An issue with the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) is one of the most common issues when your car does not accelerate properly. When you put your foot on the accelerator, your car should accelerate properly in the normal case. However, when it does not, there may be a high chance that there is an issue with the TPS.
The throttle position sensor is needed for sending the proper amount of fuel to the engine at any given point. So, when it is not functioning properly, you see some changes when you drive or accelerate your car.
In this article, we will go through some of the signs that you can watch in your car to determine the proper functioning of the TPS. So, without any further ado, let us dive into all the details.
Four major signs of a faulty TPS and how to recognize them
Here are some of the major signs to watch out for a faulty TPS in your vehicle:
1. Uneven idle
An uneven idle is one of the most common signs of a faulty TPS in your vehicle. In this case, you will notice that the RPM of the engine fluctuates when the car is stationary. You may feel your car surging forward when it is stationary.
There is a constant need for fuel delivery to your vehicle engine to maintain a steady idle. According to information taken from quora.com, a faulty TPS will provide incorrect throttle position data to the ECU which will disrupt the air-fuel mixture in the engine causing this sign. You can inspect the TPS and check for any loose connection and wire damage. Also, cleaning the throttle body can sometimes resolve the issue and you don’t need to replace the sensor.
2. Delayed acceleration
When you put your foot on the accelerator and there is a delay in the acceleration, then it may be a sign of faulty TPS. The delay occurs because the ECU is not receiving accurate throttle position information which further leads to incorrect air-fuel mixture adjustments.
You have to make sure that there is no other issue with the fuel delivery system in your vehicle. Also, if you have access to a multi-meter, then you can use it to check the voltage sign from the TPS. Any erratic change in voltage will tell that the TPS is faulty and you have to replace it.
3. Reduced engine power
When there is a faulty TPS in your vehicle, you will see a reduction in your engine power. The vehicle will struggle to achieve its normal driving speed when you drive your car on the road. You may feel that the engine is struggling and face a sluggish driving experience while driving your car.
You can use a multi-meter to check the voltage and if there are any erratic changes in it, then you will know that there is a fault TPS in your vehicle. The best way to remove the issue is to replace the faulty TPS with a new one. Once it is resolved, your vehicle will be able to achieve its normal driving speed easily.
4. “Check Engine” light illuminated
A faulty TP in your vehicle can cause your check engine light to illuminate. The ECU of your vehicle monitors the sensor and when it senses some issue with the TPS it will trigger the light to illuminate. So, when you see the light on your car, then there is a chance that there is some issue with the TPS of your car.
Check all the wiring and connections to make sure everything is intact and there is no visible damage. Issues with wires and loose connections can cause this issue even when the sensor is fine. In case you are able to find that the sensor is not working properly, replace it to resolve the issue.
The bottom line
The points above are some of the signs that may indicate that there is some issue with your TPC. Watch out for these signs and address the issue/s immediately to resume the normal functioning of your vehicle. If you are not able to diagnose the issue, you can call for professional help so that the expert can perform a thorough examination.
