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 Sensor (TPS)
TPS is mounted on side of throttle body and is connected to throttle shaft. As throttle valve angle changes, resistance of sensor changes. ECM will calculate fuel requirements based upon throttle valve angle (driver demand).
ECM supplies 5-volt reference signal to TPS. Closed throttle condition produces high resistance at sensor, returning low output signal to ECM (about .5 volts). Wide open throttle condition produces low resistance at sensor, returning high output signal to ECM (almost 5 volts).
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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.