Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Operating Characteristics:

PURPOSE
To provide the Engine Control Module (ECM) with a voltage signal that corresponds to the opening angle of the throttle.

OPERATION
The Throttle Position Sensor has both a linear potentiometer (sensor) and Closed Throttle Position switch.

Throttle Position Sensor:
The sensor receives a 5 VDC reference signal from the ECM. At idle, the sensor will output approx. 0.4 VDC to the ECM and upwards of 4.5 VDC at wide open throttle. The ECM uses this voltage signal to calculate throttle opening angle and the speed at which the throttle was opened.

Closed Throttle Position Switch:
The Closed Throttle Position Switch is NOT used by the ECM to manage the ECCS system. The switch is used by ECM for self-diagnostic purposes only.