Here are 5 signs that your throttle position sensor is defective (replacement costs)

The car's throttle position sensor plays an important role in the engine.

For the engine to know how much acceleration you want and how much you give, it needs to measure the throttle body’s angle to match it with the fuel injection.

We will be discussing the symptoms of a damaged throttle position sensor and how to fix it. Let’s begin with a quick look at the signs:

A bad throttle position sensor (TPS), which is the most obvious sign, can cause poor acceleration and rough idle. It may also be accompanied by a check engine warning light. Shifting issues may be an issue if you have an auto transmission. You may also experience other issues with your driveability.

Because the throttle position sensor is such an important part of the engine’s performance, it could result in many different symptoms.

This is a detailed listing of 5 symptoms that indicate a poor throttle position sensor.

Bad Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), Symptoms

1. Low Acceleration

A defective throttle position sensor can lead to poor or delayed acceleration. A delayed acceleration is when there's a significant time delay between the moment you step on the accelerator, and the acceleration.

A damaged throttle position sensor can cause the car to judder when it accelerates.

2. Surging of idle

The engine is running when it's not moving. You may notice your engine fluctuating when you idle. This could be caused by an inelastic air-fuel mix or a malfunctioning throttle position sensor.

Incorrect information from the throttle position sensor can cause idle surging.

3. Make sure your engine light is on

The vehicle is equipped with several sensors. If one of these sensors fails, the check-engine light will illuminate.

The check engine light may not be on for other reasons. However, you should check the throttle sensor if there is poor acceleration or idle surging.

Your check engine light that is related to your throttle position sensor will be on. This indicates that the ECU sensor has a problem. It can be checked with an OBD2 scan.

4. Sudden Suffering while driving at a high speed

An electric throttle body can lead to a dangerous condition called a "defective throttle position sensor". This is when the car suddenly increases speed at highway speeds. The throttle valve in your throttle may not close properly, but if you press the accelerator too hard the valve will suddenly open and give the car an instant speed boost.

If the throttle position sensor becomes damaged, it sends an error signal to throttle valve. This causes the throttle valve to suddenly open or close abruptly.

5. Shifting gears: Problem

Bad throttle position sensor can lead to problems in acceleration. This then leads to problems with automatic transmission.

Also, the throttle position sensor sends data to the automatic transmission controller unit. If this information is faulty, there might also be a problem with your automatic transmission’s shiftings.

Function of the throttle position sensor

The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) is an integral part of the vehicle’s fuel management system as it determines the angle of the throttle body flap.

The throttle position sensor sends data from the throttle to the engine control modules (ECM). This information is used to determine the correct amount of fuel that should be in the engine.

It is possible for the throttle position sensor to fail. The result can be detrimental to the car's performance or fuel economy.

Throttle position sensor location

Since it measures the angle of throttle body valve, the throttle position sensor can be found on the throttle body.

The throttle position sensor is the most probable sensor if it can be seen with the wires attached in the same direction that you can see the throttle body axle.

If you have a newer car with an electric throttle body, the throttle position sensor is most likely integrated into the throttle body and can’t be replaced separately.

Prices for Throttle Position Sensor Replacment

The replacement of the throttle position sensor costs between $80-$300 depending on car make and labor cost. An inexpensive throttle position sensor can be purchased for $30-$100. Workshop labor costs typically range between $50-200.

If your car has an electronic throttle body, it is possible that it is not possible to replace the position sensor alone – you have to replace the whole throttle body, which can result in an expensive cost of $100 to $900.

The cost of labor can vary depending on which car you are using. Some cars can be changed in 5 minutes while others can take up to several hours.

Remember that after you replace a throttle position sensor or the throttle body, you need to reprogram/recalculate the throttle angle. This requires the use of diagnostic tools.