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.
In This Article...
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.
How is a throttle position sensor reset?
Removing the engine control module fuse or unplugging the negative connection from the battery for up to five minutes will quickly reset your throttle position sensor.
If TPS is not calibrated, what happens?
Your TPS won’t be able to precisely determine the position of the sensor if it is malfunctioning or out of calibration. This will create a number of symptoms, all of which are brought on by the fact that the ECM is feeding the cylinders with the incorrect air/fuel ratio as a result of the defective sensor.
It’s crucial to have a malfunctioning TPS calibrated or replaced as soon as you can if you observe any of the warning indications. Long-term driving with a damaged TPS could result in even more significant problems and a higher repair expense.
It could be wise to check your TPS if you experience some of these signs while driving:
Check Engine Light Is On
The ECM’s responsibility includes keeping track of the data that different sensors send to it and comparing it to the data that other sensors are sending to it in an effort to determine whether anything isn’t functioning properly. The check engine light will come on if the ECM determines that the data it is receiving from the TPS does not correspond to the data it is receiving from the other sensors.
The check engine light can come on for a variety of engine-related problems, therefore having it on by itself definitely does not indicate that the TPS is broken. However, there’s a significant possibility that a malfunctioning TPS is to blame if the check engine light appears along with any of the symptoms listed below.
Do you require a new throttle position sensor to be calibrated?
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.
How can excessive idle be fixed after cleaning the throttle body?
Until the computer retrains itself on idle, the idle will initially be high. More air was able to enter the engine when the throttle body was cleaned, and the computer is adjusting by supplying more fuel. If you put the car in drive and let the idle come down for two to three minutes with all the accessories off, the idle will relearn. After that, run your air conditioner for three minutes with the blower on high. This should put it right. If it doesn’t work, I suggest having a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, check out your car.
My Toyota ECU has to be manually programmed.
Yikes
I apologize. After an accident, it may seem impossible to get your car back on the road.
A paperclip and good vision are all you need to manually program a Toyota ECU, albeit you will need to leave your car running for the duration of the process.
What you must do is as follows:
- Find the ECU plug or connector first. This is located close to the driver’s side door, underneath the steering wheel. (This plug is utilized for your engine’s emissions test and diagnostics.)
- Make a U-shaped bend in a paperclip (or another robust yet flexible wire).
- Place the wire’s shorter end in pin slot 4 and its longer end in pin slot 13.
- Start the automobile while the paperclip is still in place.
- Give the automobile a 30-minute runtime. (You may slightly exceed, but not below.)
- Your car should start normally when you use your remote key fob once you turn off the ignition and remove the paperclip.
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Can a throttle position sensor be tested?
My compressor is a 1999 C230 Kompressor. The throttle position sensor may be defective, although there are no indications of this in the trouble codes. Why does it not appear in the fault codes, I wonder?
An inoperative throttle position sensoror any other sensor, for that matterwon’t generate a trouble code if it doesn’t exhibit the voltage patterns required by the computer to recognize its failure. For instance, a voltage that is stuck or not signaled. Depending on the model, the computer could not detect a malfunctioning sensor until it has failed several times. In any case, make sure to check the TPS to see if it has failed. The circuit may also be the source of the issue.
I believe my TPS is defective, or perhaps the throttle body itself. I was about to perform this test in accordance with your instructions, but my son is adamant that it cannot be the TPS because there was no dash warning light. Do you know if it might be damaged and still not show the dash light, and if there isn’t one, would it still be able to generate a code? I really appreciate your time.
Ideally, a malfunctioning TPS would generate a code. To accomplish this, however, the machine must adhere to the enabling conditions. A TPS could develop a defect and not generate a code. If other conditions are not set, the TPS may experience dead areas that the computer is not detecting. It’s best to test it out by manually operating the TPS gently and paying close attention to the display. Changes ought to be seamless.
The scanner indicates that the throttle on my Toyota Avanza 1.5 has an issue. Every time I try to accelerate, it refuses to do so and shuts off on its own. What can we do to make it better? But occasionally, the car runs smoothly.
Check the TPS and the connector, is the response. The internal wiper or resistance arm could be failing. Verify the smoothness of voltage changes. You can tell the sensor is faulty if the reading jumps around.
Check the TPS circuit, is the response. Compared voltages to specifications Start by visually inspecting the connector and wires. At the connector, check for wire breakage and loose wires.
On some models, it could cause shifting issues. TPS sensor testing For this, you might require your car’s repair handbook. Hope it’s helpful. Additionally, even if the engine light is not on, obtain the issue codes. There might be unwritten codes.
The sensor’s ground cable, which connects it to the computer, should be checked. Verify that the wire is not weakened or coming loose from the harness. Utilize a test lamp. If the wire is sound, the issue can be with the computer. The ground should be fixed on the computer in this situation. Attempting to run a new ground to the sensor can result in additional problems.
You should measure a voltage at the lower end, in response. Depending on your model, it could be less than one or close to one volt.
My Silverado is a 2012 model. During a code test, “Check Engine” was returned by the TPS. Do I need to replace the throttle body as a whole or only the sensor?
The phrasing of TPS codes typically varies between manufacturers. If you can, test the sensor first, especially if there is only one issue code. You might need a digital multimeter and your car’s repair manual to test the sensor. The electronic throttle body or TPS could be at fault.
Toyota Tacoma from 2008. It starts out normally then stops midway through. I can keep it running between 3 and 4000 rpms by pumping the gas pedal. Does the TPS sensor contribute to this?
The gasoline system might hold the solution to the issue. For leaks, check the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel injectors.
My Ford Freestyle started losing power when the security light turns on and shutting out at stops. What might the issue be?
Check the battery if your car has a smart key or smart key fob; it can be fading or the chip might be defective. A issue with the anti-theft module or the wiring to the module is an additional possibility.
I have two that read around 12v in the “attached to ground” test. I also receive “reference” voltage readings for the other two wires that are close to 5 when I assume that black is ground. Is there a short in one of the wires?
The reference wire should have a voltage of approximately 5 volts. The signal wire is the other. If you are also receiving 5 volts, the control circuit may be malfunctioning.
I think you have a switch for idle or WOT. On some versions, this is actually a wide-open throttle switch or an idle switch (manual transmission) (automatic transmission). It functions with a 12v reference rather than a 5-volt reference.
Answer: Consult the user guide. There might have been a communication blunder. Verify that it is suitable for your purpose. You might want to get in touch with the manufacturer if necessary.
purchased a 2004 Volvo S60 T5. Insisting on the throttle with the pedal depressed yields nothing at all? It is allegedly the TPS sensor or module.
The position transmitter, electrical contacts on the module or pedal, or the module itself may be at fault. Even if the check engine light is not on, look for issue codes. A pending code to direct the diagnosis may exist.
Thank you. I own a 1.4L 2008 Ford Focus. Throttle positioning sensor is indicated by the EML and red cog on the dashboard. The problem is still present even after I replaced the throttle body and the entire accelerator pedal (including the sensor). Up until the red cog light shows on the dashboard, the automobile will continue to operate normally. The car then loses power and takes a while to accelerate after you press the pedal. What might the issue be? Please assist!
The red cog typically illuminates due to a malfunction with the relay or glow plugs. But getting it diagnosed is preferable. The powertrain could possibly be having issues.
On my 2006 Dodge Dakota 3.7 V6, I’m trying to test the throttle position sensor. There are 6 wires in the wiring harness for my TPS. How can I check it?
The cables must first be identified, is the response (signal, ground, and reference). For this, you might require the car repair handbook. It will guide you through the test and aid with wire identification.
My Dodge Caliber is a 2011 model. The check engine light and lightning bolt briefly turn off before turning back on. I replaced the sensor, gas pedal, and throttle body. What else might be erroneous about it?
After the fix you made, the computer likely needs to be reset. Check the maintenance manual for your car. You’ll likely figure out how to reset it on your own. Additionally, look for any other saved error codes that might be able to direct you here if necessary.
The air conditioning stopped working. The blower and resistor were changed. The CE light code currently reads TPS. Is it conceivable that the removal of the gas pedal tripped the sensor? Or is this a brand-new problem? Does it mean that the prior work tripped the CE light if we reset the code but the light doesn’t turn back on? Does it necessarily indicate it is bad if it does turn on again after being reset?
It’s feasible if the computer didn’t get the required input from the sensor, to be honest. Using a digital multimeter, check the TPS. Check to see if it’s still operational and, if necessary, visually examine and test the connector and wires. Delete the code if the sensor test results are satisfactory. If it reappears if a performance problem is apparent. Examine the sensor or circuit in further detail. Hope this was useful.
The wire that displays 5 volts is grounded, right? That ought to be your hot, right? A continuity test, however, will only reveal ground and not voltage?
Your reference voltage is 5 volts, as stated. With the throttle fully extended, you also obtain close to 5 volts. If necessary, review the specifications for your specific make and model.
When I speed, my 2006 Mercury Mariner twitches and feels like it might stall. I’ve cleaned the EGR valve, the EGR vacuum, the throttle body, and I’ve examined my vacuum hoses for obstructions. Continued jerking Nothing comes to mind. Any thoughts?
An incorrect throttle position sensor, a problem with the ignition fuel system, or a vacuum leak could all be the cause of this. Even if your check engine light is not on, check your computer for diagnostic issue codes. A flawed sensor could be present. This other article may be useful: