Symptoms of a Bad Throttle Position Sensor
Devices malfunction can cause problems for us mere mortals. Throttle position sensor is an electrical part and any malfunction of which can cause a break in our lazy drive. To know about symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor, read on...
The function of the throttle position sensor, aka TPS, is to supply information to the computer about the position of the engine's throttle plate. The throttle position sensors contain electro-mechanical moving parts which are prone to wear and tear, deterioration, which eventually add to the cost of engine diagnosis. Malfunctioning of a TPS can result in improper data being fed to the computer, which monitors engine performance, in respect to the fuel efficiency of the engine. A damaged, malfunctioning TPS can cause variety of symptoms which are also known as symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor.
Symptoms of a Defective Throttle Position Sensor
Following is a list of symptoms, either of or a combination of which, an operator may experience because of a defective throttle position sensor:
Bucking and jerking.
Idle surging.
Sudden stalling of the engine.
Hesitation while the driver is trying to accelerate.
Sudden surge in speed while driving.
What Happens with bad Throttle Position Sensor?
The data provided by TPS is invaluable for proper startup, idle and easy throttle response of the engine. These operations are affected when a bad throttle position sensor feeds erroneous data into the computer because of which the:
Engine Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is turned on.
The driver experiences difficulty while changing direction or experienceing moguls.
The fuel economy drops drastically.
Causes difficulty in setting base-ignition-timing.
How to Test a Throttle Position Sensor?
TPS are manufactured using switch, potentiometer and combination designs. If the TPS is not adjustable then it becomes mandatory that you check throttle stop and throttle cable adjustments. Their improper functioning could cause symptoms such as, poor startup, inefficient response of the throttle idle stop. Switch and combination TPS are tested with ohmmeters. In order to test a non-adjustable TPS such as potentiometer TPS, a voltmeter is used and the following list, describes the steps involved in it.
You need to disconnect the throttle sensor harness.
Open the throttle valve manually and check the resistance between the terminal 1 and 2 changes.
Check the resistance in three different positions of the accelerator pedal.
You may record a resistance of approximately 10-ohms when the accelerator is fully, 2 to 10-ohms partially depressed and 2-ohms when completely released.
It is good idea to go through the Shop manual for specific information which may inform you whether you need to change the TPS or for that matter any of the other engine parts.
Replacing Throttle Position Sensor
Following are few instructions which can be helpful in replacing throttle position sensor.
Remove the fasteners of the faulty throttle position sensor while holding pressure against the throttle chamber, Note if it tilts one way or another as you release pressure, and the tab position as you pull it away.
Apply few drops of an anti-stick dielectrical grease to the tip of the replacement throttle sensor and install it in the throttle chamber.
The anti-stick solution will make it easy for you to remove the TPS in case you need to replace it.
Start the engine after connecting the throttle sensor harness connectors as specified in the shop manual.
Check whether the output voltage of the TPS is within the specified range.
Check the torque spec and Tighten the screws to complete the installation of the TPS. Over-tightening may render the part useless.
The longer you take to remedy problems by neglecting the symptoms of a bad TPS, the more money you are going to shell out. Irrespective of The first symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor is your wallet, because driving a fuel guzzler is not cheap. You will need more gas to travel the same distance and you will be adding more poisonous gases into the already burdened natural environment than necessary.
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Devices malfunction can cause problems for us mere mortals. Throttle position sensor is an electrical part and any malfunction of which can cause a break in our lazy drive. To know about symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor, read on...
The function of the throttle position sensor, aka TPS, is to supply information to the computer about the position of the engine's throttle plate. The throttle position sensors contain electro-mechanical moving parts which are prone to wear and tear, deterioration, which eventually add to the cost of engine diagnosis. Malfunctioning of a TPS can result in improper data being fed to the computer, which monitors engine performance, in respect to the fuel efficiency of the engine. A damaged, malfunctioning TPS can cause variety of symptoms which are also known as symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor.
Symptoms of a Defective Throttle Position Sensor
Following is a list of symptoms, either of or a combination of which, an operator may experience because of a defective throttle position sensor:
Bucking and jerking.
Idle surging.
Sudden stalling of the engine.
Hesitation while the driver is trying to accelerate.
Sudden surge in speed while driving.
What Happens with bad Throttle Position Sensor?
The data provided by TPS is invaluable for proper startup, idle and easy throttle response of the engine. These operations are affected when a bad throttle position sensor feeds erroneous data into the computer because of which the:
Engine Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is turned on.
The driver experiences difficulty while changing direction or experienceing moguls.
The fuel economy drops drastically.
Causes difficulty in setting base-ignition-timing.
How to Test a Throttle Position Sensor?
TPS are manufactured using switch, potentiometer and combination designs. If the TPS is not adjustable then it becomes mandatory that you check throttle stop and throttle cable adjustments. Their improper functioning could cause symptoms such as, poor startup, inefficient response of the throttle idle stop. Switch and combination TPS are tested with ohmmeters. In order to test a non-adjustable TPS such as potentiometer TPS, a voltmeter is used and the following list, describes the steps involved in it.
You need to disconnect the throttle sensor harness.
Open the throttle valve manually and check the resistance between the terminal 1 and 2 changes.
Check the resistance in three different positions of the accelerator pedal.
You may record a resistance of approximately 10-ohms when the accelerator is fully, 2 to 10-ohms partially depressed and 2-ohms when completely released.
It is good idea to go through the Shop manual for specific information which may inform you whether you need to change the TPS or for that matter any of the other engine parts.
Replacing Throttle Position Sensor
Following are few instructions which can be helpful in replacing throttle position sensor.
Remove the fasteners of the faulty throttle position sensor while holding pressure against the throttle chamber, Note if it tilts one way or another as you release pressure, and the tab position as you pull it away.
Apply few drops of an anti-stick dielectrical grease to the tip of the replacement throttle sensor and install it in the throttle chamber.
The anti-stick solution will make it easy for you to remove the TPS in case you need to replace it.
Start the engine after connecting the throttle sensor harness connectors as specified in the shop manual.
Check whether the output voltage of the TPS is within the specified range.
Check the torque spec and Tighten the screws to complete the installation of the TPS. Over-tightening may render the part useless.
The longer you take to remedy problems by neglecting the symptoms of a bad TPS, the more money you are going to shell out. Irrespective of The first symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor is your wallet, because driving a fuel guzzler is not cheap. You will need more gas to travel the same distance and you will be adding more poisonous gases into the already burdened natural environment than necessary.
Bills86e