Throttle position sensor DPZ, signs of malfunction, how to check and adjust, do-it-yourself replacement and repair

The operation of the engine of a modern car is completely controlled by electronics. The controller collects readings from several sensors, prepares a mixture of fuel and air and supplies it to the cylinders in the required quantity. Failure of any of these meters leads to problems with the engine: failures, increased fuel consumption and loss of power. This publication proposes to consider the signs of a malfunction of the throttle position sensor (abbreviated as TPS), since it fails more often than others, making car enthusiasts nervous and looking for problems in the power unit.

Characteristics of the throttle position sensor

The purpose of the sensor is to regulate the volume of air flow that enters the motor. This air is used to form a flammable mixture.

Where is the sensor located in the car?

In order to diagnose the device if necessary, the car owner needs to know where the TPS is located. The controller is installed in the engine compartment. It can be seen on the side of the throttle line on the axis of the valve itself.

Controller location on the throttle

Device design

Structurally, the device includes the following:

Controller housing. This component is made of heat-resistant fiberglass. The housing is equipped with two flanges, which are used to secure the controller to the throttle assembly.
A connecting device equipped with three contacts. This component is integrated with the controller housing.
A resistive device made of ceramic.
Current collecting element. This component is designed to provide electrical contact with the resistive part.
Collet clamp, equipped with a slot.
Rubber gasket. Used to mount the controller on the axis of the throttle assembly.

Purpose of the throttle position sensor

The controller itself is responsible for correctly identifying the position of the valve on the throttle assembly. Its readings affect the operation of the fuel supply system. The power unit, in accordance with the device values, adjusts the volume of supplied gasoline under a certain operating mode. The TPS is used to convert the angular position of the throttle valve into DC voltage.

Features of the device:

The data transmitted by the controller makes it possible to calculate the amount of damper opening. The information received by the control module ensures the calculation of the main control parameters of the power unit. Moreover, the data is determined taking into account the type of vehicle driving.
The device itself is a potentiometer equipped with a current collector. The latter is used to move along a set sector radius, ranging from 0 to 80 degrees. When installing the device, the axis of this structural element must be connected to the drive of the throttle unit.
The output resistance parameter of the potentiometer can change depending on the pressure on the gas pedal. Depending on its position, the degree of opening of the valve unit also changes.
The controller is powered by supplying a stabilized voltage. The value comes from the control module and should be around 5 volts. A deviation of 0.1 V up or down is allowed.

Device technical parameters

Main technical properties of TPS controllers:

The voltage to power the device is supplied to two pins - 1 and 2.
The amount of resistance that forms between pins 1 and 2 ranges from 1.8 to 2 kOhm.
The opening parameter for a fully closed node damper is from 0 to 2%.
The voltage that is supplied to outputs numbered 3 and 2 when the damper is closed ranges from 0.25 to 0.65 volts.
The valve opening value is more than 90 degrees.
The voltage parameter supplied to pins 3 and 2 at full throttle ranges from 3.9 to 4.7 volts.
The number of complete activation cycles of the device during its operation is at least one million.
The calibration property of the dependence of the output voltage parameter on the rotation angle is linear. It is measured in the range from 0 to 100 degrees. The voltage ranges from 0.25 to 4.8 volts. The slope of the characteristic varies around 48 mV.
The controller operating area parameter is in the linear range of the characteristic in the range from 10 to 90 degrees. This corresponds to the opening value of the unit damper at an angle from 0 to 100 degrees. The slope value varies around 39 mV.

Varieties

There are two main types of devices:

Film-resistive sensors. This type of controller is usually installed standard during car production. The average service life of film-resistive devices is approximately 55 thousand km. But in fact, they fail more often.
Contactless type of devices. Such TPS operate on the basis of a magnetic-resistive phenomenon, the Hall effect is used. The price of contactless sensors is higher, but their service life is long. These devices are more reliable and therefore rarely fail.

Andrey Seromolotov showed how a machine engine works with a contactless TPS.

How to check?

You can check the serviceability of the sensor using 3 devices:

diagnostic scanner;
motor tester;
multimeter.

Checking with a diagnostic scanner

We connect the scanner to the car and find the parameters in the program. In the parameters we find the throttle sensor readings. The scanner can display data from the sensor, both in volts and as a percentage. If in volts, then we look at the values within 5 V.

IMPORTANT! The scanner will display values from 0.3 to 4.7. This is done so that the control unit understands that the sensor is working. If there is “0” volts, then an error will appear - “sensor break”. If “5” volts, the damper is completely open or there is a short circuit.

If in percentage, then we look at the percentage of the damper opening from 0 to 100%. If everything is in order, then on the scanner when the damper is opened we will see percentages: 0%, 2%, 3%, etc.

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If we see the values: 0%, 20%, 0%, 15%, 3%, 4%, 20%, etc. - this indicates wear of the resistive layer.

Checking the throttle sensor using the Launch scanner as a percentage. On the left are digital values, on the left in graphical form.

Motortester

To check the throttle sensor with a motor tester, you need to connect to the signal wire of the sensor and to the negative wire. Then we begin to open the damper. What should we see? If everything is good, then we will see the following waveform:

Oscillogram of a working sensor

If the resistive track is worn out, then the oscillogram will look like this:

Oscillogram of a faulty sensor

Multimeter

When checking the throttle sensor with a multimeter, check the voltage between the positive and negative wires. The engine must be running at the same time. The measurement values should be about 5 volts.

The next step is to measure the resistance between the sensor signal wire and the negative wire. In this case, the ignition is turned off completely, and the multimeter is set to measure resistance.

In the closed position of the throttle valve, the multimeter should display values from 0.8 to 1.2 kOhm, and in the open position from 2.3 to 2.7 kOhm.

Self-check functionality

In most cases, when problems arise with the TPS, the “check engine” error is displayed. By connecting a diagnostic device, you can identify its code and causes of the error. It happens that for some reason the “check” does not light up, in which case you cannot do without using a multimeter for diagnostics.

The first step is to make sure that power is supplied to the sensor itself. To do this, you need to disconnect the chip with wires from the device and measure the contacts with the ignition on. If power is supplied, then the device itself is inspected.

Visual inspection of the sensor. In this case, we are talking about checking the internal components of the product. Most often, the slider loses contact with the resistive layer.

As mentioned above, if the causes of malfunctions in the sensor are identified, it must be replaced.

Replacement and repair of the VAZ 2114 throttle position sensor

How to understand that the VAZ 2114 TPS is broken?

Signs of a malfunction may overlap with the breakdown of other sensors responsible for creating the fuel mixture:

high idle speed;
deterioration of the car's response: you can easily stall when starting off;
reduction in power: a loaded car practically does not pull;
when you gradually add gas, the engine jerks and the thrust “fails”;
unstable idle speed;
When changing gears, the engine may stall.

A broken VAZ 2114 (2115) sensor can produce three types of distorted information:

complete lack of information;
the damper is unlocked;
the damper is blocked.

Depending on this, the symptoms of the malfunction may vary.

Symptoms of sensor malfunction

The main control unit contains a program: if one of the important meters stops working, the air-fuel mixture is prepared and supplied according to average indicators, and the Check Engine warning sign turns on on the dashboard. Emergency operation with increased fuel consumption is a clear sign of a breakdown of any sensor.

The insidiousness of the TPS is that it does not break in the usual sense. When the resistive film begins to wear away, the resistance of the device changes unpredictably. The controller either “sees” a working sensor in the circuit, or notes incorrect voltage surges and tries to switch to emergency mode. From here, the main sign of a malfunctioning throttle valve is determined - a periodically flashing Check Engine display.

The problem is accompanied by a change in the behavior of the engine, or more precisely:

“shaking” and spontaneous stops of the engine idling;
there is no acceleration dynamics; after pressing the gas pedal, jerks and dips are observed;
increased idle speed of the power unit (1500–2500 rpm);
the car “does not pull” due to loss of power;
jerks are also felt while driving;
Fuel consumption increases by 10–25%.

The listed symptoms can be caused by a dozen reasons, ranging from malfunctions of the ignition system to wear and tear of engine parts. That is why it is important to weed out problems that lie on the surface, including incorrect operation of the throttle position sensor.

Symptoms of a problem

A disruption in the synchronization of the operation of the entire throttle system and the engine as a whole occurs even with the most minor disturbances in the operation of the throttle sensor of the VAZ 2110 car. Signs of a malfunction are sometimes difficult to determine because there are no symptoms that are 100% related to the breakdown of this part.

Malfunctions, the cause of which can presumably be attributed to the throttle sensor, are as follows:

The engine stalls when changing speeds.
A drop in power when you press the gas pedal sharply.
Jerking during intense acceleration.
Changing indicators in idle mode.

Even a complete breakdown of this device will not lead to global consequences. Its functions will be partially filled by another element of the system, the mass air flow sensor. Although this does not mean that such a situation can be left for a long period.

Common Sensor Problems

Very often, over time, the throttle sensor fails due to a malfunction of the substrate, which is covered with a resistive layer. When this layer wears off or loses its properties, the sensor begins to act up. In this case, it is necessary to replace the substrate so that the sensor can easily read the linear movements inside the mechanism.

Another important detail is the slider. The cause of the problem may be a violation in the contacts between the slider and the resistive layer. As a result, scratches form on the surface of the layer, which interfere with the operation of the mechanism.

The best option is to completely replace the old throttle sensor with a new one. There is no point in changing individual parts, since after a certain period of time the problems may return and it will be more difficult to eliminate them. On such car models as VAZ 2110, VAZ 2114, 2112, you can reinstall TPS without any problems.

A common problem is contact oxidation. In this case, a special liquid can help, which must be used to treat all existing contacts.

It also happens that the damper does not close completely, as a result of which the fuel supply may be distributed unevenly and incorrectly. This difficulty can be easily overcome by slightly filing the outer parts of the mechanism so that the valve closes tightly on both sides.

Many motorists, having discovered breaks in contacts or cracks in this area, resort to using conductive glue. Of course, for some time the operation of the mechanism is restored, but the sensor itself will never be the same, so it is more advisable to simply purchase a new device to avoid problems in the future.

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Most auto mechanics use film-resistor throttle valves, since they have a relatively low cost and are sold in all stores. Replacing the sensor is a simple procedure, but requires care and judgment.

Opinions of car enthusiasts about the malfunction of the damper sensor

1. PDZ sensor - works the same as the simplest volume controls in older TV models...

“This device is an analogue of the simplest volume control that is found in old televisions. The sensor has the following problems - “rustling” during operation. If in the case of a TV the regulator is not used so often, then in a car the throttle sensor works constantly. Its “rustling” is far from the speed that can be expected in accordance with the logic of movement. This is precisely what causes difficulties with engine speed freezing by 1.5-2 thousand revolutions or more. It is worth noting that the ECU will definitely detect a malfunction of the throttle sensor, as a result of which a “check” will light up on the dashboard. Usually the code for such an error is deciphered as “High level of TPS”.

2. Lean mixture is a consequence of problems with the throttle sensor

“If I understand correctly, when driving at a constant speed the car jerks, and when the accelerator is abruptly released, a dip is felt and the engine may stall. If the throttle is more than half open, does the car drive pretty well?

If all the symptoms converge, then:

Was the mixture composition measured at a car service?
the symptoms indicate a possible lean mixture, so I would first check the lambda probe and then the air flow sensor. Of course, you should also check all sorts of places where excess air is leaking, but not the throttle sensor.
disconnect the lambda probe and drive without it; if the car drives normally at average values, then you need to change the lambda.

This is what my opinion looks like at this moment. If it’s wrong, we’ll think further.”

3. Why does the engine stall?

“The car may stall due to a faulty throttle sensor. When my car's engine stalled, I adjusted the TPS and the stalling disappeared!!! This measure was enough for about 5-7 km (I tested the engine in different modes, turning it off and starting it up, but it ran smoothly), but the car suddenly “started up” and no other throttle sensor settings helped. At the same time, at the service station they told me that the reason for the unstable operation of the motor was not the remote control sensor. I just don't believe them! At first they claimed that the thermostat was “to blame,” but not the one that controls the cooling of the engine, but the one located near the throttle valve (I didn’t even know about that). There is an antifreeze stain in this area, and the mechanics decided that the problem was caused by this thermostat. Then they thought some more and switched to the valve in the motor, then to the wiring, etc.

After an unsuccessful search, the service station called me, apologized and said that they did not know what the reason was. I note that the composition of the drops on the thermostat is not similar to coolant, but to ordinary water. I removed the sensor - it was dry inside, which means no water got in there, but the drops were right on the throttle sensor chip! When I started to blow through the TPS, small splashes flew out of it.”

4. Incorrect sensor settings

“Due to errors in setting the throttle sensor, the wrong signal is sent to the ECU. Incorrect information about the throttle opening level is supplied, which means the dosage of the fuel mixture is disrupted. Of course, the lambda probe can adjust the mixture. I would correct the settings myself. I understand that this is simple and short-lived, but “there is nothing more permanent than temporary.”

Characteristics of the throttle position sensor

The purpose of the sensor is to regulate the volume of air flow that enters the motor. This air is used to form a flammable mixture.

Where is the sensor located in the car?

Controller location on the throttle

Device design

Structurally, the device includes the following:

Controller housing. This component is made of heat-resistant fiberglass. The housing is equipped with two flanges, which are used to secure the controller to the throttle assembly.
A connecting device equipped with three contacts. This component is integrated with the controller housing.
A resistive device made of ceramic.
Current collecting element. This component is designed to provide electrical contact with the resistive part.
Collet clamp, equipped with a slot.
Rubber gasket. Used to mount the controller on the axis of the throttle assembly.

Purpose of the throttle position sensor

The controller itself is responsible for correctly identifying the position of the valve on the throttle assembly. Its readings affect the operation of the fuel supply system. The power unit, in accordance with the device values, adjusts the volume of supplied gasoline under a certain operating mode. The TPS is used to convert the angular position of the throttle valve into DC voltage.

Features of the device:

The data transmitted by the controller makes it possible to calculate the amount of damper opening. The information received by the control module ensures the calculation of the main control parameters of the power unit. Moreover, the data is determined taking into account the type of vehicle driving.
The device itself is a potentiometer equipped with a current collector. The latter is used to move along a set sector radius, ranging from 0 to 80 degrees. When installing the device, the axis of this structural element must be connected to the drive of the throttle unit.
The output resistance parameter of the potentiometer can change depending on the pressure on the gas pedal. Depending on its position, the degree of opening of the valve unit also changes.
The controller is powered by supplying a stabilized voltage. The value comes from the control module and should be around 5 volts. A deviation of 0.1 V up or down is allowed.

Schematic principle of the controller

Device technical parameters

Main technical properties of TPS controllers:

The voltage to power the device is supplied to two pins - 1 and 2.
The amount of resistance that forms between pins 1 and 2 ranges from 1.8 to 2 kOhm.
The opening parameter for a fully closed node damper is from 0 to 2%.
The voltage that is supplied to outputs numbered 3 and 2 when the damper is closed ranges from 0.25 to 0.65 volts.
The valve opening value is more than 90 degrees.
The voltage parameter supplied to pins 3 and 2 at full throttle ranges from 3.9 to 4.7 volts.
The number of complete activation cycles of the device during its operation is at least one million.
The calibration property of the dependence of the output voltage parameter on the rotation angle is linear. It is measured in the range from 0 to 100 degrees. The voltage ranges from 0.25 to 4.8 volts. The slope of the characteristic varies around 48 mV.
The controller operating area parameter is in the linear range of the characteristic in the range from 10 to 90 degrees. This corresponds to the opening value of the unit damper at an angle from 0 to 100 degrees. The slope value varies around 39 mV.

Varieties

There are two main types of devices:

Film-resistive sensors. This type of controller is usually installed standard during car production. The average service life of film-resistive devices is approximately 55 thousand km. But in fact, they fail more often.
Contactless type of devices. Such TPS operate on the basis of a magnetic-resistive phenomenon, the Hall effect is used. The price of contactless sensors is higher, but their service life is long. These devices are more reliable and therefore rarely fail.

Andrey Seromolotov showed how a machine engine works with a contactless TPS.

Checking the presence of supply voltage

The throttle position sensor cannot operate if there is no supply (reference) voltage to it. To do this, a common wire and a positive potential must approach it. The reference voltage is 5 V.

The common contact is checked with the connector removed and the ignition on, without starting the starter. Using an electronic multimeter in DC voltage measurement mode at a limit of 20 V, the potential between each connector contact and the positive terminal of the battery is monitored. The contact where 12 V appears is common. If during measurements it was not possible to find 12 V, then there is a break in the wiring that needs to be repaired.

Throttle valve - device

Regulator condition: check on VAZ-2110

So how do you test your throttle sensor? This process is necessary, as it makes it possible to understand whether the malfunction is actually due to its cause or the problem is due to the failure of other parts of your “ten”.

Sometimes new car owners make hasty conclusions based on the primary signs of damage. This entails extra spending of money and time on repairs.

To check the current TPS position, you will need to do the following:

measure the voltage at the output of the slider, while turning on the ignition, open the idle contacts;
during the test it showed a voltage above 0.7 V - which means the controller is faulty;
open the throttle valve completely (in normal position the voltage values are a maximum of 4 V);
measure the variable resistor for resistance;
connect an ohmmeter/multimeter to the power supply and output;
slowly turn the valve;
track readings on the device;
if the resistance changes smoothly as the damper opens, then the device is functioning properly.

If during the inspection you notice that the TPS itself is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Repair will not help here. An important point is the selection of this element. In the 2110th VAZ model, 2 analogues of TPS are installed:

Film resistive. This type is equipped by the manufacturer; The sensor is designed for 55 thousand km.
Contactless. A Hall sensor is used here. Such a device has no restrictions regarding its service life. The cost of such a sensor is more expensive.

The resistive layer, where the slider moves, wears out over time when exposed to friction. For this reason, the regulator produces incorrect data, the properties of the supplied mixture change, and engine performance decreases.

Purpose of the PDZ sensor

The throttle position sensor is designed to transmit information about the state of the bypass valve at a specific period to the vehicle engine ECU. This mechanism is a combination of a fixed and variable resistor.

In total, the maximum resistance of the device is approximately 8 ohms. The TPS device includes 3 contacts. A voltage of about 5 V is supplied to 1 and 2, contact 3 is a signal contact and is connected to a specific controller.

The PD sensor is mounted on the throttle body and reacts to its opening or closing. The resistance of the device also changes:

with the throttle valve fully open, the voltage value at the signal contact will be at least 4 V;
with a completely closed remote control - up to 0.7 V.

Any voltage changes are regulated by the controller. The volume of fuel required to create the air-fuel mixture is adjusted accordingly.

If the throttle does not operate correctly, the voltage may go beyond the established limits, which often leads to disruption of the functionality of the power unit, and sometimes to complete breakdown.

It should be noted that a breakdown of the PDZ sensor is often the cause of incorrect operation of the gearbox. Repairing a car engine and gearbox is a rather labor-intensive and costly undertaking. Therefore, if signs of malfunction of the throttle sensor are detected, it is recommended to check the functionality of the gearbox.

Types of TPS faults

Problems with the operation of the throttle sensor are associated with its design design, and are generally characteristic of most variable resistors. Car enthusiasts identify three main problems:

Wear of the moving contact or film resistance.
Backlash of fastenings.
Oxidation of active contacts.

During the operation of the moving contact and interaction with the film resistance, constant friction arises, which, with prolonged exposure, wears out both the resistive layer and the surface of the active contact itself. Practice shows that the degree of wear directly depends on driving style and manifests itself extremely unevenly. Because of this, only in some places places are formed where the active contact does not reach the resistive layer, causing the voltage to disappear at the output of the throttle position sensor.

Oxidation of working contacts occurs exclusively under conditions of high humidity under the hood. As a result, the resistance may increase and the electrical contact may be completely broken.

Reasons for the incorrect operation of the TPS

For resistive film and magnetoresistive sensors, there are different reasons for their failure. The former are susceptible to wiping off the resistive film deposited on the dielectric substrate. Because of this, the electrical signal begins to disappear when the potentiometer slider is moved. Also, for devices of this type, contamination of the working surface is dangerous.

Sensors with a magnetoresistive design are vulnerable to mechanical failure. Sometimes the electronic part of the device, which is responsible for converting magnetic signals into direct voltage, fails.

Operating principle of TPS

How to replace the throttle position sensor on a VAZ 2110-VAZ 2112?

Removal: 1. First, simply press out the latch that holds the wire block and then disconnect the block (see photo 1), insert the key into the ignition and turn it until all the devices light up, then turn on the device, namely the Voltmeter function and from device, place the minus probe (it usually comes in black) to ground (the ground can be the car body or engine), and connect the plus probe to terminal A of the wire block (All terminals on the block are marked, look carefully) and the device should give a reading of approximately 5 Volts, but in no case less, if this is the case, then everything is in order with the wiring and most likely the sensor itself is to blame, if the voltage is less, then either the controller is faulty or there is a problem with the wiring, after the operation, turn off the ignition don’t forget, and when the wiring is checked, you can start replacing the sensor with a new one, for which unscrew the two screws that secure it to the throttle body body and then remove the sensor, under it there will be a foam ring that must be replaced.

Note! If you are going to change the sensor, do not forget to remove the minus terminal from the battery, how to do this, read the article: “Replacing the battery on VAZ cars”, point 1!

Installation: The sensor is installed in the reverse order of removal; when installing, its leads should be directed towards the engine shield. To make sure that the sensor will be installed correctly, lean it against the throttle assembly and make sure that the holes for the screws in the sensor coincide with the threaded holes in body and then fully open the throttle valve using the sector (or the gas pedal, let an assistant gently and slowly press it all the way), if everything goes well, the throttle valve will open completely and you can then tighten the sensor mounting screws until they stop.

Additional video: Visually watch the process of replacing the TPS in the video below:

Steps to replace the sensor

If, as a result of checking the TPS, it is determined that the device is faulty, it is replaced with a new one. Afterwards, you need to remember to reset the controller so that it does not generate an error about the device’s incorrect operation. The rest of the replacement algorithm has the following form:

Replacing the O-ring between the sensor and the throttle body

The key in the ignition switch is turned counterclockwise until it stops, thereby de-energizing the system;
Disconnect the connector with contacts, unscrew the mounting screws;
Remove the old element, putting a new one in its place, and it is important to align the damper shaft with the moving contact;
The mounting screws are screwed in, the connector is connected to the contacts;
The error can be removed by disconnecting the battery from the car wiring for more than 8 hours, or at a service center.

Cleaning

So, the part has been removed. Now you need to assess the condition of the gasket. If cleaning is being done for the first time, the gasket should be replaced. Cleaning is carried out using a pre-prepared product, cotton swabs and a toothbrush. We need to clean all cavities, hidden channels

The damper itself and the landing sites must be given special attention

The photo shows the cleaning process using a special liquid.

As a result, the remote control must be completely cleaned of grease and dust. Before installation, it is worth cleaning the crankcase ventilation duct. Here you will need a foot pump. It is better to perform purging with the same product.

The photo clearly shows what a cleaned unit should look like.

Evidence of pollution

Let's look at the signs that indicate a malfunctioning throttle valve:

Revolutions. You sharply release the gas pedal, but the engine is in no hurry to switch to idle speeds from high speeds. Instead of a smooth reset and acceleration, the engine begins to shake, it either stalls completely, or with great difficulty restores the required speed;
Launch. Your VAZ has difficulty starting cold, and sometimes you cannot quickly start even a hot engine. There may be other reasons for this phenomenon, but the fact that the throttle valve is to blame may be indicated by the fact that after several throttle applications (short-term presses on the gas), the engine usually starts;
The starter spins for a long time before starting, and the smell of gasoline is heard from the exhaust pipe;
The engine may run for a couple of minutes after starting.

Dirty throttle valve VAZ 2110

Operating principle and structure

The sensor in its structure has three outputs:

the first to supply voltage to other levels;
the second performs the function of connecting to the main mass;
the third reads the signal from the motor control unit.

A closed throttle valve indicates a minimum voltage reading on the sensor. The mechanism works like a potentiometer.

An important indicator of the throttle valve is the size of the air duct; it is this value that decides the main role in the choice of a particular sensor. A large diameter of the throttle channel will help reduce resistance in the mechanism; air will flow to the engine to a lesser extent, which means the engine will operate much better. For prevention, it is necessary to periodically clean the channels and the valve itself to avoid troubles.

In the figure you can see a schematic connection of the throttle position sensor to the engine control center. As you can see, the mechanism has three outputs, each of which is intended for a specific purpose.

Any violations in these connections can lead to breakdown, which may also affect the engine. It is according to this diagram that all elements of the system should be connected.

Why is it needed?

The throttle position sensor is responsible for determining the current throttle position. Depending on this, the fuel supply system changes the amount of fuel supplied under one or another operating mode of the power unit.

If problems arise with it, you can contact a service station so as not to waste your energy and nerves. But in practice, changing the TPS yourself is quite simple, plus you will save a decent amount of money.

The desired regulator is located on the side of the throttle pipe on the throttle valve axis.

Regulator location

Features of work

The TPS is essentially a variable resistor, one output of which is supplied with 5 Volt power. The second contact is connected to ground, and the third is connected to the controller.

When you press the gas pedal, the voltage changes. The sensor monitors the output voltage on the controller, thereby regulating and monitoring the quality of the supplied air-fuel mixture. This directly depends on the opening angle of the damper itself.

If for some reason this regulator fails, a catastrophe will not occur, since another sensor, the mass air flow sensor, will temporarily take over its functions.

This does not mean at all that the TPS can not be changed. Each regulator has its own functions, so there is no point in transferring the tasks of the TPS to the MAF.

Replacement

In fact, changing this sensor is insanely easy. So don't rush to send your car to a service station. Everything can be done with your own hands, the quality will not suffer from this.

To remove the throttle position sensor, you first need to find it. As we have already noted, the desired unit is located on the side of the throttle pipe on the throttle valve axis. Having found the element, pick up a shaped screwdriver. Using this simple tool, unscrew a couple of bolts that hold the device. Pay special attention to the gasket that is available under the old regulator. We do not recommend using it again; it is better to immediately buy a new one

Often the gasket is already included with the throttle sensor itself. After removing the old sensor, you can slightly clean the place where it is installed if there is dirt there. Next, a new sensor is installed along with a new foam gasket and the bolts are tightened. Try to tighten the fasteners as far as possible, otherwise the new throttle sensor will quickly lose its effectiveness. The work will have to be done again. There is no need to make any adjustments after replacement. The zero mark on the controller will determine that the throttle is completely closed.

Foam pad

What to choose?

When replacing, many more or less experienced car owners have a question about which regulator is better to install. After all, there are two types.

Sensor type	Peculiarities
Film-resistive	These sensors are usually factory installed. The service life of such a throttle position sensor is stated to be about 55 thousand kilometers, but in practice it has to be changed more often
Contactless	The operation of such a device is based on the magnetic-resistive phenomenon; a Hall element is used. The cost is noticeably higher than the first option, but it is unlikely to have to be changed. Huge resource, high reliability

In pursuit of savings, many forget about the importance of quality. But it should be in the first place when choosing spare parts when repairing a car

TPS is an important, but easy to replace device. The repair operation will take you no more than an hour, even if you are just beginning to learn the joys of repairing your car yourself.

But under no circumstances delay repairing the sensor, otherwise this may negatively affect the operation of the engine, its service life and the cost of fuel, which you will overuse due to incorrect data from the sensor to the ECU.

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Correct adjustment of TPS

VAZ cars do not require additional adjustment of the throttle position sensor; it is only necessary in imported vehicles. For the controller to correctly recognize the sensor:

Disconnect the terminal from the battery for a quarter of an hour;
Forcefully close the throttle valve;
Turn on the ignition for a few seconds without starting the engine;
Turn off the ignition.

Then, within 15 seconds, the controller will overwrite the parameters of the new sensor.

TPS adjustment

Cleaning the throttle valve on a Priora

Welcome! Throttle valve - this is what people say, in fact, the unit that we will talk about today is called a throttle assembly, and the valve is only a small but very important part of the assembly, which is responsible for supplying air to the car engine, as you already know the engine a car can only work with the help of gasoline and air that is mixed with it, since gasoline without air simply cannot ignite and the car will not even start due to this, but the air that the car is powered by is not as clean as it seems, there is dust in it (Air is taken from the environment), what other dirt particles, etc. In general, it all depends on what kind of roads the car is driven on, if there is a lot of dust on a dirt road, then over time this dust and dirt settles on the throttle assembly and the car begins to work incorrectly, the very first symptom that a clogged unit will give is idle speed, namely they will float for you, just for no reason the speed can increase and you don’t even press the gas pedal and there will be some other symptoms, we have already indicated them a little lower and you will become familiar with them as you read this articles on cleaning the throttle body.

Note! To clean it, you will need: Carburetor cleaner (Sold in car dealerships in the form of a can), as well as a socket wrench and various types of screwdrivers!

Where is the throttle assembly located? In 16 valve cars and even in 8 valve cars, finding it will not be difficult, but the screen that covers the engine of the car will prevent you from finding the throttle assembly, so when removing it and in general to find it, you will need to remove this screen, for more details about For information on how to remove the screen from a car engine, read the article: “Replacing the engine screen on a car.” After removing it, you will see the entire engine of the car and the throttle assembly itself, respectively. For clarity, the unit is shown with a red arrow just below, and the blue arrow indicates the spacer rod, which It was not installed on cars at the factory, so you don’t have this unit and therefore don’t need to look for it.

When should you clean the throttle body? When clogged (Basically, the valve itself becomes clogged), the car’s idle speed first begins to fluctuate, the engine may also periodically stall and jerking will appear when driving (This is especially noticeable during sudden acceleration), in addition, the engine may take a little longer to start than usual , but the same symptoms are characteristic of various types of sensors, so it is possible to say that it is the unit that is clogged here, but it may not be the whole problem, in addition, the unit does not usually become clogged after long-term use of the car (After 40,000-60,000 thousand km.) and if you just recently bought a new node and you have these symptoms, then most likely the whole issue is not even in it and there is no point in even looking there.

Causes of throttle valve malfunction

The problems described above are usually caused by malfunctions of one or another part of the throttle assembly. Let's consider these phenomena in more detail.

One of the most common reasons for unstable operation of the damper is the partial or complete failure of the idle air regulator (IAC), which works in tandem with the throttle assembly.

The IAC is designed to supply air to the engine intake manifold when idling (that is, at the moment when the throttle valve is closed). If the functioning of the regulator is disrupted or completely stopped, the engine at idle speed begins to operate unstably until it stops completely.

This is interesting: The main causes of car engine vibration at idle speed

Another common cause of throttle failure is problems with the throttle position sensor (TPS). The sensor records the throttle position and transmits the corresponding information to the electronic control unit (ECU). The block, in turn, selects the engine operating mode, determines the amount of air and fuel supplied, and adjusts the ignition timing.

A faulty sensor does not send information to the ECU or transmits incorrect data. In this regard, the control unit selects the wrong operating mode or switches it to emergency operating conditions. The fact that the DPSD has failed is indicated by the Check Engine warning light on the dashboard lighting up.

In electronic throttle valves, which are the majority today, control drive sensors are susceptible to breakdowns, which, together with the DPSD, transmit commands on the throttle position to the ECU.

If one or another sensor fails, problems in the “behavior” of the car arise that are listed at the very beginning of our article - a weak response to pressing the gas pedal, a decrease in the number of engine revolutions per minute (not higher than 1500 rpm), their instability at idle etc.

In rare cases, the damper drive motor breaks down. If this happens, the damper is locked in one position and the control unit puts the machine into emergency mode.

A fairly common cause of unstable operation of the internal combustion engine is depressurization in the intake tract.

Air leaks can occur in the following areas and components:

Places where the damper is pressed against the body
Cold start jet
Connecting corrugated tube behind the DPZD
The junction of the crankcase gas cleaner pipe and the corrugation
Injector sealing
Conclusions for gasoline vapors
Vacuum brake booster pipe
Throttle body seal

Depressurization of the throttle assembly leads to incorrect formation of the air-fuel mixture, as well as errors in the operation of the intake tract. In addition, leaking air that is not purified by an air filter contains a lot of dust and other harmful substances.

Types of sensors

Modern car models are equipped with potentiometers - contact TPS or magnetoresistive sensors. Electronic devices differ in cost and service life. Depending on the installation method, they can be built into the throttle body or separately installed.

Contact sensor

Inside the housing there are several resistive tracks and a movable current-collecting element - a slider. It is rigidly connected to the throttle valve rod and moves when it closes (opens). During movement, it touches the resistive layer and, upon contact, changes the resistance:

when the damper is closed, the slider is positioned at the very beginning of the track, this extreme position corresponds to the minimum values of resistance and voltage;
when the gas pedal is pressed, the throttle valve opens and the slider moves, while the length of the resistive layer included in the circuit increases, which leads to an increase in resistance and voltage.

On a note!

There are 3 wires connected to the device. One supplies voltage to the resistive layer - 5 V, the other goes to ground, the third to the slider.

Non-contact TPS with Hall sensor

The operation of the device is based on the magnetoresistive Hall effect. There is no mechanical contact between its elements; there are two types:

Hall Sensor;
Permanent magnets performing the functions of a slider.

On a note!

Non-contact sensors are more expensive, but also last longer.

The magnetic sliders move when the throttle valve is turned, the magnetic field changes while driving, the sensors instantly record this and transmit a signal to the microcircuit, which sends information to the ECU. The elements of the device are separated by an air gap and therefore do not experience mechanical stress. The installation location of the board is the throttle body.

Inductive TPS

Inductive type devices, without physical contact of the elements, calculate the angle of rotation of the throttle valve. Diagram of such a sensor:

a conductive rotor connected to the damper axis;
stator – a board with coils (receiving, transmitting), a microcircuit responsible for transmitting data to the controller.

This type of device is designed for electronic throttle valves. They are installed on the body. The magnitude of the voltage on the stator depends on the angle of rotation of the rotor.

Replacing TPS

Replacing the auto sensor takes place in several stages, it is quite simple, even a novice car enthusiast can do it. First you need to turn off the ignition and disconnect the wire from the negative terminal on the battery. Then you should press the plastic latch and also disconnect the block with the existing wires from the sensor. To completely remove the device being replaced, unscrew the two bolts using a Phillips screwdriver.

Foam rubber is used as a seal between the throttle pipe and the sensor. It is a component and also needs to be replaced. When installing a purchased device, you need to carefully tighten the mounting screws until the ring is completely compressed.

After installing the sensor, you should connect the wires. Since no further adjustment is required, the work can be considered complete. The entire process of changing the device takes no more than a quarter of an hour.