Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position Sensor:

PURPOSE AND LOCATION
The throttle position sensor consisting of a contact point (idle switch and a potentiometer is installed on the throttle body, and detects the throttle valve opening.

TPS Output Voltage Characteristics:

OPERATION
The throttle opening in the idle state is detected by means of the contact point which Turns ON in that state.

But beyond that, the full opening is detected by the potentiometer as follows.

A 5-volt reference voltage is applied to the sensor from ECM and as its brush moves over the print resistance according to the throttle valve opening, the output voltage varies accordingly By monitoring the ON/OFF signal and sensor output voltage, ECM detects the throttle valve opening.

ECM uses the signal from TPS as one of the signals to control fuel injector, ISO solenoid valve, ignition timing, canister purge VSV and EGR VSV (if equipped).

Also, ECM converts the voltage signa from PS into ON/OF signal and sends it to AT control module, where it is used as one of the signals to control the automatic transmission.