Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position Sensor Circuit:

Purpose:
By monitoring TPS voltage output, the computer can determine fuel delivery rate based on throttle valve angle or driver demand.

Operation:
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.

Location:
The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is connected to the throttle valve shaft.