Installing a Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor or TPS is a device that measures how far a driver pushes the gas pedal when opening the throttle. If the device does not work, the car computer can lose all its information and it will cause the car to hesitate or stall. The TPS puts out information that is used together with the information from the engine load. If you have never installed a TPS sensor before, here a few tips to help you install one quickly and easily.

Step 1 - Remove the Air Filter

Unscrew the four Phillips-head screws to remove the air filter. The clamp screw needs to be loosened so that the rubber duct for the lid can be slid off. There will be another clamp that needs to be loosened so you can remove the duct from the throttle body. The connector needs to be unplugged. If there is an electrical connector equipped, it should be attached at the temperature sensor. Lay the flexible duct aside.

Step 2 - Remove the Electrical Connectors

The idle air control motor has connectors and those need to be removed. The throttle position sensor can be located on the firewall portion of the throttle body. Using needle nose pliers, compress the hose clamps. Next you will have to remove the two hoses from the coolant bypass.

Step 3 - Remove the Nuts

Remove all the nuts and bolts and disconnect all the cables and lay them aside. Take the throttle body off the intake manifold.

Step 4 - Put Throttle Body on the Workbench

Now that the throttle body is out put it on the workbench. Remove the torx screws. Now you can take the throttle position sensor out. Put the new throttle position sensor on the throttle body. Don’t worry about adjusting it.

Step 5 - Reinstall

Reinstall the throttle body. You will use the new gasket for the intake manifold and the throttle body. Tighten down all the nuts and bolts. Put the two coolant hoses back on, as well. Be sure to plug the connectors into the throttle position sensor and reinstall the cables for the cruise control and throttle. Put the rubber air hose back on.

Step 6 - Test-Drive

Now all you have to do is top off the coolant levels and test drive the car. If the car is running smoothly, you have done the job correctly. Otherwise you may need to make some adjustments.

Repairing cars is never an easy job for anyone. But when you have the right tools for the job you can do almost anything. Now throttle position sensor replacement is something you will be able to do yourself and save yourself some money along the way.