Throttle Position Sensor

Throttle valve sensor measures the current position of the throttle valve. In principle, we speak about an ordinary sensor. If the throttle valve turns, the sensor also turns. Therefore, electrical resistance also changes. The control unit processes the current value to calculate the required amount of fuel. Throttle valve sensor is also called potentiometer. It is situated on the throttle valve and is accessible. There is a contact clip on the sensor, so it is easy to replace it.

Faulty throttle valve sensor is shown up on irregular engine speed when you click "gas pedal". Potentiometer could stall or it could hardly turn. If the sensor is wrongly installed, there also could occur limiting of the maximum engine power. Control unit reads data from the sensor. Sometimes it is enough to remove the throttle valve sensor and to clean it. If it fails, it is necessary to replace the sensor. It is not difficult. But the sensor must be connected after installation.

Therefore, it is reasonable to install a new throttle valve sensor in a repair shop. It is impossible to repair the sensor without service manual and necessary meters. Moreover, reasons of failure can be different. Therefore, before replacing it is necessary to make a careful diagnostics. In our online store you can buy other spare car parts. If you need coolant system branch, clutch pressure plate, air-cleaning equipment, muffler, bent shafts’ bearing insert, lambda sensor, oil temperature sensor, oil housing and other spare car parts, use the search function.

How to detect throttle position sensor malfunction

One of the best methods of checking the working order of the component is measuring the voltage on its terminals. To do so, turn ignition on and attach the probe of the voltmeter or multimeter between the slider and the vehicle body. When the throttle is closed, the indicator value should not exceed 0.7 V. After that, manually open the throttle. In this position, the maximum voltage should be more than 4 V. If the component is serviceable, then, in the course of changing the throttle position, the value should change smoothly, without visible fluctuations. Installation of the sensor that is definitely serviceable will allow checking related components and systems.