Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

The TPS is a variable resistor connected to the throttle shaft. The sensor is a potentiometer that has one end connected to the ECU signal line and the other end connected to ground. As throttle valve angle changes, a return voltage is sent back to the ECU through the third wire. Output voltage to the ECU is about one volt when throttle valve is at idle position, and about 5 volts when throttle valve is at wide open throttle.

A dual TPS is used on automatic transmission equipped models. The additional sensor provides throttle position information to the transmission.