Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSDODGE AND RAM1996CARAVAN V6-229 3.8LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTCOMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSTHROTTLE POSITION SENSORTESTING AND INSPECTION
1996 Dodge and Ram Caravan V6-229 3.8L
Throttle Position Sensor: Testing and Inspection
1996 Dodge and Ram Caravan V6-229 3.8LSECTION Testing and Inspection
NOTE: The following procedure tests the TPS only. To perform a complete test of the TPS and its circuitry, SEE Computers and Control Systems/Testing and Inspection/Procedures/Diagnostic Charts.
PROCEDURE
1. The TPS can be tested with a digital voltmeter. The center terminal of the TPS is the output terminal. One of the other terminals is a 5 volt supply and the remaining terminal is ground.
2. With the ignition key in the ON position, check the TPS output voltage at the center terminal wire of the connector. Check this at idle (throttle plate closed), and at Wide Open Throttle (WOT).
- At idle, TPS output voltage should be greater than 0.35 volts.
- The output voltage should increase gradually as the throttle plate is slowly opened from idle to WOT.
- At wide open throttle, TPS output should be less than 4.5 volts.
NOTE: Check for spread terminals at the sensor and PCM connections before replacing the sensor.
PROCEDURE
1. The TPS can be tested with a digital voltmeter. The center terminal of the TPS is the output terminal. One of the other terminals is a 5 volt supply and the remaining terminal is ground.
2. With the ignition key in the ON position, check the TPS output voltage at the center terminal wire of the connector. Check this at idle (throttle plate closed), and at Wide Open Throttle (WOT).
- At idle, TPS output voltage should be greater than 0.35 volts.
- The output voltage should increase gradually as the throttle plate is slowly opened from idle to WOT.
- At wide open throttle, TPS output should be less than 4.5 volts.
NOTE: Check for spread terminals at the sensor and PCM connections before replacing the sensor.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.