Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

TPS:

PURPOSE
Informs the ECM of throttle valve opening angle and rate.

LOCATION
On the throttle chamber.

OPERATION
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.