Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

PURPOSE
PCM uses sensor input with other inputs to determine current operating conditions.

PCM adjusts air/fuel mixture (injector pulse width) and ignition timing.

OPERATION
The TPS connects to the throttle blade shaft The TPS is a variable resistor that provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with an input signal (voltage).
- The signal represents throttle blade position.
- As the position of the throttle blade changes, the resistance of the TPS changes.

The PCM supplies approximately 5 volts to the TPS. The TPS output voltage (input signal to the powertrain control module) represents throttle blade position. The TPS output voltage to the PCM varies from approximately 0.40 volt at minimum throttle opening (idle) to a maximum of 3.80 volts at wide open throttle.

The TPS mounts to the side of the throttle body.