Symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor. Checking the throttle position sensor for a malfunction: signs of breakdown, repair and replacement. Module design features

Earlier we wrote about the symptoms that can occur when the throttle position sensor breaks down. But such signs often cause breakdowns of other sensors or engine components. Therefore, before buying a new TPS, the existing sensor must be checked for operability.

TPS is installed on the throttle body. This sensor contains a variable resistance resistor (or contact points, depending on the model) that sends a signal to the engine control unit. Sensor readings depend on throttle position.

When the driver presses the gas pedal, the damper rotates, increasing the flow of air into the intake manifold. When the engine is running, the throttle position (and data from other sensors) tells the computer how much fuel the engine needs at a given moment.

Therefore, without the correct signal coming from the TPS, there are problems with the fuel-air mixture. Note that checking the throttle position sensor is not very difficult. You will need information about the factory parameters of the sensor, after which it is checked using a digital multimeter.

You can buy a multimeter in many stores; this simple diagnostic tool will come in handy more than once.

The most common throttle sensor failure is wear, short circuit or an open in an electrical circuit or resistor. With the help of this article, you can understand how to check the TPS with a multimeter in just a few minutes. This will help to understand if the element needs to be replaced or if the problem is not in it.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning TPS:

• poor or rich fuel mixture;
• ignition problems;
• incorrect signals for other actuators;
• uneven idling;
• failures during acceleration;
• twitching;
• engine stop.

Methods for diagnosing DPDZ

The most common sensor test is to measure the resistance or voltage across various provisions throttle valve (closed, half-open and fully open). We will be testing using the voltage measurement function.

1. Open the hood and remove the air filter assembly where it connects to the throttle body.
2. Inspect the throttle plate and throttle body walls around it.

* If you see carbon deposits on the walls or under the throttle plate, clean this assembly with a carburetor cleaner (carb cleaner) and a clean rag. The surface must be completely clean. Carbon deposits and dirt can prevent the throttle from closing and moving freely.

1. Locate the TPS mounted on the side of the throttle body. The sensor is made in the form of a small plastic block with a three-wire connector.

Is your TPS connected to ground?

1. Carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the throttle position sensor.
2. Check the connector and terminal for dirt and damage.
3. Set the multimeter to a suitable mode, for example, 20V on the scale constant voltage(DCV).
4. Connect the red probe of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery, marked with a "+" symbol.
5. Touch the black probe of the multimeter to each of the three electrical contacts of the wiring connector that connects to the TPS.

* One of the pins that, when touched, shows a voltage of about 12 volts on the screen of the multimeter, is the ground pin. Pay attention to the color of this wire.

* If none of the pins show 12 volts, this is a sign of a defect in the wiring that goes to the throttle position sensor. The sensor is not grounded, so it cannot work properly. In such a situation, you need to solve the problem with the wiring.

1. Switch off the ignition.

Is the TPS connected to a reference voltage source?

1. Now connect the black test lead to the ground pin on the TPS connector you just identified.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not start the engine.
3. Connect the red test lead to each of the other two pins on the connector.
4. On one of the contacts, the voltage should be about 5 volts. This contact transmits the reference voltage to the TPS. Pay attention to the color of the wire connected to this pin. The third wire is signal.

* If neither of the two pins of the connector shows 5 volts, there is a problem in the wiring that needs to be corrected. Check the electrical circuit for loose connections or broken wires.

1. Switch off the ignition.
2. Plug the electrical connector into the TPS.

Is the throttle position sensor outputting the correct signal?

1. To perform such a test, you must use a pair of pins or paper clips.
2. Connect the tester's red tester lead to the signal wire of the sensor, and the black lead to the ground wire.
3. Turn on the ignition, but do not start the engine.
4. Make sure throttle is fully closed.
5. Your multimeter should read between 0.2-1.5 volts or so, depending on the vehicle. If you see zero on the screen, make sure you have selected correct mode device - usually 10 or 20 volts is optimal. If zero is still visible on the screen, continue testing.
6. Gradually open the throttle until it is fully open (or have an assistant gradually press the gas pedal all the way down).

* At wide open throttle, the multimeter should read about 5 volts.

* Make sure the voltage gradually increases as you slowly open the throttle.

* If you notice that there are voltage spikes in certain damper positions or it hangs at the same level, your TPS is not working properly, so it needs to be replaced.

* If the throttle position sensor does not reach 5 volts or so (3.5V in some vehicles) at wide open, it must be replaced.

1. Switch off the ignition and remove the pins (paper clips).

If your car has an adjustable throttle position sensor (these are found on older models) and its reading is not correct, try adjusting it first. The sensor is adjustable if you can loosen its mounting bolts and rotate the element to the left or right.

Throttle position sensor adjustment

This method is suitable for setting up an external sensor. The following tips will give you a general idea of ​​the TPS adjustment procedure.

1. Loosen the sensor mounting bolts so that you can rotate it by lightly tapping it with the handle of a screwdriver.
2. Pull back the sensor to check the voltage with a multimeter.
3. Turn the ignition key to the ON position, but do not start the engine.
4. Hold the throttle in the closed position (or in the position indicated in your vehicle repair or service manual).
5. Make sure the voltage matches the one specified in the manual. If not, turn the sensor left or right until you get the specified voltage.
6. Hold the TPS in this position and tighten the fixing screws.

If the sensor is not adjustable and does not reach the required voltage, replace it.

Information on how to check the throttle sensor can save you time and help you avoid unnecessary component replacement. With a simple test, you can get your car back on the road faster. This check is easily done in just a few minutes.

(TPDZ) occupies a very important place in the system that monitors the received dose of fuel. At her signal, the controller starts its work, which includes determining the position of the damper. By how high the rate of change of the signal is, the dynamics of pedal pressing is monitored, and this is the main factor determining the required dose of fuel. In the mode in which the engine is started, the damper deflection angle is monitored. And if it is 75 percent open or more, motor purge mode is activated. The signal given by the throttle position sensor is the starting signal. It is after him that the controller begins to control the RHC. This is how air is supplied to the engine.

It is worth noting that the throttle position sensor has another name. This is a mechanism of the so-called potentiometric type, which includes resistors (fixed and variable). Their total resistance is about 8 kOhm.

The signal indicating the position of the damper is fed through a resistor to the controller. This signal has a value that is slightly less than 0.7 V. If the voltage is more than 4 V, it will consider that the damper is completely open. The throttle position sensor is usually mounted on its body and connected to the axis of rotation. The axis has a special groove, which is part of the cruciform socket. Actually, the TPS is fixed with two screws.

Not to mention the throttle position. Its purpose is to generate tension direct current, the data of which is proportional to the opening angle of this damper, as well as to the fuel injection system in the engine. The rotation shaft is directed clockwise. This mechanism is fixed on a special pipe (throttle) of the fuel injection system. There, of course, everything is provided for the implementation of this installation. I would like to note that the resource of this product cannot be limited to car mileage.

And one more topic that I would like to touch on is the VAZ throttle position sensor. On older machines, as you know, the installed mechanisms require increased attention. And often the TPS falls into disrepair. So, this mechanism is faulty if:

1. There are problems at idle.
2. The transmission is switched off - the car engine stalls.
3. There are jerks when accelerating.
4. in almost all modes in which the engine performs its work.

In order to make sure that the TPS does not work, you need to check it, and this is quite simple to do. It is necessary to turn on the ignition, and then measure the voltage between the output of the slider and the "ground". If the voltmeter reading is 0.7 V or less, then everything is normal.

If you are faced with such a situation that the engine idles unevenly or the car periodically stalls for unclear reasons, then the fault of this behavior of the power unit may be throttle position sensor malfunction. You should not immediately go to the service station, because this trouble can be eliminated on your own.

New Throttle Position Sensor

In this article, we will consider the main signs indicating the failure of this sensor, learn how to check the TPS, and also get acquainted with its design. This manual is suitable for car owners VAZ 2110, 2114, Priora, Kalina and even Renault Logan.

- This is a device that is designed to accurately distribute the amount of fuel mixture entering the engine combustion chamber. Its use in modern engines allows you to increase the efficiency of the car, as well as increase the efficiency of the power unit. It is located in the fuel supply system on the throttle axis.

This is what the design of the DPS looks like

Kinds

At the present stage of development of automotive technology, the following types of TPS are presented on the market:

The latter structurally have resistive contacts in the form of tracks, along which the voltage is determined, and non-contact ones carry out this measurement based on the magnetic effect. Differences of sensors are characterized by their price and service life. Contactless ones are more expensive, but their service life is noticeably higher.

Operating principle

As stated above The sensor is located near the throttle. When you press the pedal, it measures the output voltage. In the case when the throttle valve is in the “closed” position, the voltage in the sensor is up to 0.7 Volt. When the driver presses the gas, the damper axis rotates and accordingly changes the slope of the slider at a specific angle. The reaction of the sensor is manifested in a change in the resistance on the contact tracks and, consequently, an increase in the output voltage. When the throttle is fully opened, the voltage is up to 4 Volts. The data is for VAZ vehicles.

These values ​​are read by the vehicle's electronic control unit. Based on the data obtained, it applies changes in the amount of fuel mixture supplied. It is worth noting that this whole procedure occurs almost instantly, which allows you to effectively select the mode of operation of the engine, as well as fuel consumption.

Sensor symptoms

With a good TPS, your vehicle works without uncharacteristic jerks, twitches and quickly responds to pressing the gas pedal. If any of these conditions is not met, then there may be a sensor malfunction. This can be determined by the following features:

• Starting the engine is difficult both hot and cold;
• The fuel consumption increases significantly;
• When driving, engine jerks appear;
• At idle, the revolutions are more often overestimated than normal;
• Vehicle acceleration is sluggish;
• Sometimes there are extraneous sounds similar to pops in the intake manifold area;
• The power unit may stall at idle;
• The Check indicator on the instrument panel blinks or stays on.

Most often, the sensor becomes unusable due to exceeding the service life due to depletion. The contact group is coated and, accordingly, it is characterized by wear. Those TPSs that operate on a non-contact principle are devoid of such a disadvantage and, accordingly, serve much longer.

In order to finally make sure that this part needs to be replaced, you need to be able to check the sensor.

Equipped with an injection engine. To provide stable operation such a motor is installed a large number of automatic devices, they independently control, regulate the uninterrupted operation of absolutely all systems of the power unit.

The principle of regulating the supply of gasoline to the engine has been radically changed. Previously, it was mechanical, but now electronics control the fuel supply. The mechanical connection of the gas pedal with the throttle valve is excluded. To adjust the idle speed, the damper itself moves.

The control of fuel supply and consumption is carried out by the control unit, which receives signals from sensors with different systems engine. One of them is, or TPS, as mechanics call it for short.

ABOUT THE PRINCIPLE OF ITS WORK

Most drivers are completely unaware of what a TPS is. Opening the hood of the car, out of habit, they look for the thrust of the mechanical drive of the gas pedal, and then they are surprised to note their absence. Then for a long time they are tormented by the question of how everything happens there.

TPS and itself are installed on the same axis. TPS is a variable resistor. Who does not know what it is, let him remember how the sound or brightness was adjusted on old models of TVs or radios.

Connected to the electronic control unit with a three-wire connector. They are connected to two fixed contacts of the potentiometer and one moving one. One of the fixed contacts is connected to the "mass" of the car, and a voltage equal to 5 volts is applied to the second fixed contact.

When the shutter is turned, the moving contact moves along the conductive layer of the resistor. The result of this movement at the output of the potentiometer will be a different voltage, depending only on the angle of rotation of the damper.

TPS has a connection with the device that is responsible for idling in the operation of the motor, this is the XX sensor. When starting the motor, when the damper is in, the controller receives a signal from this sensor, and then connects the IAC to supply an additional portion of air.

It should be noted that the TPS does not have the same design as the VAZ 2114, which was described earlier in this article.

Let's now look at the throttle position sensor on these cars. These are more "advanced" than their predecessors. On the instrument panel of these cars, the inscription “Check Engine” appeared periodically. IN normal conditions this inscription after switching on the ignition should go out in about half a second. If this does not happen, then the electronic control unit has detected a malfunction in one of the systems that service the engine.

To read the fault code, modern motor testers are used. If it is not available, you can try to check the TPS yourself.

ABOUT TROUBLESHOOTING TPS

Sometimes engine malfunctions can occur due to the fault of the sensor responsible for idling the engine, so it is recommended to check them together with the TPS.

The driver is alarmed by such signs of a TPS malfunction:

• "Float" idling;
• The operation of the motor is marked by instability. It is possible to stop it completely when the gas pedal is released;
• In one of the positions, jerks of the car are observed;
• Complete lack of idling.

Such VAZ 2114 throttle valves should push the driver to analyze what happened. The manifestation of any one of these signs indicates that the throttle position sensor needs to be checked. You can check the throttle valve sensor VAZ 2114 yourself. This operation is not difficult, but requires a little knowledge in the field of electrical engineering. To carry it out, you need measuring instruments.

HOW TO CHECK IT WORK YOURSELF

You already know the signs of a throttle valve, let's try to check its performance with our own hands. How to check the throttle position sensor will help you with the test cycle scheduled in order. To perform it, you must have a tester, multimeter or a simple voltmeter with a scale of 15-20 volts.

The verification procedure will be as follows:

1. You need to open the hood and find the TPS. Look for it next to the throttle;
2. To check, you need a connector from this sensor, so it is disconnected from the TPS;
3. Now a voltmeter or other devices are connected to work in the voltage measurement mode. The "minus" of the device is connected to the "mass" of the car, and the voltage will be checked with the second probe. Carefully examine the connector housing and find the pin, which is marked with the letter "A".
4. With the ignition on, check for voltage at this output. It should be 5 volts. If there is power, then the TPS is out of order and must be repaired or replaced. If the voltage is significantly lower than 5 volts or is absent at all, it is necessary to check the entire electrical circuit of its supply. If everything is in order with it, the controller may fail.

You can check the operation without disconnecting the connector from the TPS. Let's take a look at such a technique in work, how to check the TPS without disconnecting it from the power supply. the former is to check the presence of supply voltage at the TPS. With the ignition on and a voltmeter connected, the device should show a smooth voltage change from 0.7 to 4 V, if you smoothly turn the plastic throttle sector. The TPS connector must be connected, and the supply voltage is checked by annealing the wire with a probe measuring instrument.

If you have an ohmmeter, you can check the resistance of the sensor potentiometer. In this case, the connector is disconnected from the TPS, and the ohmmeter probes must be connected to any fixed and moving contacts. When the sector is rotated, the arrow of the measuring device should move smoothly. Jerks or jerky movement of the arrow of the device, this is evidence of its malfunction.

It does not make sense to repair it, since the causes of a malfunction of the TPS VAZ 2114 almost always consist in a break in the conductive layer. It's easier to replace with a new one.

Manufacturers guarantee its normal operation for about 50 thousand kilometers. At present, DPSZ of the Avtoelectric plant from the city of Kaluga have appeared. They are a non-contact device that does not have a movable slider and the contact does not wear out. The service life of such a device is unlimited.

When the TPS is replaced on a car, this is an opportune moment to repair the throttle. This repair will be loudly said, since in most cases everything is limited to cleaning and washing this unit.

Use any liquid for cleaning carburetors, do not skip a single channel when cleaning and you will succeed.

Sometimes the question arises of how to test a new throttle position sensor. This can be done with an ohmometer as described above.

REPLACING THE SENSOR ON THE CAR

Replacing the throttle position sensor is quick and easy. The only tool required is a Phillips screwdriver. The operation is carried out in the following order:

1. The battery terminals are disconnected;
2. To disconnect the connector from the TPS, it is necessary to press the latch and pull it towards you;
3. To remove the sensor from the nozzle, you need to unscrew the two screws that fasten it to the nozzle;
4. A sealing gasket made of foam rubber is always installed between the TPS and the branch pipe. It is sold together with the sensor. When installing a new sensor, a new gasket is also installed. The sensor mounting screws must be tightened with maximum force until the gasket is completely compressed.
5. Connect the connector with wires to its place. The replacement work is now complete.
6. Reconnect the battery terminals.

After that, it is necessary to check, and if necessary, then adjust the operation of the TPS. To do this, pull the gas cable, when this is not possible, remove the sensor back and turn it 90 degrees relative to the damper. After that, everything should fall into place.

The modern world is hard to imagine without electronics. It is hard to imagine without cars - some people even go to the nearest store by personal transport, although it is a few steps to walk to it. So, electronics in the car has taken a strong place in our time.

Electronic components have found application in all systems of passenger cars. Electric seats, electric power steering, electronically controlled CVT gearbox. There is nothing to say about power windows, hatches, mirrors and other paraphernalia - it has been mastered by electronics for a long time.

Electronics got to the heart of the car - to its motor. Now there are practically no carburetor engines left. Not a single modern car that rolled off the assembly line is complete without an electronic engine control unit (ECU). Using various sensors, the unit monitors the state of the motor and controls it, according to the data received. All malfunctions of the sensors are signaled by the Check Ingine control lamp, which is located in the passenger compartment. A malfunction of the electronic unit itself gives the car owner a lot of trouble - it is difficult to repair it, and replacing it sometimes costs a lot of money, ECUs are mostly quite expensive.

Accordingly, various sensors are present in the electrics of the engine. Consider the throttle position sensor - what it is for, what it is, what are the signs of a sensor malfunction, and how it can be checked for suitability.

Throttle sensor

The throttle position sensor (TPS) has found its application in gasoline engines of injection type or mono-injection type. Lately such a sensor is also present in diesel engines. The sensor is directly connected to the axis of the throttle valve, and performs the function of a variable resistor (potentiometer). Often, TPS is also called a damper potentiometer. The resistance varies depending on the degree of opening of the throttle valve, which is controlled by the gas pedal. The lowest resistance value will be when the throttle is closed, that is, the gas pedal is not pressed.

The voltage on the TPS is directly proportional to the resistance, with a fully open damper, it has a maximum value on the signal contact of the sensor. Electronic system control, receiving a signal from the TPS, will allow the fuel system to supply the largest portion of fuel at the maximum voltage of the TPS signal contact.

By the way, the throttle sensor has three contacts in the connector - negative, positive and signal.

TPS may be of a different type - instead of a variable resistor, a magnetoresistive sensor is used. Such a sensor has an element with a magnetoresistive coating and a permanent magnet, which is connected to the axis of the throttle valve. The principle of operation is based on changing magnetic field between these elements. When the permanent magnet is moved, the resistance of the magnetoresistive element changes. The electronic unit control with the device works in the same way as with the throttle potentiometer.

Throttle Position Sensor Malfunctions

TPS in the fuel system of the engine plays a smoothing role - it allows the car to drive smoothly, without jerks, and during sharp acceleration it improves the engine's throttle response, giving the gas pedal responsiveness to pressing.

Typical symptoms of a throttle position sensor malfunction:

• - the car drives jerkily, there is a periodic twitching on the go,
• - increased fuel consumption,
• - the engine does not start well,
• - increased idle engine speed,
• - from time to time the Check Ingine warning light in the passenger compartment lights up or is constantly on,
• - when accelerating the car, there are delays in acceleration,
• - the engine stalls during idling,
• - Pops are heard in the intake manifold.

If computer diagnostics have not yet been carried out and the error code has not been set, do not rush to conclusions. According to such signs, another device may be the cause of the malfunction, and not just the throttle position sensor. Let's say the idle speed controller or the mass air flow sensor is faulty, air leakage through the throttle itself is possible.

The main cause of a damper sensor malfunction is a break or contamination of the resistive track. It is not difficult to check the TPS with a digital multimeter at hand. With the ignition on, slowly turn the throttle by hand and monitor the voltage at the signal contact - it should also change slowly evenly. If the track on the potentiometer is broken, the voltage will disappear or change abruptly. The magnetoresistive sensor is tested in the same way.