Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS):

PURPOSE:
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is a potentiometer that senses throttle angle and sends a signal to the ECM. This input to the ECM is used to control the fuel system on acceleration and deceleration.

OPERATION:
The TPS has three internal circuits. One to ground, a second from the ECM as a 5.0 volt reference source and a third circuit is used by the ECM to measure the output voltage. As the throttle angle changes (pressing down on accelerator pedal) the TPS voltage output varies from about .5 volt at idle to about 4.9 volts at wide open throttle (WOT).

LOCATION:
Side of throttle body opposite of throttle lever.