Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

TPS Location Metro W/ Std Emissions:

DESCRIPTION
The Throttle Position (TP) Sensor, consisting of a potentiometer which is connected to the throttle valve shaft on the throttle body, and detects the throttle valve opening.

OPERATION
A 5 volt reference voltage is applied to the TP sensor from the Engine Control Module (ECM). As the throttle plate opening increases, the voltage value at the ECM is changed. By monitoring the TP sensor output voltage, the ECM can calculate the throttle valve opening.

TRANSAXLE SIGNAL INPUT
The ECM also uses the throttle position voltage input from the TP sensor to provide the Transaxle Control Module (TCM) (if equipped), with a throttle position input. The TCM uses this input as one of the factors when determining the automatic transaxle shift points.