What is the throttle position sensor?
The throttle position sensor (TPS) helps to ensure that the correct mixture of air and fuel is entering your engine. It does this by reading the position of your car’s accelerator pedal (or throttle) and sending this information to the car’s electronic control unit (ECU).
The signal from the throttle control sensor is constantly being measured, alongside other data such as air flow levels and RPM. This gives your car’s car’s electronic control unit ECU the necessary information to adjust air/fuel levels for maximum fuel efficiency and optimum running conditions.
Learn more about the throttle position sensor >
Sometimes, the throttle position sensor can break, causing problems in your vehicle. When this happens, a throttle position sensor replacement will need to take place in order for the engine to run correctly again.
Symptoms of a bad Throttle Position Sensor (TPS):
Decrease in engine power – A broken throttle position sensor (TPS) may cause a reduction in engine power. This occurs because the throttle position sensor is not accurately communicating the change of angle on the accelerator pedal and throttle body butterfly to the engine’s computer.
Increased fuel consumption – When the throttle position sensor is unable to provide the car’s electronic control unit / ECU with accurate information, the fuel economy of your car will be affected. For example the cars engine computer may think it needs to keep the fuel injectors open for longer injecting more fuel. This cost you more money than necessary in fuel.
Increased Exhaust Emissions – an inaccurate. poorly adjusted or damaged throttle position sensor can increase harmful green house gas exhaust emissions.
Car won’t reach higher than a certain speed – A faulty throttle position sensor may limit your car’s power to an incorrect level. This results in the car struggling to exceed relatively low speeds, or struggling to go up hills.
Intermittent engine problems – intermittent high or low engine idle speeds, or engine running roughly, lack of power, blowing black smoke can be caused by intermittent poor contacts of the internal wipers in the throttle position sensor (TPS). Engine problems occasionally can also be caused be intermittent wiring problems. For example when the engine flexes on the engine mounts under load the throttle position sensor (TPS) wiring can flex and intermittently break wiring contact. This can be very annoying and difficult to diagnose, but the use of a good scan tool and datalogger can certainly help.
Check engine light – The check engine light (CEL) can turn on for many reasons, with one of these reasons being a faulty throttle position sensor.
Check engine light diagnostics in Hamilton >
Random stalling – You may find that your car is suddenly stalling for no apparent reason. This can be caused by the throttle position sensor working incorrectly.
New Throttle Position Sensor – Diagnostics & Replacement in Hamilton
Are you in need of a new throttle position sensor in Hamilton? Or do you need someone to diagnose your engine problems that could be related to your throttle position sensor? If so, our team of skilled, experienced and qualified mechanics can perform quality diagnostics for throttle positions sensors and can then fix the throttle position wiring, adjust the throttle position sensor (for older cars) or fit a new throttle position sensor if required.
At Grimmer Motors, we can diagnose, service and fix throttle position sensor (TPS) problems. This service will improve your car’s driveability as well as improve its fuel economy and exhaust emissions, making it very worthwhile.
For throttle position sensor replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!