Where is throttle sensor located

That's right! If the sensor is faulty, it will cause your car to shake heavily. Eventually, if this issue is left unattended it will put major stress on your motor and transmission mounts to the point where they will give out and will need replacement.

Get My Offer. A throttle position sensor is similar to the motor cortex in the human brain, it controls one of the most important components of the car that keeps your engine running like a throttle body. Picture a little module in the car that reads how far down you have pressed the gas pedal. An engine needs two things to stay running which is air and fuel. Normally a car will pick up air through the intake and passes it through the Mass Airflow Sensor. The air will travel up the intake and it will reach your throttle body.

In the old days, there was a wire attached to the gas pedal of your car and it would move accordingly to how you pressed it.

Nowadays there is an electric system that's far more efficient than the old ways but it can still have issues. When a TPS goes bad, then the car's throttle body won't function properly. It could either stay shut or it won't close properly which is a severe issue.

If it stays shut then your engine is not going receive air and it won't start. When the throttle gets stuck in an open position than your vehicle will receive too much air and cause it to have a high or fluctuating idle. Acceleration issues: A bad TPS may cause all sorts of power issues. Your engine may start up but it will have little to no power and it causes it to shut off. On the other hand, it can also cause your car to have spontaneous accelerations even if you didn't step on the gas.

Unstable Engine Idle: Faulty position sensors can cause sporadic idle conditions due to fluctuating airflow. If you see your car misfiring, Idling rough, or stalling out while you drive then you definitely want to have a professional check out that sensor.

Unusual fuel consumption: The TPS works alongside other sensors to ensure that your ride is driving smoothly and efficiently. When these sensors start to go bad then other modules might start working differently to compensate for lack or abundance of airflow. In most cases when your sensor goes bad, you will see the vehicle consuming more fuel than usual. Step 1: Locate the sensor. The throttle position sensor is mounted to the throttle body on top of the engine.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative battery cable. Disconnect the negative battery cable and set it aside. Step 3: Remove the sensor electrical connector.

Remove the electrical connector by pushing down on the tab and sliding it off. Step 4: Remove the sensor mounting screws. Remove the sensor mounting screws using a screwdriver. Step 2: Install the sensor mounting screws.

Install the sensor mounting screws by hand one at a time. Then tighten them down using a screwdriver. Step 3: Reinstall the electrical connector.

Reinstall the connector the same way you removed it. Step 4: Reinstall the negative battery cable. Reconnect the negative terminal to the battery. Step 5: Adjust the throttle position sensor as needed. While most throttle position sensors do not require adjustment, there are a few that do. Typically, adjustment involves connecting a voltmeter with back probe leads to the sensor signal wire and ground. Then, with the engine running, loosen the sensor screws.

Rotate the sensor until the desired reading is achieved. If your vehicle requires throttle position sensor adjustment, consult the factory repair information for the exact specifications.

Our certified mobile mechanics perform over services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2, U. Fast, free online quotes for your car repair. Service Location. Materials Needed Back probe leads optional Free repair manuals provides free online repair manuals for certain makes and models Protective gloves Safety glasses Screwdriver Voltmeter optional Part 1 of 2: Removing the throttle position sensor Step 1: Locate the sensor.

Step 5: Remove the sensor. Remove the sensor from the engine. Part 2 of 2: Installing the new throttle position sensor Step 1: Install the new sensor. Mount the new sensor in place. The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details. Excellent Auto Repair Ratings. YourMechanic Auto Repair. Related Articles. What Happens to Sensors if They are Dirty? Experienced Mechanic?

Excellent Rating. Rating Summary. Matthew 33 years of experience. Request Matthew. Toyota RAV4 L Matthew is a true professional and provides extreme knowledge in his field along with exceedingly great service with a smile. Matthew was amazing! He was punctual, incredibly nice, worked quickly, and explained everything thoroughly. Jeff 33 years of experience. Request Jeff.