Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation


LOCATION

Sensor mounted on throttle shaft.

PURPOSE

PCM uses sensor input with other inputs to determine current operating conditions.

PCM adjusts air/fuel mixture (injector pulse width) and ignition timing.

OPERATION

PCM supplies 5 volt sensor reference voltage.

Sensor is a variable resistor (potentiometer), whose resistance is dependent on the angle of the throttle blade (or throttle opening).

Output voltage ranges from approximately 0.5 Volts, (at idle position), to approximately 4 Volts, (at Wide Open Throttle). SEE SPECIFICATIONS.