Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position Sensor:

The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is connected to the throttle shaft on the throttle body assembly. It is a potentiometer with one connection to 5V from the ECM and another to ground. A third connection sends a voltage output signal from the TPS to the ECM. As the throttle valve angle changes, TPS output varies. At closed throttle position, TPS output is approximately .48V. As the throttle opens, output increases until it reaches about 4.5V at wide open throttle.

By monitoring TPS output, the ECM factors throttle valve angle into fuel delivery and other controlled output calculations.