Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position (TP) (Typical):

PURPOSE
The Throttle Position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer connected to the throttle shaft on the throttle body. It is not adjustable. By monitoring the voltage on the signal line, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) calculates throttle position. The PCM calculates fuel delivery based on throttle valve angle (driver demand).

OPERATION
As the throttle valve angle is changed (accelerator pedal moved), the TP sensor signal also changes. At a closed throttle position, the output of the TP sensor is low. As the throttle valve opens, the output increases so that at Wide Open Throttle (WOT), the output voltage should be above 4 volts.