The throttle position sensor is an important part of a vehicle that helps the computer to know the actual position of the throttle (open or close). This sensor, like other parts of a vehicle, can go bad, when this happens, a replacement will be needed.
To replace a failed throttle position sensor, you of course need to get a new one. After this replacement, does the TPS resume its operation? What do you do after replacing the throttle position sensor?
After replacing the throttle position sensor, you will need to reset, relearn, or reprogram the car’s computer.
What to do After Replacing the Throttle Position Sensor?
After the throttle position sensor must have been replaced, there may be a need to reset or reprogram the computer in order to get the engine light to go off and the codes erased.
For a throttle position sensor to be replaced, then it must have been tested badly in which case the check engine light will be on with TPS codes amongst other signs of a bad throttle position sensor.
It is important to know that resetting or reprogramming a car after replacing the throttle position sensor may not be necessary for some cars as the check engine light will go off on its own within some minutes of driving.
However, the light will most likely go off on its own if the real cause of its coming on has been fixed otherwise, you will have to check for the actual cause of the light.
How to Reset/Reprogram Computer After Replacing Throttle Position Sensor?
To reset the throttle position sensor, you can do any of the following:
- Drive the car around and ensure you are driving over 40mph
- Remove the fuse and leave it out for at least 10 minutes
- Use an OBD2 scanner. This method is easier and better to use in modern cars
- Push the accelerator, do this by starting the engine but don’t remove the key in the ignition. You will have to push the button if your car has a keyless start.
- Disconnect the battery
To reset the computer, remove the negative terminal/cable on the battery and leave it removed for at least 13 – 15 minutes after which you can attach it to the battery, ensuring it is attached tightly. This should be enough to reset the computer and make the engine light go off as well as clear the code.
If the check engine light doesn’t go off after this then the problem is probably not with the throttle position sensor and you will need the assistance of an expert to find out what the actual problem is.
Do You Need to Calibrate a New Throttle Position Sensor?
Yes, you need to calibrate a new throttle position sensor.
It is important that a new throttle position sensor be calibrated else it will be unable to determine the position of the sensor accurately.
An uncalibrated throttle sensor will cause the computer to deliver the wrong fuel-air ratio to the cylinder. Wrong delivery of fuel-air ratio may lead to other problems in the car.
If you notice signs that show the throttle position sensor is faulty, you should have a calibration done.
How Do You Calibrate a Throttle Body Sensor?
Since the importance of calibrating a throttle body sensor has been established, we will take a look at how you can actually calibrate a throttle body sensor using a multimeter (TPS Set)
- To calibrate a throttle body, you will first have to get an aftermarket TPS except of course you want to calibrate the factory TPS.
- To get started, you need to manually regulate the voltage, this can be done by switching the black rubber-like attachment on the side of the throttle body. You may need to manipulate this back and forth in order to get the voltage you need.
- Then proceed to disconnect the TPS sensor from the existing throttle body and connect it to the new throttle body.
- Now, take the negative cable on the multimeter and connect it to the negative terminal on the battery, ensuring it is set to DC voltage.
- In between the TPS and throttle body, there should be a naked wire (red) since you are calibrating an aftermarket throttle body. You should put the positive cable from the multimeter on the red middle wire
At close throttle, you should get about 4.5 or 4.6volt and as you apply throttle you should see a steady increase in voltage, the increase may be up to 5.
To get an increase in voltage you may need to use your hand to open the throttle a few times until you get the desired voltage.
Can you Install a Throttle Position Sensor Backward?
Yes, you can install a throttle position sensor backward.
Talking about installing a throttle position sensor backward, this means it is being installed in a position order than how it should be.
To install a TPS backward, you need to ensure it is still on the same side, only then can it be rotated 180 degrees. It has to be 180 degrees, not 90 degrees for it to still function well.
The important part is ensuring the closed throttle voltage is the same as the throttle shaft and that it still rotates in the same direction as it relates to the sensor.
If the sensor is moved to the other side of the throttle body but still pointing in the same direction then it’s backward.
In some cases where the throttle position sensor is installed backward, there may be a need to reverse the connection of the ground. Also, although the sensor output wire will be the same as before. To do this, you will need to cut and splice the wires before the connector.
If you do not want to go through the stress of cutting and splicing wires, you can as well just lengthen the existing wires while leaving the sensor mounted appropriately.
Another option will be just de-pinning the connector and swapping wires rather than cutting and splicing. Before proceeding with this, ensure you have the right tools to do a good job.
Conclusion
It is important to note that some vehicles have recommended ways of resetting its computer and using methods other than that will not work. Not sure what method of resetting works for your car? check the owner’s manual or your auto expert.