Its getting interesting... TPS?

ilikemy944 · 03-21-2003, 02:49 PM

What exactly is supposed to happen if I unplug the TPS and start my car? So far, car runs as if nothing has changed, and this just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I'm still trying to figure out my cut out problem

Roger Hall · 03-21-2003, 05:12 PM

On my car there are actually three switches. Idle, mid, and full throttle I think. I am not really sure specificaly what changes they make or what they are conected to. I belive they only adjust the amount of fuel. So at idel they probably dont do much. On some cars the idle switch may compensate for power steering pump and A/C. When they draw power from the engine it senses the need for additional power to maintain the proper idle. Other than that I dont think you will notice much difference at idle. Try driving it and see what happens. Some newer cars have limiters. My daughters Mazda will turn on the check engine and overdrive lights and the car will not shift into third gear I could only drive around in first and second.

ilikemy944 · 03-21-2003, 06:12 PM

I mean the car runs normal
I didn't drive it around, but revved it up to redline several times, at full throttle, mid throttle, whatever, ran normal. No lights either...

todwic · todwic's Garage

The middle post is a ground. The TPS is designed to know 2 things:Closed throttle/idle and WOT (wide open throttle). You can test these with an ohm meter. One side has indinite opens untill you crack the throttle (that click you hear) and the other will do the same when you open it to WOT. Or the other way around. I forget right off hand.

newoldguy · 03-22-2003, 09:03 PM

On my car ('87 n/a), the throttle "clicks" just as it opens. No click or other indication that you are at WOT or anywhere in between. You adjust the TPS to click just as it opens.

newoldguy · 03-22-2003, 09:09 PM

Todwic,
Couldn't help but respond to your "handle". Instead of Senior Member or Junior Member, I noted that you are Huge Member! LOL. Very good. But, just for accuracy (given your picture) would that be "hung like a cow"? versus "hung like a horse"? I mean, just for the record.

Eleg · 03-23-2003, 04:07 AM

I replaced my TPS last summer (car would lose power and would drop to idle). 6 mos later I had the same problem. I unplugged it and have been running it ever since and have not noticed a difference. Thinking about replacing it again though.... dunno... something tells me it belongs there

ilikemy944 · 03-23-2003, 11:57 AM

Ok, I unplugged the tps and drove around for a few minutes (previously I had only revved it up at idle to check)... Car is much more responsive. However, the rpm drops really slowly below 3k rpm. Its like I'm holding the gas down or something. Problem with it losing power did go away - much fun hehe... So, this is hopefully it. Will order one shortly