{"id":33139,"date":"2021-11-19T12:44:41","date_gmt":"2021-11-19T12:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/?p=33139"},"modified":"2021-12-22T09:38:44","modified_gmt":"2021-12-22T09:38:44","slug":"bad-throttle-position-sensor-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubizzle.com\/blog\/cars\/bad-throttle-position-sensor-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Symptoms of a Failing Throttle Position Sensor and How to Replace it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A throttle position sensor monitors the amount of fuel your car engine gets. One of the common factors behind acceleration related issues in your car could be a bad throttle position sensor. Throttle position sensor problems should not be ignored and immediate actions should be taken to avoid expensive repairs and inconveniences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, we have compiled symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor that may help you take proactive measures. However, before that let\u2019s find out what a throttle position sensor (TPS) is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

WHAT IS A THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The sensor tells the Engine Control Module<\/a> (ECM) the actual position of the throttle. This sensor communicates with ECM the level of pressure a driver has applied on the accelerator. The ECM thus controls the air-fuel ratio accordingly. ECM uses the data from the throttle position sensor combined with various other information like the engine speed and airflow temperature to maintain the correct ratio. Hence, when these readings are off, then we can assume there is a bad throttle position sensor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SYMPTOMS OF A BAD THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the common symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor that you should pay attention to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

PROBLEM WITH ACCELERATION <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"problem
Your car accelerator may not function properly if throttle position sensor goes bad <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A bad throttle sensor position first and foremost affects the car accelerator. When you press the car\u2019s accelerator and your car does not speed up, then it’s a sign that TPS is faulty. With a bad TPS your engine may or may not start at all.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides, the car may have spontaneous accelerations, even if the driver has not stepped on the accelerator. This happens because of the incorrect air fuel ratio, if either of the two are way too little than the required amount, the car will have acceleration issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"check
When check engine light turns on it might be an indication that there is a bad throttle position sensor <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When the check engine light turns on, it could be indicating a bad throttle position sensor – but not every time it indicates a failing TPS. There could be any other problem in the internal components that the check engine light is indicating. It’s better to take your vehicle to a service centre or take a professional technician\u2019s assistance to evaluate the actual cause. They will read the error codes on a diagnostic tool<\/a> from your car\u2019s ECM and tell you the root cause.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ROUGH ENGINE IDLE <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your car is rough idling<\/a> or stalling, then it’s one of the symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor. Even if the accelerator pedal is not pressed when idle, TPS may deliver incorrect data. Moreover, a bad throttle sensor causes misfire as it affects the ignition timing and turns it off. This consequently makes your car\u2019s performance quite rough and may shut down the engine.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

INCREASED FUEL CONSUMPTION <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"frequent
Due to failed throttle position sensor your vehicle may consume more fuel than usual<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If your car is consuming more fuel than usual, even if you are following tips to save fuel<\/a>,then this is an indication of a failing throttle position sensor. TPS in a vehicle functions with other sensors to provide a smooth driving experience. Thus, when a TPS starts failing it consequently affects the function of other modules. These modules tend to maintain the ratio of air and fuel, given there is too much fuel dumped into the cylinders. This results in poor fuel economy that may cause spark plugs<\/a> to go bad or fuel injectors will get dirty. Therefore, when your car is consuming more fuel, it’s best to get assistance from a technician or head with your car to an auto service center.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOW TO REPLACE A BAD THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know the symptoms of a faulty TPS, let\u2019s learn how to fix the throttle position sensor. Before you proceed, make sure you buy automotive tools<\/a> required for the process. Here is the list of tools:<\/p>\n\n\n\n