Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS):

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Circuit Diagram:

Throttle Body Assembly:

DESCRIPTI0N
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is connected to the throttle valve shaft in the throttle body unit. The TPS is a potentiometer with one connection to ground, and the other to the computer 5.0 volt reference source. A third wire from the computer is used to measure the output voltage from the TPS. As the throttle angle changes (pressing down on accelerator pedal) so does the TPS voltage output. Each voltage value corresponds to a specific throttle angle. The computer monitors this voltage, calculates the throttle valve angle, and uses this information, compared with information from other engine sensors, to determine engine load and regulate fuel injection and ignition timing.