Try this process if your Camry or other Toyota is having trouble running and idling after your battery died or you got a new battery:
First, turn the key to the ON position but do not press the start button. Step 2: Fully depress the accelerator pedal and hold it there for 40 seconds. Step 3: Fully release the accelerator pedal, then start the 35-second countdown. Step 4: Completely depress the gas pedal and hold it there for 30 seconds. Step 5: Let go of the gas pedal and keep counting for 25 seconds. Step 6: Pedal down hard on the accelerator and hold for 20 seconds. Step 7: Let go of the gas pedal and wait 15 seconds. Step 8: Depress the gas pedal all the way to the floor and count to 10 before releasing it for 10 seconds. Repeat two times. 9. Quickly depress the gas pedal all the way to the floor, then release it three times. Starting the engine is step 10.
You will need to clean the throttle body if the vehicle still doesn’t idle properly following this process.
Please let me know how it goes and feel free to ask any questions or want more information about how I came across this.
In This Article...
How do I reset the throttle body on my Toyota?
Follow these instructions to reset the throttle position sensor if you’ve correctly determined that it’s the source of issues with your Toyota. However, if you’re unsure, check over the sections describing how the throttle position sensor functions and what the typical failure symptoms are.
You’ll need either a set of wrenches or a pair of fuse pullers, depending on the approach.
First Throttle Sequence
Warm up the engine to the ideal operating temperature before moving on to the next stage. To avoid stalling, you can either drive it if it’s safe to do so or leave it to idle while adding gas.
This technique works effectively when the battery has died or you required a jump start and requires no tools.
- Put the ignition key in the lock.
- With the engine off, turn the key to the “On” position. After a brief delay, turn it off.
- Re-do the second action.
- Start the car.
- To release the parking brake.
- Put Drive on the gear lever.
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes.
Second Throttle Sequence
The engine doesn’t need to be warmed up, and neither does the second process, which is identical to the first. It works on Toyota Tacoma models made between 2005 and 2015, but it might also function on other makes and models.
- With the engine off, turn the key to the “On” position.
- Press the gas pedal gradually, hold for three seconds, and then slowly let go. Three times, please.
- Turn the key to the Off position and remove it.
Disconnecting the Battery
The first technique consists of just two easy steps. Locate the car battery by raising the hood. Disconnect the cables from the battery using the proper wrench, then wait a few minutes.
You can now reattach the wires, being careful not to overtighten and damage the clamps. Similar to a smartphone or laptop, the procedure provides the electronic device adequate time to completely discharge before rebooting.
Resetting the Fuse
Although it happens infrequently, sometimes replacing the fuse with the original one will resolve TPS problems. You will need the owner’s manual to locate the fuse box because it is type-dependent.
Once you have access to it, use fuse pullers to remove the matching fuse, consult the manual once more to make sure it is in good shape, and then plug it back in.
Do throttle bodies require calibration?
After installing a throttle position sensor, or TPS, you must calibrate it using MEITE.
Make sure the throttle sensor signal input is appropriately plugged and set to “TPS Raw” in the Analog Settings. As you adjust the throttle from fully closed to fully open, the signal on the selected pin should change from roughly zero to five volts. For instructions on how to connect it to the ME line of wire-in ECUs, refer to the Throttle Sensor wiring section. It will be correctly connected and assigned by the Plug-Ins in the base-map that is provided.
Does my throttle body need to be reprogrammed?
Your throttle position sensor may operate intermittently or inaccurately due to code issues. If not, you will require specialized software to reprogramme your sensor. A qualified mechanic should handle this task. If your sensor is just in need of repair, the issue may be with the wiring.
Does the computer need to be reset after the throttle position sensor is replaced?
I’m here. If your engine’s throttle body has to be replaced and there was a pending code, the code will be cleared. The ECM (computer) would require a hard reset if the code was a permanent hard code. After around 13 minutes, unplug the negative battery cable (-), then reconnect it and make sure it is tight. As it enters a learn cycle, the engine light will turn off and all codes will be cleared. Unless it is causing several sensors to activate codes, the check engine light will stay off if the issue has been resolved, but if it has not, it will turn back on after 10 starts or three days of driving. Seek out a specialist, like one from Your Mechanic, if you require more help in resetting the ECM.
How can I retrain my auto to idle?
Some control conditions are maintained by power from the battery since your car’s engine is electronically managed by a computer. For best driveability and performance, the engine must relearn its idle and fuel trim strategy after the battery is unplugged, a new battery is installed, or a tune is applied. The steps to take are as follows:
1. Set the parking brake when the car has come to a complete stop.
2. Start the engine by putting the gearshift in P (Park for automatics) or Neutral (for manuals).
3. Run the engine until the proper operating temperature is reached.
4. Let the vehicle’s engine run for at least a minute.
5. Switch on the A/C and let the car idle for at least a minute.
6. Take a test drive to finish the relearning process. The idling and fuel trim approach may need to be re-learned once the car has been driven for at least 10 miles (16 km).
How is the idle on a throttle body adjusted?
As automobiles age, the idle performance often changes, but fortunately, the adjustment is not too difficult. Finding and rotating the screw on the throttle body will change the idle RPM.
The following steps will show you how to change the idle RPM:
- Open the hood, turn on your car, and let it warm up completely. While the automobile is moving, you will make this change. Be careful not to touch any hot engine components.
- From the air filter to the throttle body, follow the air intake hose. Look for a screw on the throttle body (possibly covered by a plastic cap). If the plastic top is still attached, pry it off.
- Locate the electronic connector holding the idle air adjustment valve to the throttle body and detach it.
- To modify the idling, turn the idle screw.
- To raise RPM, spin the screw to the left; to decrease RPM, turn the screw to the right.
- Reconnect the electrical connection to the idle air adjustment valves once the idle has been changed to aim for 650 RPM. Turn off your car and lower the hood.
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How can I calibrate the position sensor for my accelerator?
The ignition switch must be turned to the ON position before depressing the accelerator pedal fully and slowly from idle to full throttle in order to calibrate the accelerator pedal assembly. Three times through the process.
What happens if the throttle body is not reset?
Your engine will run lean if the TPS tricks your ECM into believing the throttle is closed when it isn’t. This will result in less fuel being injected to the air/fuel mixture. The engine won’t produce as much power as it should if there isn’t enough fuel in the mixture.
You’ll probably become aware of it the most when attempting to speed when this occurs. At first, your car might accelerate normally, but when you change into higher gears or move up in the rev range, you’ll discover that after a while, your automobile will flat-out refuse to accelerate any further.
The same thing may also occur in the reverse scenario, where the TPS instructs the ECM to supply too much fuel rather than not enough. In this scenario, your automobile will also use more gas than usual, and you can have a persistent gas smell when driving it, whereas there wasn’t one before.
Car Jerks and Accelerates Unintentionally
On rare occasions, the TPS may malfunction in a way that causes it to intermittently relay signals back to the ECM. The ECM will then change the air/fuel mixture as necessary because it will believe that the throttle is constantly opening and closing in this situation.
This may cause your car to jerk violently while you’re driving, and you might even experience momentary acceleration even while you’re not attempting it.
Rough Idle
The TPS is one of the components that enables your engine to maintain a proper idle speed when the gas pedal is not depressed and the engine is idling. However, if the TPS is broken or out of calibration, it will mess with the amount of gasoline coming to the engine and make it idle poorly.
An engine’s idle RPM should ideally remain fairly constant, but one with a poor TPS will alternate between slowing down and accelerating up.
How Often Should I Change My Throttle Position Sensor?
Only if it tests poorly should your throttle position sensor be replaced. However, it’s recommended to take your car to a mechanic to get it looked at if you detect any problems with how it’s performing.
Does a Throttle Position Sensor Need to Be Calibrated?
Yes, if a throttle position sensor is replaced, calibration is required. Normally, you can get this done at a mechanic, but if you have the necessary tools, you might be able to do it yourself.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Throttle Position Sensor?
You can have problems with your vehicle’s performance, such as decreased fuel efficiency or power, if your throttle position sensor is malfunctioning. Your check engine light may also be on, which you may have seen.
How Do I Reset My Throttle Position Sensor?
Reconnecting the battery after a short time will allow you to reset your throttle position sensor. This will erase any stored computer codes and enable the sensor to reacquire its idle position.
Can a TPS Sensor Cause No Start?
Yes, a TPS sensor can prevent your car from starting. This is because the engine won’t start if the sensor’s reading is incorrect because it tells the computer how much air is entering the engine.
What Happens If You Unplug the Throttle Sensor Position?
If the throttle position sensor is malfunctioning, unplugging it will restore normal acceleration and idle for your car. The sensor is required so that the computer can accurately determine how much air is entering the engine and change the fuel mixture as necessary.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Throttle Position Sensor?
Depending on the make and model of your car, the cost of replacing a throttle position sensor can change. However, it usually ranges between $110 and $200.