What happens if the throttle position sensor goes bad?
The throttle position sensor, or TPS, on your car is an extremely important part that many people have never even heard of. However, if it starts to go bad, it can have some terrible consequences that make your car unsafe to drive. So, just what is a TPS sensor and how do you know if you have problems?
How is the throttle position sensor used in a PCM?
The PCM uses this information to determine control of various output devices, such as the fuel injectors, transmission shift solenoids, etc. Basically, the throttle position sensor is a variable resistor. Its internal resistance and output signal voltage change in relation to throttle position.
How does the TPS work to determine throttle position?
In some cases, the TPS uses what’s known as the Hall Effect to do its job, which involves magnetic fields that shift as the throttle opens and closes. The sensor reads those changes and communicates with the ECM to determine the exact throttle position.
How much does it cost to fix a throttle sensor?
A throttle sensor is no motor swap but it could still get tricky. Depending on what type of vehicle you have this job could get expensive. If your vehicle has the throttle out in the open in a visible and accessible area then the job shouldn’t be too hard and it could cost you under $500 fix with parts and labor.
How long does a throttle position sensor last?
The average lifespan of a throttle position sensor is just over 80,000 miles, though some will last for the lifetime of the car. If a TPS is suspect, a professional repair facility will perform electrical testing on the sensor. A scan tool can also display live data showing how the sensor is performing and sometimes determine if it’s faulty.
What does the idle position sensor do?
An idle air control valve, also called an idle air sensor control motor, is an electrically operated valve that controls the amount of air that bypasses the throttle plate in cars with a fuel injection system [source: Autozone ]. This causes the idling speed of the engine to change as needed.
What is a throttle body sensor?
The throttle body temp sensor is a sensor that is mounted on the throttle body. It monitors the temperature of the throttle body and then sends the information directly to the engine control module. From there, the module figures out the best fuel flow for the engine.