Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Operating Characteristics:

PURPOSE
To provide the Engine Control Module (ECM) with a voltage signal that corresponds to the opening angle of the throttle. Also, it detects the opening and closing speed of the throttle valve.

OPERATION
The ECM detects closed throttle valve position using the voltage from the throttle position sensor. This system is called "soft closed throttle position". This signal is used to control engine operations such as fuel cut. On A/T models, "hard closed throttle position switch" is built into the throttle position sensor but is not used for engine control.

CONSTRUCTION
The Throttle Position Sensor has both a linear potentiometer (sensor) and Soft/Hard Closed Throttle Position (CTP) switches.