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.
Throttle Position (TP) Sensor
The TP sensor is mounted on throttle body and monitors opening angle of throttle valve. It contains a potentiometer operated by the opening and closing of throttle plate. PCM uses TP sensor input signal to determine throttle position under all operating conditions and adjust fuel injector pulse width and ignition timing accordingly.
The PCM supplies a 5-volt reference signal to TP sensor. The TP sensor output voltage (input signal to PCM) represents throttle blade position. The TP sensor output voltage varies from one volt at minimum throttle opening (idle) to 4 volts at wide open throttle.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.