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Throttle position sensor (TP) (TPS) (Throttle Position)

Updated: Aug 26

What is throttle position sensor (TP) (TPS) (Throttle Position)?


The throttle position sensor (TPS), also known as the TP (Throttle Position) sensor, is a sensor that detects the position of the throttle in motor vehicles. The throttle is a valve that controls the engine's air intake and increases or decreases the engine's air flow when the accelerator pedal is pressed.

 



TPS detects whether the throttle is open or closed and sends this information to the engine control unit (ECU). Using this information, the ECU adjusts fuel injection and ignition timing, thus optimizing the performance and efficiency of the engine.

 

The TPS is usually mounted on the throttle and is usually a potentiometer type sensor. As the accelerator pedal is turned or pressed, the output voltage of the sensor changes and this change is detected by the ECU.



Throttle position sensor (TPS)

 

How Does Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Work?

 

The operating principle of the throttle position sensor (TPS) is simple: as the throttle is opened or closed, the position information detected by the sensor changes. Here's a more detailed explanation of how TPS works:

 



Physical Location: The TPS is usually attached to the throttle shaft or mechanism. As the throttle is opened or closed, the TPS physically moves.

 

Potentiometer Principle: TPS is generally a potentiometer type sensor. The potentiometer provides the voltage received from a certain point of a resistor element with a changing resistance. As the throttle is opened or closed, the sensor's potentiometer rotates and the resistance changes.

 



Voltage Output: The output of the TPS is a voltage signal that changes due to changing resistance in the potentiometer of the sensor. Generally, when the throttle is closed, the voltage produced by the TPS is close to zero, while when the throttle is fully opened, the voltage produced by the TPS approaches the maximum value.

 



Information Sending to ECU: The voltage signal produced by the TPS is detected by the engine control unit (ECU) or engine brain. Using this information provided by the TPS, the ECU adjusts the engine's air-fuel mixture and other parameters.

 

Fuel and Ignition Tuning: The ECU adjusts fuel injection and ignition timing using the throttle position detected by the TPS. For example, when the throttle is fully opened, the ECU can inject more fuel and provide more ignition timing, thus increasing the power output of the engine.




What Components Is The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Connected To?

 

The throttle position sensor (TPS) is connected to the following components.

 

Throttle: The TPS is physically mounted on the throttle and is connected to the throttle shaft or mechanism. As the throttle is opened or closed, the position information detected by the TPS changes.

 



Engine Control Unit (ECU): The TPS is connected to the engine control unit or engine ECU. The voltage signal generated by the TPS is detected by the ECU and used to adjust the engine's air-fuel mixture, ignition timing and other parameters.

 

Electrical Connections: The TPS is connected to the vehicle's electrical system. Usually, the TPS's connections are part of the vehicle's wiring harness and communicate with the electrical systems in the vehicle. These connections are used to transmit the voltage signal generated by the TPS to the ECU.

 



Other Engine Sensors and Systems: The information provided by the TPS also interacts with other engine sensors and systems. For example, the information generated by TPS can also have an impact on systems such as the vehicle's gear changes, traction control systems and cruise control.

 

What kind of faults does the throttle position sensor (TPS) have?

 

Here are common faults with the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS):

 

Deformed Sensor Mechanism: The TPS has a mechanism that physically moves as the throttle opens and closes. This mechanism can become deformed or worn over time, preventing the sensor from working properly.

 



Pollution or Dirt: The sensor may become clogged or dirty due to pollution or dirt in the engine compartment. This may prevent the sensor from working properly or distort the sensor signal.

 

Cable or Connection Problems: Cables or connections to the TPS may become loose, broken, or corroded. This may prevent the sensor from sending the correct signal.

 



Damage to the Sensor: The TPS itself can be physically damaged. For example, its potentiometer may be broken or its internal circuits may be faulty.

 

Calibration Problems: The calibration of the TPS may be corrupted. In this case, the sensor cannot accurately detect the throttle position, which sends incorrect information to the engine control unit (ECU).

 



Electrical Faults: A fault in the TPS's circuitry may prevent the sensor from functioning properly. This could be open circuits, short circuits, or other electrical problems.

 

These malfunctions can prevent the TPS from working properly and cause problems with the vehicle's performance. Therefore, it is important to check the TPS regularly and perform maintenance or repairs as necessary.

 



How to Test Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)?

 

You can follow the steps below to check whether the throttle position sensor (TPS) is working correctly:

 

Fault Code Check: First, read any fault codes from the vehicle. Error codes may indicate that there may be a problem with the TPS. You can check existing fault codes on the vehicle using an OBD-II scanner.

 



Physical Examination: Check the physical condition of the TPS. Visually check ports and cables. Detect corrosion, broken or loose connections. Clean or tighten connections if necessary.

 

Measurement of TPS: Measure the resistance value of TPS using a multimeter. The TPS is a potentiometer type sensor, so check for an open circuit, short circuit, or resistance value outside the correct values. Compare with the values specified by the manufacturer.

 



Real-Time Testing of TPS: Monitor real-time values of TPS using an automotive diagnostic scanner or data monitoring device. Observe how the TPS values change when pressing and releasing the accelerator pedal or when the engine is running. Make sure the values change smoothly and match the throttle movement.

 

Throttle Control: Control how the TPS's output voltage changes by manually opening and closing the throttle. Make sure the values match the throttle movement.

 



Calibration Check: Check if the TPS is calibrated correctly. On some vehicles the TPS may need to be recalibrated. Follow the procedures specified by the manufacturer.

 

Connection and Cable Check: Check the cables and connections to the TPS. Check for cable breaks, breaks or corrosion. Replace cables or repair connections if necessary.

 



By following these steps, you can check if the TPS is working properly and perform maintenance or repairs if necessary. However, if you think the TPS is faulty and you are having difficulty repairing it, it is important to consult a car service or a specialist technician.

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