How To Clean Throttle Position Sensor Honda Civic

Dan Ferrell writes about do-it-yourself automobile maintenance and repair. He has certifications in automation and control technology.

Throttle position sensor (right hand side device).

Photograph courtesy of Mike Roberts on Flickr

Aye. How do you know if a throttle position sensor (TPS) is bad? Of course, some symptoms tin can tell yous when a TPS may be bad. But these symptoms may come up from other bad sensors, parts, or components. And so you need to comport some tests.

The TPS connects to the throttle plate on the throttle trunk. The position sensor has a variable resistance potentiometer (or contact points, depending on model) that sends a varying voltage signal to the Power Control Module (PCM, your auto'south engine computer) according to the position of the throttle plate.

This plate rotates when you depress the gas pedal to let more air to enter the intake manifold. With the engine running, the position of the throttle plate (along with other sensors) tells the computer how much fuel the engine needs at any given moment.

On some vehicle models with an automatic transmission, a bad TPS can interfere with kickdown shifts and downshifts.

And then, without the correct signal coming from the TPS, you brainstorm to notice drivability bug. Some vehicle models provide a "limp-in" fashion to allow the driver to take in the vehicle to a shop for diagnostics and repair. Fortunately, it's not that hard to exam the sensor. You can utilize the position sensor operating characteristics to exam it using a digital multimeter (DMM).

If you haven't used a multimeter before, just take a look at the side by side video. In a couple of minutes you'll be ready to test the throttle position sensor in your auto. And if you're looking for an inexpensive but good DMM for your toolbox—you need to utilise i for many DIY auto projects—you can find i at your local auto parts store or online.

The nearly typical failure you'll detect on a TPS is wear, a short or an open up on the excursion of the contacts or variable resistor. This guide will assist you test the throttle position sensor in a few minutes and know whether yous need to replace it.

Index

I. How to Examination a Throttle Position Sensor

A. Is Your TPS Connected to Footing?

B. Is Your TPS Connected to Reference Voltage?

C. Is Your TPS Producing the Correct Signal Voltage?

Alert - Using a DMM

II. Throttle Position Sensor Adjustment

III. Common TPS Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Bad TPS Symptoms
Lean and Rich fuel condition problems
Car only reaches a depression, express speed (lack of power)
Bad computer signals to other actuators
Gear shifting issues (automatic transmission)
Ignition timing issues
Triggering of trouble codes (depending on car model)
Rough idle
High idle speed
Hesitation
Stumble
Surging
Stalling
Crank-No start status
Engine starts then stops
Increase in fuel consumption

I. How to Test a Throttle Position Sensor

The nearly mutual TPS test is to measure for resistance (ohms) or voltage at the various positions, including throttle plate closed, one-half open and fully open. We'll use voltage to test the TPS here.

1. Open the hood and remove the air cleaner assembly where information technology connects with the throttle body.

ii. Inspect the throttle plate and the walls of the throttle torso surrounding the throttle plate.

* If you lot run across carbon buildup around the walls and nether the throttle plate, spray some carburetor cleaner on a clean shop rag and wipe the buildup with it until the surface is completely clean. Carbon buildup can prevent the throttle plate from closing properly and moving freely.

3. Locate the TPS mounted on the side of the throttle trunk. The TPS is a minor plastic cake with a three wire connector.

A. Is Your TPS Connected to Footing?

1. Advisedly unplug the electrical connector from the TPS.

2. Examine the electric connector wires and terminals for dirt, contagion and impairment.

three. Now, set your DMM to a suitable setting, similar 20 Volts, on the DC voltage scale.

iv. Plow the ignition central to the ON position, but don't kickoff the engine.

5. Connect the carmine test pb from your DMM to the battery positive mail, the one marked with a "+" sign.

vi. And bear upon the black test lead from your DMM to each of the three electric terminals of the TPS electrical connector.

* The one concluding that reads 12 Volts on your DMM is the ground terminal. Make a note of the color of this wire.

* If none of the terminals reads 12 Volts, there's a problem in that part of the wiring leading to the TPS you lot need to fix because the TPS has no footing.

vii. Turn the ignition primal OFF.

Locate the TPS to the side of the throttle trunk.

Photograph courtesy of Christopher Blizzard on Flickr

B. Is Your TPS Connected to Reference Voltage?

ane. Now connect the blackness examination atomic number 82 from your DMM to the ground terminal on the TPS connector you lot just identified.

2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but don't beginning the engine.

iii. Connect the red examination pb to each of the other ii terminals.

4. One of the terminals should read v volts, or pretty shut to it. That terminal is providing the reference voltage to the TPS to produce the voltage point. Brand a note of the color of the wire connected to this last. The third wire corresponds to the signal voltage or point wire.

* If you don't get v volts from any of the two terminals, there'south a problem in the excursion you need to set up because there's no reference voltage going to the TPS. Check the circuit for bad terminals, loose, muddy or harm wires.

five. Plough the ignition key OFF.

half-dozen. Plug back in the electrical connector to the TPS.

C. Is Your TPS Producing the Correct Point Voltage?

ane. Now backprobe the signal and ground terminals on the TPS electrical connector. If necessary, use a couple of pins to backprobe the wires.

2. Connect the positive (red) test lead from your DMM to the signal wire and the black negative (black) test lead from your DMM to the ground wire.

3. Plow the ignition key ON merely don't start the engine.

iv. Make certain the throttle plate is fully closed.

5. Your DMM should read effectually 0.2 upward to ane.5 Volts or shut to information technology, depending on your particular model. If the readout on your meters shows only a null, make sure you're at a low setting—usually at the 10 or 20 Volts setting. If your meter even so reads zero, continue with this test anyhow.

half-dozen. While watching the readout on your DMM, gradually open the throttle plate until is fully opened (or take an assistant gradually depress the gas pedal to the flooring).

* Your DMM should read 5 volts or close to information technology when the throttle plate is fully opened.

* Besides, make certain that the voltage increases smoothly as you gradually open up the throttle plate.

* If yous notice the voltage skipping or stuck at a certain voltage value, as you gradually open the throttle plate, your TPS is non working properly and you demand to replace information technology.

* Also, if your TPS doesn't reach 5 volts, or shut to it (upwardly to 3.5V on some models), when the throttle plate is fully opened, replace the TPS.

7. Repeat step half dozen, merely this fourth dimension use the handle of a screwdriver to lightly tap on the position sensor as you lot open and close the throttle plate. If the voltage skips as you tap the sensor, supersede it.

8. Turn OFF the ignition fundamental and remove the pins.

If your have an adjustable throttle position sensor (quondam vehicle model), and your readings are out of specification, try to adjust the sensor first before replacing it. Your sensor is adjustable if you tin can loosen the sensor mounting bolts and rotate the sensor left or right. If necessary, head over to the next section Throttle Position Sensor Adjustment.

II. Throttle Position Sensor Adjustment

This is an instance of an adjustment on an externally mounted TPS. Other models with unlike configurations require a variation of the post-obit steps. Only this volition requite you a general thought of the aligning procedure.

i. Loosen the sensor mounting bolts simply enough so that you can rotate it by lightly tapping on information technology with a screwdriver handle.

2. Backprobe the position sensor to monitor the voltage indicate with your DMM.

3. Plow the ignition key to the ON position merely don't start the engine.

four. Keep the throttle plate at the close position (or at the position specified in your repair or service manual).

5. Verify that the voltage corresponds to the specified in your manual. If not, rotate the sensor left or correct until you lot obtain the specified voltage.

vi. Then, hold the TPS in that position and tighten upward the mounting screws.

If the TPS is unable to reach the specified voltage, supplant it.

NOTE: On some models, you demand a feeler gauge to adapt the position sensor. Likewise, you may demand to adjust a cease screw in the throttle body and, even so in another models, conform a dash pot that prevents the throttle plates from suddenly endmost. For this, read the instructions in the repair manual for your specific vehicle brand and model.

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III. Mutual TPS Diagnositc Trouble Codes (DTCs)

A error in the TP sensor or circuit may trigger the bank check engine light. These are 3 typical codes and their probable cause you may find stored in your motorcar's computer memory.

DTC	Clarification	Potential Mistake
P0121	TPS indicate disagrees with MAP signal	Faulty vehicle speed sensor signal
		Bad TP sensor.
		Faulty MAP sensor.
P0122	TPS depression voltage	Internal brusk to ground.
		Sensor or circuit open.
		Sensor or circuit shorted to footing.
P0123	TPS high voltage	Excursion shorted to voltage.
		Sensor shorted to 5V reference voltage.
		Sensor footing open up.

Knowing how to test a throttle position sensor tin save you time, and, most importantly, prevent you from changing parts unnecessarily. So this simple test can help you become your machine back on the route faster. And the test is non difficult. You can do it at dwelling in just a few minutes.

This content is accurate and truthful to the best of the author'southward cognition and is non meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Questions & Answers

Question: If I throttle my car, it takes too long to decrease the acceleration. Is it from the TP sensor? The check engine low-cal is too on.

Reply: Not necessarily. Pull down the codes and see what the reckoner is pointing at as the fault. At that place might exist another sensor not responding quite correct.

Question: What does it mean if my throttle goes straight to 5v earlier you move the throttle?

Answer: The resistance is probably bad.

Question: TPS low-cal came on. I put a new the throttle body did relearn, light went out. I collection and the light is dorsum on. I checked the codes and got TPS fault. I did some other relearn. So no dispatch. I changed gas pedal (TPS) light went out. Collection and light is dorsum on. Code reads bad TPS. A bad part? Returned it and installed. Still no acceleration. I'm virtually to pull my hair out. Wiring upshot mayhap? Any suggestions?

Answer: The problem might exist in the circuit or the harness connector. Tug at wires and make sure they are properly continued. Check the connector for corrosion or build up. You may demand to trace voltage in the excursion. Use the wiring diagram in the repair manual. At that place could also exist a problem with the driver on the computer, simply this is rarer.

Question: Can the TPS sensor touch shifting of fix?

Answer: On some models, it can atomic number 82 to shifting problems. Test the TPS sensor. You may demand your vehicle repair manual for this. I hope it helps. Also, download trouble codes, even if the engine light is non on. There could be pending codes.

Question: A/C stopped working. Nosotros replaced the blower and resistor. At present the CE calorie-free code reads TPS. Is information technology possible the sensor was tripped by the removal for the gas pedal? Or is this a whole new outcome? If we have the code reset and the CE lite doesn't come up back on, does that betoken that is was tripped by doing the previous piece of work? Also if it does come back on after resetting, does it mean it is bad?

Answer: It is possible if the computer didn't receive an expected input from the sensor. Test the TPS using a digital multimeter. Make certain that it's yet working and, if necessary, visually inspect and exam the wires and connector. If the sensor tests OK, erase the code. If it comes back or you notice a performance issue. Take a closer expect at the circuit or sensor. Hope this helps.

Question: The wire showing 5 volts is basis? Shouldn't that be your hot? Meanwhile, a continuity test will prove ground, not voltage?

Answer: The 5 volts is your reference voltage. You likewise get shut to v volts with the throttle full opened. Check the specs for your particular brand and model, if necessary.

Question: 2008 Toyota Tacoma. It starts normal simply will non continue to run. If I pump the gas pedal, I can go on it running between iii-4000 rpm. Would the TPS sensor cause this?

Reply: The problem could be in the fuel system. Check the fuel injectors and fuel pressure regulator foe leaks.

Question: I'thou trying to exam my throttle position sensor on my 2006 Dodge Dakota iii.7 V6. The wire harness for my TPS has 6 wires. How do I test it?

Answer: You need to identify the wires first (betoken, ground, and reference). You may need the vehicle repair transmission for this. It'll help you id the wires and walk you through the test.

Question: What does it mean if your automobile tin't pass 2500 rpm?

Answer: Information technology is most likely a fuel system problem. It can be either a clogged fuel filter or blocked frazzle system (possibly the cat).

Question: In the 'connected to ground' test I have two that read about 12v. Assuming blackness is ground, I as well go 'reference' voltage readings close to v for the other ii wires. Is 1 of the wires shorted out?

Answer: You should get around 5 volts for the reference wire. The other is the signal wire. If you are getting 5v as well there could exist a problem with the command excursion.

Question: My 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is throwing a Throttle Actuator Control Range\Performance code. Will this proceed car from cranking? I want to exist sure before I change anything.

Respond: It is possible that yous can have a hard time starting the engine or starting the engine at all. Ofttimes the symptoms are performance, driveability issues, hesitation, stumbling, and others.

Be aware that this blazon of failure tin point to a problem with the controller area network (aka Tin): a sort of communication mediator betwixt modules. Y'all may need a professional scanner to be more precise about the crusade for the trouble code (P0638).

There could be bug with the throttle actuator, its position switch, a circuit problem in one of the modules are some of the other reasons for this code.

So make sure this is the only lawmaking in the computer's memory. Y'all may want to have a shop scan the reckoner kickoff before making any decision.

Question: I got a reference voltage of 5 V, and the initial voltage was .59 5. The highest reading was iii.73 V. Voltage goes upwards and down with no fluctuations. The car is a Jeep Commander with iv.7 V8. Can you tell me if the values I gave is OK?

Answer: The highest reading seems kind of depression. You should check the specs in your repair manual. If you don't have the transmission, your local library might have a copy. Make sure the voltage increases smoothly. Whatever small jumps are signs for concerned.

Question: What if the throttle is reaching above v volts?

Answer: The reference point is usually about v volts - check the specs for your detail model, if it is too high. If you don't accept the transmission, your local library probably has a copy.

Question: I take an 03, Z71. The TPS and throttle trunk are 1 piece. Codes read the TPS was bad, so I replaced the throttle body. Codes however say throttle body is bad. Practise yous have any thoughts?

Answer: You need to cheque the reference indicate to the sensor and what the sensor is reporting to the calculator. Information technology could be a problem in the excursion or the connector. You can use a DMM for this. Use your vehicle repair manual to check or identify the wires, if necessary.

Question: My VW Touran has a four-pin connector, and I was stumped at the first hurdle as all pins seemed to be grounded and showed 12 volts. Could this mean a relay or maybe fuse has gone?

Answer: Check first the fuse and/or relay -- you lot may need the electrical diagram if there's a short somewhere in the circuit. If you don't take the vehicle repair manual for your model, your local library may have a copy.

Question: I ain a 2012 Suzuki Eeco minivan. For the terminal few months, my van won't start when hot or after running the A/C in idle for a few minutes. What could exist the trouble?

Answer: It's possible your alternator is getting "weak". Simply also have the bombardment checked. This other post might help besides, especially the 3rd department.

https://axleaddict.com/automobile-repair/Why-is-My-Motorcar-H...

Question: My throttle opens when I plow the motorcar on, then closes later a few seconds while the car is all the same on. Then, the car won't start. What could be the problem?

Respond: Check the idle air control (IAC) solenoid. If the solenoid doesn't respond properly, y'all'll have this type of issue. If possible, remove the IAC and connect direct battery voltage to the solenoid and meet if it works properly. Also, check for carbon buildup in the sensor itself and the throttle ports where information technology mounts.

Question: My Toyota Premio with a D-4 engine. It shows upwardly the engine check light afterward driving a distance of about 4km after starting the engine. Once the engine check light shows upwardly, the acceleration ability decreases, and I am forced to press the accelerator pedal harder for the engine to respond (and this is resulting in high fuel consumption). What could exist causing this and how can I solve this trouble?

Answer: You may try a temporary fix. Effort plow the ignition Off so On over again. See if this helps. Still, you need to scan your car'due south computer for trouble codes and fix the issue according to the diagnostic.

Question: I have an 08 Impala. The throttle plate doesn't close completely. It starts at .70. Why doesn't it close? Does it demand to be relearned?

Reply: The opening is normal information technology helps the engine breath when your pes is off the gas.

Question: I have a1999 C230 Kompressor. All signs point to a bad throttle position sensor, but it never comes upwardly in the fault codes. My question is, why is not coming upwards in the trouble codes?

Answer: A failed throttle position sensor, or other sensor for that matter, that hasn't failed with the voltage parameters expected by the computer to know it has failed, won't set a trouble lawmaking. For example, no voltage bespeak, a stuck voltage, etc. This may vary by model and the figurer won't registered a bad sensor until information technology fails a few times. Regardless, make sure to troubleshoot the TPS to brand sure it has failed. The problem could be in the circuit as well.

Question: I think my TPS is bad, or peradventure the throttle body itself. I was almost to do this test per your directions, but my son insists that it can not exist the TPS because no warning light came on the nuance. Do yous know if information technology could be bad, and notwithstanding non brandish dash light, and if there is no dash light, would information technology still possibly throw a code? Thanks so much for your time.

Answer: Ideally, a faulty TPS would throw a code. But the estimator has to follow the enable criteria to do this. It is possible for a TPS to become faulty and not throw a code. The TPS may develop expressionless spots that the computer is non catching if other weather are not ready. It's meliorate to examination it and operate the TPS manually slowly and carefully bank check the readout. Changes should be shine.

Question: According to the scanner, there'southward a problem with the throttle of my Toyota Avanza 1.v. Every time I accelerate it won't accelerate and turn off in his own. What should we practice to gear up information technology? Simply sometimes the car works properly.

Answer: Cheque the connector and the TPS. The resistance or wiper arm within may be failing. Check that voltage changes smoothly. A jumpy reading will tell yous the sensor is failing.

Question: My TPS has been replaced twice in ten days. What could cause this?

Answer: Accept the TPS circuit checked. Compare voltages to specs. Get-go with a visual inspection of the wires and connector. Await for wire impairment and loose wires at the connector.

Question: My throttle position sensor is not getting basis. What do I practise?

Reply: Check along the wire, from the sensor to the computer, that provides ground to the sensor. Brand sure the wire is not damaged, or loose in the harness. Use a test low-cal. If the wire is OK, the problem could be on the computer itself. In this example, it is better to fix the ground on the computer. Trying to run a new basis to the sensor may create other bug.

Question: What is the initial voltage for a throttle position sensor?

Answer: Y'all should become a voltage at the lower end. It could exist less than 1 or around ane volts, depending on your model.

Question: Why tin't my EOBD1 reader connect?

Answer: Check the user'southward manual. This could be a communications error. Make sure it is appropriate for your awarding. If necessary, you lot may want to contact the manufacturer.

Question: The TPS has two wires not 3 wires, why?

Answer: I believe you take an idle or WOT switch. On some models, this is actually an idle switch (transmission transmission) or wide-open up throttle switch (automated transmission). Instead of a 5-volt reference, it works with a 12v reference.

Question: Got a 2004 Volvo S60 T5. There's literally no throttle response when depressing the accelerator pedal? I'm told information technology's the TPS sensor/module?

Answer: The problem could be with the module, the electric connectors (module or pedal) or position transmitter. Cheque for trouble codes, even if the cheque engine light is non on. There could be a pending lawmaking to guide in the diagnostic.

Question: I accept a 2012 Silverado. The TPS came back with "Check Engine" during a code test. Practise I need to replace just the sensor or the unabridged throttle body?

Answer: TPS code wording usually changes from one manufacturer to the other. It is improve to test the sensor kickoff if possible, especially if you simply got ane trouble code. You may need your vehicle repair manual to test the sensor and a digital multimeter. Y'all may find the TPS or electronic throttle body at error.

Question: My Ford Freestyle began cut off at stops and looses power when the security light comes on. What could exist the problem?

Reply: If your vehicle uses a smart key or smart cardinal fob, cheque the battery; it may be dying or there could be a faulty chip. Another possibility is a a problem with the anti-theft module or the wiring to the module.

Question: I have a 2011 Dodge Caliber. The lighting bolt and bank check engine lite goes off for awhile, and then will come up dorsum on. I have changed the throttle torso, gas pedal and sensor. What else could be wrong with information technology?

Answer: Probably the computer needs to exist reset later on the repair y'all made. Check your vehicle repair transmission. You'll probably find how to reset information technology yourself. Also, check for other trouble codes stored in memory that can guide yous here, if necessary.

Question: My 2006 Mercury Mariner jerks and feels like it wants to stall when I accelerate. I've cleaned out the EGR valve, EGR vacuum; cleaned out the throttle trunk and checked my vacuum hoses for clogs. Still jerking. I'grand out of ideas. Any ideas?

Respond: This could exist a faulty throttle position sensor, a mistake in the ignition fuel organisation or a vacuum leak. Bank check for diagnostic trouble codes, fifty-fifty if you check engine calorie-free is not on. There could exist a bad sensor. This other post may assistance:

https://axleaddict.com/car-repair/Why-My-Engine-H...

Question: Hullo. I have a 2008 Ford Focus, one.4L. The EML and cherry-red cog on dash betoken throttle positioning sensor. I have changed the throttle body and the entire accelerator pedal (sensor included) and the issue is still in that location. The car will drive perfectly normal until the reddish cog light appears on the dashboard. There is and so a loss of power and there is a filibuster between pushing the accelerator and the car accelerating. What could be the problem? Please help!

Answer: The cherry cog commonly comes on because of a mistake with the glow plugs or the relay. But it's better to have it diagnosed. In that location could likewise be a problem in the powertrain.

© 2016 Dan Ferrell

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