Five Signs Your Throttle Position Sensor Isn't Working

 

The last time you drove it, your vehicle was functioning just fine, but now it's acting incredibly unusual. The car may be jerking while it is moving, the idle may be rising, and it could even stall out at a stoplight. Most likely, your check engine light is also on.

Without connecting a code reader, it's safe to assume that the throttle position sensor is malfunctioning in some way. Here, we discuss the operation of a throttle position sensor (TPS) and the most typical signs of a faulty TPS.

If your experience any of the mentioned symptoms of a faulty position sensor in this post, it is recommended that you look for car repairs near me online and book your vehicle in with a competent mechanic to fully diagnose and repair any problems with your car.

The engine control unit (ECU) won't be able to determine the position of the throttle if the throttle position sensor is malfunctioning. Because of this, the engine control unit won't be able to control how much air enters the engine, preventing successful combustion. Your driving will eventually be affected to the point that it is risky to continue driving.

You will immediately recognise the signs of this issue if your throttle position sensor is broken or worn out. Although you might not be aware that the sensor is to blame, the symptoms should convince you to search online for car maintenance near me garages and take your car to a mechanic to get their opinion.

If you see two or more of the following signs, it is likely that they will inform you that the throttle position sensor is to blame:

1.      Check Engine Warning Light - The throttle position sensor is a crucial part of the entire internal combustion process and is responsible for the check engine warning light. Your engine will ultimately be unable to provide enough power to meet your acceleration needs if this sensor malfunctions. When this issue arises, the engine control unit will recognise it and turn on the dashboard's Check Engine light. In this manner, you will be informed that there is an issue with your engine that has to be fixed. Find car mechanics near me online and make an appointment right away.

2.      Weak Acceleration - When the throttle position sensor is malfunctioning, the engine control unit is unable to correctly control the throttle position. Because of this, the engine won't be able to get the right amount of air. When you try to accelerate your car in these circumstances, the acceleration will be exceedingly sluggish. If you can move the car quicker than 30 miles per hour, you'll be lucky. You will use a lot of fuel as a result, which will harm your car's fuel economy. Go online and search for car service near me garages and book your car in with a qualified mechanic.

3.      Engine Rough Idling - The idle RPM of your car should be between 600 and 900 RPM when you stop or park it. When your car is stopped or parked, if the engine RPM is below or above that range, your engine is likely experiencing rough or unpredictable idling. If you've seen any of the other signs on this list, it might be because your throttle position sensor is malfunctioning.

4.      Excessive Fuel Consumption - Because the throttle position sensor plays a significant role in determining the ideal air/fuel ratio for combustion, erroneous readings may result in the injection of too much fuel into the combustion chamber. This will result in a rich air/fuel ratio and low fuel economy. Additionally, the TPS's reliable measurements are necessary for other sensors. When that doesn't happen, those sensors frequently make up for insufficient or excessive airflow. Usually, having to go fill up on fuel more frequently than usual is the final result.

5.      Acceleration Changes - Increased acceleration without pressing the accelerator is one really weird acceleration issue that might happen. It's possible that as you're travelling down the road, your vehicle will suddenly begin to accelerate on its own. Obviously, this may be extremely dangerous. Of all the many acceleration issues, this one is a blatant sign that the throttle position sensor is to blame.

The Operation of a Throttle Position Sensor

A throttle body, commonly known as a butterfly valve, is a component found in every car with an internal combustion engine. This valve is situated between the air filter and the intake manifold.

The throttle's function is to control the airflow into the engine. More air is required in the engine's internal combustion chamber as the driver presses the accelerator pedal to accelerate the car.

Additional fuel is pumped into the engine at the same time as more air is introduced. Engine power is produced by igniting this mixture.

How much air enters the engine depends on where the throttle is positioned. The fuel management system has a part called a throttle position sensor that measures this position.

The sensor informs the engine control unit of the throttle position when you desire to accelerate the car. The throttle will then be controlled by the engine control unit, allowing it to draw in whatever volume of air is required by the engine.

The throttle will open wider to let more air flow into the engine when you press harder on the accelerator pedal. In order to produce a balanced mixture for combustion, more fuel will also be pumped into the engine cylinders at the same time.