Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

PURPOSE
The Throttle Position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer that transforms the throttle plate opening angle into output voltage and sends the voltage signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

OPERATION
- The sensor detects the opening and closing speed of the throttle plate and sends the voltage signal to the PCM.
- The TP sensor is used to determine the air intake when the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor fails. This mode of operation is called fail safe.






- The TP sensor integrates the Idle (IDL) switch within the housing. The IDL switch detects when the throttle plate is closed and an idle condition occurs. The PCM is supplied with this input signal.