Car Repair World

Ford TPS Sensor Replacement Throttle Position Sensor The Throttle Position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer that provides a signal to the PCM that is directly proportional to the throttle plate position. The TP sensor is mounted on the side of the throttle body and is connected to the throttle plate shaft. The TP sensor monitors throttle plate movement and position, and transmits an appropriate electrical signal to the PCM. These signals are used by the PCM to adjust the air/fuel mixture, spark timing and EGR operation according to engine load at idle, part throttle, or full throttle. The TP sensor is not adjustable. The TP sensor receives a 5 volt reference signal and a ground circuit from the PCM. A return signal circuit is connected to a wiper that runs on a resistor internally on the sensor. The further the throttle is opened, the wiper moves along the resistor, at wide open throttle, the wiper essentially creates a loop between the reference signal and the signal return ret...

FORD TPS SENSOR REPLACEMENT PART 2 TPS TEST 1:  Testing the 5 Volt Reference Signal 1 /  2 Previous image Enlarge Next image The very first test we'll do, is to make sure that the throttle position sensor (TPS) is getting power. As you already know, this power is in the form of 5 Volts DC and is provided by the PCM. This test (as all of the tests in this article) must be done with a multimeter, either digital or analog. Also, I recommend that the engine be at its operating temperature... since the heat accumulated by the TPS from the engine may help to find a stubborn glitch in the sensor. These are the steps: Remove any plastic covers that may be hiding the TPS from view and access. Put your multimeter in Volts DC mode (don't have a digital multimeter? Need to buy one? Click here to see my recommendations:  Buying a Digital Multimeter for Automotive Diagnostic Testing ). With the RED multimeter lead, and an appropriate tool, probe the...

Throttle Body Replacement Safety Tip: Always wear safety glasses when working on your vehicle. Wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, for example latex gloves or closed toe shoes. 1 Open your hood and locate your engine's throttle body. Photo may not be specific to your vehicle 2 Remove the air intake duct at the throttle body. 3 Inspect the throttle body ports for carbon build up. Throttle bore wear is also common after long periods of time and throttle body assemblies will need to be replaced if worn 4 Remove the throttle cable from the throttle body control lever. Photo may not be specific to your vehicle 5 Disconnect any air or vacuum hoses from the throttle body. 6 Remove the throttle position sensor from the throttle body. 7 Remove the throttle body mounting screws and remove the throttle body assembly. Discard the old gasket and install a new gasket between the throttle body and manifold during installati...

Throttle Position Sensor Replacement Safety Tip: Always wear safety glasses when working on your vehicle. Wear other personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, for example latex gloves or closed toe shoes. 1 Locate the OBD data link connector (DLC). Refer to your owner's manual for the specific location. 2 Turn your key to the ON position. Do not start the engine. 3 Plug your scan tool into the OBD data link connector. Turn on the scan tool and select the appropriate steps to read the diagnostic trouble code (DTC). Photo may not be specific to your vehicle 4 Locate the throttle position sensor. Photo may not be specific to your vehicle 5 Disconnect the electrical connector from the throttle position sensor. Photo may not be specific to your vehicle 6 Test the resistance of the throttle position sensor (TPS) with a digital multi-meter. If the resistance is out of specifications, the TPS must be replaced. 7 Remove the throttle p...