Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position Sensor:

PURPOSE
The Throttle Position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer connected to the throttle shaft on the throttle body. By monitoring the voltage on the signal line, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calculates throttle position. As the throttle valve angle is changed (accelerator pedal moved), the TP sensor signal also changes.

OPERATION
At a closed throttle position, the output of the TP sensor is low. As the throttle valve opens, the output increases so that at Wide Open Throttle (WOT), the output voltage should be above 4 volts.