Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position Sensor:

TPS Output Characteristic:

PURPOSE
Converts throttle angle position to as electrical signal that the ECM uses to determine throttle position.

LOCATION
On the throttle valve.

OPERATION
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) consisting of a contact point (idle switch) and a potentiometer is connected to the throttle valve shaft on the throttle body. The throttle opening in the idle state is detected by means of the contact point which turns "ON" when the vehicle is idling. The full opening is detected by the potentiometer. A 5-volt reference voltage is applied to the sensor from the ECM and the resistance varies according to the throttle valve opening, the output voltage varies accordingly. By monitoring the sensor output voltage, the ECM detects the throttle valve opening and its change.