Throttle Position Sensor: Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Dodge Pickup and 2004 Dodge Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The 5.7L V-8 engine does not use a separate Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the throttle body.

The 3-wire TPS provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with an input signal (voltage) that represents the throttle blade position of the throttle body. The sensor is connected to the throttle blade shaft. As the position of the throttle blade changes, the output voltage of the TPS changes.

The PCM supplies approximately 5 volts to the TPS. The TPS output voltage (input signal to the PCM) represents the throttle blade position. The PCM receives an input signal voltage from the TPS. This will vary in an approximate range of from .26 volts at minimum throttle opening (idle), to 4.49 volts at wide open throttle. Along with inputs from other sensors, the PCM uses the TPS input to determine current engine operating conditions. In response to engine operating conditions, the PCM will adjust fuel injector pulse width and ignition timing.

Fig 1: Identifying TPS Location - 4.7L

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 2: Identifying TPS & Idle Air Control Connector Location

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The PCM needs to identify the actions and position of the throttle blade at all times. This information is needed to assist in performing the following calculations:

Ignition timing advance
Fuel injection pulse-width
Idle (learned value or minimum TPS)
Off-idle (0.06 volt)
Wide Open Throttle (WOT) open loop (2.608 volts above learned idle voltage)
Deceleration fuel lean out
Fuel cutoff during cranking at WOT (2.608 volts above learned idle voltage)
A/C WOT cutoff (certain automatic transmissions only)