Cars · Wiring
Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Adjustment
A step-by-step procedure for adjusting the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) to ensure accurate voltage output at idle and wide-open throttle (WOT).
Accurate Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) calibration is critical for proper ECU engine management, idle control, and acceleration mapping.
Adjustment Procedure
- Prep Rivets: If your TPS uses factory break-away rivets, use a Dremel tool to cut a small notch in the head of each rivet.
- Loosen: Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the notched rivets (or bolts) until the TPS can be rotated by hand.
- Adjust: Rotate the TPS to adjust the output voltage.
- Measure: Use a digital multimeter on the TPS connector. Probe the middle wire (signal) and one of the outside wires (ground).
- Idle Target: Should read approximately 0.5V at closed throttle.
- WOT Target: Should read approximately 4.5V at wide-open throttle.
- Secure: Once the desired voltage range is achieved, tighten the rivets/bolts to secure the sensor. Replace the factory break-away rivets with hex-head or allen-head bolts for easier future adjustments.
Technical Note
A more thorough calibration procedureâincluding ECU-specific voltage trimmingâis available on the main TPS Sensor0 diagnostic page. If you are experiencing erratic idle or throttle response, verify your ground and 5V reference wire integrity before attempting physical sensor adjustment.