Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation

Throttle Position (TPS) Sensor:

PURPOSE
The Throttle Position (TP) sensor detects throttle plate opening angle and sends the ECA a signal indicating throttle position. The ECA uses this information to modify air/fuel mixture, idle speed, injector timing, ignition timing, fuel pressure, A/C cutoff, and purge flow.

LOCATION
Mounted on throttle body.

OPERATION
Sensor produces signals for a wide range of throttle plate angles, along with signals for both idle and off idle. Wide range signal is produced by a potentiometer. Idle signal is produced by an ON/OFF switch.

CONSTRUCTION
Sensor consists of a combination potentiometer and idle switch.