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.
1987 Subaru XT DLFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
NOTE:
XT Coupe uses a single TPS sensor and switch. All other models use separate TPS and sensor throttle opening switches.
- Loosen mounting screws on XT Coupe sensor or TPS on all other models. Insert a .022" (.55 mm) feeler gauge between stopper and stopper screw. See Fig 1 or Fig 2 . Connect ohmmeter between terminals No. "3" and "4" on XT Coupe ("A" and "C" on all other models). Adjust sensor position so ohmmeter reads zero with feeler gauge in position.
- Insert a .036" (.92 mm) feeler gauge between stopper and stopper screw. Ohmmeter should read zero ohms. If not, adjust sensor position until proper readings are obtained. See Fig 2 .
- Remove connector from TPS on XT Coupe (3-terminal throttle opening switch on all other models). Check resistance between terminal wire colors. If resistance values are not as given in THROTTLE SWITCH RESISTANCEΒ table, replace switch.
THROTTLE SWITCH RESISTANCE
| Wire Colors | (Ohms) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| XT Coupe | |||
| Black-White | 6-18 | ||
| Black-Red | |||
| Idle | 5800-17,800 | ||
| Open | 1500-5100 | ||
| All Others | |||
| Black-White | 6000-18,000 | ||
| White-Green | |||
| Idle | 5800-17,800 | ||
| Open | 1500-5100 | ||
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
