If your car is lately experiencing symptoms like the sudden loss of power, acceleration problems, and delays in shifting gears, then you may have a problem with the throttle position sensor (TPS). In some cases resetting the sensor will solve this so that we will explain the process.
How to reset the throttle position sensor? Start with removing the negative battery cable. This will reset the car’s central computer. Leave the cable disconnected for at least 5 minutes. Reconnect the battery and turn the ignition switch. Press the gas pedal, and then release it. Turn off the engine, and remove the key. Wait around 10 seconds to start the car again.
This type of reset can help if the problem is benign. But, if the problem is more complex, there are other things that you should try out. Stay with us, and you will learn everything about TPS and all the symptoms of TPS.
What is a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)?
A throttle sensor is located on the throttle and its function is to measure how far the throttle is open. It sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU controls how much fuel to inject, and that is directly connected to the throttle.
When accelerating, the throttle opens to receive more air, and the engine control module allows additional gasoline intake. The sensor is vital because it measures how much the throttle is open. If the sensor is not working properly, the engine will have problems with acceleration.
The sensor is a potentiometer, and it is measuring the position of the throttle by providing a varying electrical resistance.
Location of the TPS
The TPS is usually located on the throttle body.
Importance of the TPS in engine performance
Without the properly working TPS, the car will not receive acceleration as it should. The communication between the engine control module, the TPS, and the throttle is essential. The throttle opens when a driver presses the accelerator pedal and the TPS measures how much the throttle is open. The TPS sends that info to the ECU.
If that system is not working, the car cannot accelerate as it should. You can press the accelerator pedal, but the ECU will not react. The ECU is responsible for adding more fuel and adjusting ignition timing.
Sometimes the driver will feel a lag of a few seconds in the acceleration, but in other cases, the symptoms may vary. The most common symptom is power issues. If the sensor fails the car loses smooth acceleration and can have problems with rough idle. Sometimes it may even go into limp mode.
Symptoms of a Faulty TPS
Besides the problems with the acceleration, other symptoms of a faulty TPS are engine stalling or misfiring, poor fuel economy, and glowing check engine lights.
Engine Stalling or Misfiring
One of the common bad throttle position sensor symptoms is stalling or misfiring of the engine. If you notice that the engine is struggling while idling, that can point out to a faulty TPS. Also, all sudden changes in rpm-s while idling can be a result of a faulty TPS.
Check The Engine Light On
Check engine light is a vague symptom because many other problems can trigger it. But, it may come in handy if you notice other suspicious symptoms. Like, if your engine has an increased fuel consumption, and the check engine light is on, then you should check the TPS.
Poor Acceleration
The most common problem with the bad throttle position sensor is poor acceleration. Its primary job is to communicate with the ECU and the throttle. These components are responsible for the acceleration. If there is a problem in communication, that will lead to poor acceleration. Sometimes the culprit is a sensor not working correctly.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
If you notice that your car is consuming more gasoline than it should, it is one of the common signs of a bad TPS. The throttle position sensor sends information to the ECU. Based on that information, the ECU will add the proper amount of fuel. If the info is bad, the ECU may add excess fuel. That will lead to reduced fuel efficiency.
Steps to Reset the Throttle Position Sensor
The most important thing is to locate the throttle body. It is usually located between the air cleaner and the engine intake manifold. The sensor is positioned on the throttle body. From there you can follow the rest of the steps.
Disconnect the Battery
When working with electricity be sure to disconnect the negative cable. This way you will not electrocute yourself and will prevent any problems with the car’s computer.
Locate the TPS
Find the throttle body and on it a throttle position sensor. Disconnect the sensor by removing the sensor covers. If you can’t find them, look at the owner’s manual. Now, disconnect any electrical connection from the sensor. After that remove the bolts that are holding the sensor. You can now remove the sensor.
Clean the TPS
You can clean the throttle position sensor with a microfiber cloth for the best results. Use it in combination with a cleaning solvent, like a carburetor fluid. Remove any dirt that got the hold on the sensor. Before reinstalling the sensor, let it completely dry.
Test the TPS
You can test the TPS with a multimeter. First, you need to locate the ground of the throttle position sensor. Set the multimeter to a 20 DC voltage range. Turn the ignition on, but without starting the engine.
Place the red positive probe on the red positive terminal of the car battery. Now with the black probe, check all the wires or terminals on the sensor. The ground terminal needs to read 12 volts. If none of the wires doesn’t show this value, the sensor is not grounded. In this case, it needs to be replaced or fixed. If you found it, mark it and move on.
Now set the multimeter to a 10 DC voltage range. Press the ground with the black probe on the ground, and with the red, test the other wires. The voltage terminal is the one with the 5-volt reading. If none of the wires shows it, the sensor has a problem with the corroded wiring or the circuit itself.
If you found the voltage terminal, the third one is the signal terminal. Now reconnect all the terminals back to their positions.
Testing the Signal Voltage of the TPS
This test helps to diagnose if the throttle position sensor correctly reads the throttle and how much it is open. Set the multimeter to the 10 DC voltage. Testing the terminals when they are attached to the throttle can be difficult. The best way to resolve this is to use pins to poke each wire. Then attach probes to those pins with the alligator clips.
When the throttle is closed, it should read between 0.2V and 1.5V, if the TPS is in good condition. If the multimeter shows the value 0, you should open the throttle in steps. The values should rise while you are continuing to open the throttle. The multimeter should read 5V or 3.5V when you fully release the throttle, depending on the model.
If the value significantly changes while opening the throttle or stays the same, then the TPS needs to be changed. Also if the value never reaches 3.5V or 5V, that is a sign that the TPS needs to be replaced.
Alternative Method to Reset the TPS
If the case allows it, the best way to reset the throttle position sensor is with an OBD II scanner. Just be careful when buying a scanner because you need to buy just the type for your car model. Scanners for other cars will not work universally.
Steps to reset the TPS using an OBD-II scanner
For this to work, you must use a scanner from Foxwell and the specific model NT510 Elite. We will go through the process and steps that you need to follow.
- Plug the scanner into your car. The connector is usually located under the dashboard.
- Select the Honda symbol on the screen and then the Smart VIN option
- Select the Quick Scan option. The scanner will do a scan of all the systems in the car
- After the scanning is complete, a new menu will open. Select Special Options
- From there, select TP Position Check, and then choose the TP Reset option.
Check Out 2006-2011 Honda Civic TPS Reset Using OBD Scanner (Foxwell NT510 Elite):
Will a TPS Sensor Throw a Code?
Ideally, it will. We will describe three common code errors for a problem with a throttle position sensor.
| P0121 | TPS Circuit Range Performance Problem | Broken TPS, Dirty or faulty Throttle body, Bad Connections of the TPS connector, Corrosion on the ends of electrical connections |
| P0122 | TPS Switch “A” Circuit Low Input | TPS badly placed Problems with the wiring TPS Circuit Short to Ground Broken TPS |
| P0123 | TPS Switch “A” Circuit High Input | TPS badly placed or lose Malfunctioning ECM Shorted or grounded TPS wiring The throttle body filled with carbon builds Broken TPS |
FAQs
Can a dirty air filter cause throttle body issues?
Yes, it can. A dirty air filter reduces the quantity of clear air in the engine. That can cause airflow and pressure problems in the throttle body.
What Happens to a Car When the Throttle Position Sensor Is Bad?
If the car has a problem with the throttle position sensor, it will show several symptoms:
– Lack of power during acceleration
– The engine will work roughly at idle
– The car engine will react to the acceleration pedal after a few seconds
– Sometimes an error code will turn on the dashboard
What Controls the Throttle Position Sensor?
The throttle position sensor measures how much is the throttle valve open. The throttle valve opens when the gas pedal adds acceleration. The throttle position sensor is then communicating with the ECU. The ECU, according to the measurement of the TPS, is adding fuel to support the acceleration.
Is the Throttle Position Sensor the same as the Accelerator Position Sensor?
The accelerator position sensor (APS) is located on the accelerator pedal. It is responsible for smooth and constant acceleration. Like the throttle position sensor, it is also fixed to the throttle body and monitors the throttle position.
These sensors share a lot of functions and features, so many call the APS the same as the TPS, just with the pedal attached.
Does A Throttle Position Sensor Need To Be Programmed?
A new throttle position sensor needs to be programmed. The throttle body controls the air intake into the engine. If the TPS is not programmed correctly, that can cause problems for the overall engine work.
Final Considerations
The throttle sensor is a very important part of the car. Without it, the throttle valve cannot properly work. In that case, getting proper acceleration can be problematic, and the car can consume more fuel. All these are the reasons for regular maintenance of the TPS.
If you notice that there is a problem with the TPS, you can always try to reset it. That way, you will avoid issues with engine performance. Also, you will save up money on the mechanic. Of course, if the reset doesn’t solve the problem, then you should visit the mechanic.
Thankfully, the TPS is not that expensive. An average TPS costs around $100, but the price can go anywhere between $40 and $200. The price depends on the model and manufacturer.
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