Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position (TP) Sensor:

PURPOSE
The Throttle Position (TP) Sensor provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with information concerning throttle position and throttle opening and closing speed. It also integrates the Idle (IDL) switch within its housing. The lDL switch detects when the throttle plate is closed and an idle condition occurs. The PCM is supplied with this input signal.

Also, the TP sensor is used to determine the air intake when the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor fails (Fail Safe).

LOCATION
Mounted to the throttle body.

OPERATION
The Throttle Position (TP) sensor responds to the accelerator pedal movement. The TP sensor is a potentiometer that transforms the throttle plate opening angle into output voltage, and sends the voltage signal to the PCM.