car start if the throttle is stuck?

When the throttle gets stuck in an open position than your vehicle will receive too much air and cause it to have a high or fluctuating idle.