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
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Cleaning Rules
Before removing and cleaning the throttle valve, you need to buy a special cleaner for it. There are many manufacturers, there is enough choice. Among the inexpensive ones, Abro is effective.
Disassembly:
- You need to remove the engine cover (decorative plastic);
- Reduce the pressure in the cooling system by unscrewing the expansion tank cap;
- Loosen the clamps and remove the hose from the forced ventilation air pipe;
- Use a screwdriver to remove the heating hoses for the remote control (it is advisable to plug them for now);
- Disconnect the cable and unscrew the fastening nuts. Now removal of the throttle assembly is possible;
- Use a cleaner to wash everything very thoroughly. Most often, it is necessary to use a needle to check whether the forced ventilation channel is coked, and also to clean it;
- Cleaning is necessary for the idle air regulator, for which it must be removed and inspected. If you find that it is jamming and adjustment is impossible, then it needs replacement;
- After washing, reassemble everything as it was. Please make sure that the gasket is intact and in good condition, then you can leave it. If this is not the case, then only replacement.
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.
Malfunctions
There are several telltale signs of trouble that may indicate that there is a problem with the throttle valve control.
- High idle speed;
- When the gear is switched off, the engine may stall;
- When the car picks up speed, the car jerks and jerks are felt;
- Acceleration dynamics deteriorate significantly;
- Floating speed occurs at idle.
It should be noted that similar symptoms may also be characteristic of the failure of other components - the idle speed control or the ignition module, for example. Therefore, you first need to check the TPS.
Checking the status of the regulator
Next, let's talk about how you can check this throttle valve sensor. The event is necessary because it allows you to understand whether all the troubles are really due to it, or whether the problems arose due to the failure of other elements of your car.
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It’s not uncommon for novice car owners to make hasty conclusions based on the primary signs of a breakdown. This results in unnecessary repair work and costs.
To check the current status of the throttle position sensor you need to:
- Measure the voltage at the output of the slider, turning on the ignition and opening the idle contacts;
- If the test shows that the voltage is more than 0.7 volts, then the sensor has indeed failed;
- Open the damper completely. In normal condition, voltage readings should be no more than 4 volts;
- Measure the variable resistor for resistance;
- To do this, connect an ohmmeter or a multimeter in ohmmeter mode to the power supply and output;
- Slowly begin to turn the throttle;
- At the same time, monitor the readings on the device;
- If, as the damper opens, the resistance also changes slowly, then the unit is working properly.
If you find during the test that the sensor is faulty, you only need to replace it. It cannot be repaired.
The resistive layer along which the slider moves wears off over time due to friction. Because of this, the regulator begins to produce incorrect data, the characteristics of the supplied mixture change, and engine performance deteriorates.
Disabling the regulator
How to choose the right TPS? Which sensor is better to buy?
Film-resistive throttle position sensors are the most popular among motorists, this is explained by their low cost, but the service life of such sensors also leaves much to be desired. I recommend buying contactless TPD VAZ 2110, the price of such a device is higher, but thanks to the magnetoresistive operating principle it can boast an excellent service life.
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How to check the VAZ throttle position sensor using a multimeter? TPS test!
TPS - The throttle position sensor is a fairly simple device. Regardless of the car model, all TPS have a common structure and properties. It is connected with three wires and is located after the air intake on the throttle valve. Let's consider such a sensor using the example of a VAZ car. I'll show you how to test your throttle position sensor using a multimeter. How to identify a malfunction of the TPS, what the TPS affects in the operation of the car, how to replace it and where to be located.
Various throttle position sensors
Communication of the throttle valve with other automotive systems of the VAZ-2110
The throttle valve of a VAZ-2110 car is a component of the engine intake system and is directly connected to a large number of other vehicle systems. These include the following systems:
- directional stability;
- anti-blocking;
- anti-slip;
- anti-slip;
- cruise control.
In addition, there are those systems that are controlled by the electronics of the gearbox. After all, it is this throttle valve that regulates the flow of air into the car system and is responsible for the quality composition of the fuel-air mixture.
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What is TPS and where is it located?
The damper position sensor is a car potentiometer, one end of which is connected to ground, the other to the positive voltage. It also has a third contact; it sends signals about the throttle position to the vehicle's electronic control unit.
The throttle sensor on a VAZ 2110 car operates on a very simple principle: the throttle opens the throttle at the moment when the driver presses the accelerator pedal. This leads to increased tension. Based on this change in voltage, the TPS adjusts the quality and parameters of the combustible mixture. The relationship is similar when the driver releases the gas pedal.
The VAZ 2110 throttle position sensor is located in the throttle body.
It is not difficult to get to it, so if it is necessary to replace this device, a more or less competent driver can dismantle the TPS and install a new sensor independently, without going to a service station.
Understanding the oxygen sensor
It is necessary to determine the sensor articles not by the engine model or even by Euro standards, but only by the ECU unit.
Types of oxygen concentration sensors (OCC)
The number of oxygen sensors can be two or one - it all depends on environmental standards. AvtoVAZ also used two types of sensors - 0 258 005 133, 0 258 006 537 (BOSCH part numbers). The first of them are compatible with BOSCH M1.5.4, MP7.0 and January 5.1 controllers. Newer sensors were connected to the BOSCH M7.9.7 ECU (January 7.2). The two different types of sensors differ even in appearance.
The ECU unit in “Dozens of VAZs” is located under a plastic cover. It is located near the front passenger's foot.
The red arrow marks the first, that is, the main sensor. The top photo corresponds to engine 21124 (1.6 l).
Sensor locations (21124 and 21120)
VAZ-21120 engines (1.5 l) could meet the Euro-3 standard, and then an “extended” catalyst was welded behind the main sensor. The second sensor was located behind it, that is, behind the “can”. Let's clarify:
- The Euro-2 standard corresponds to a design with one sensor (main);
- During the transition to Euro-3 standards, a second sensor was added (blue arrow).
By the way, the 24th engine can meet Euro-4 standards.
The sensor itself is a potentiometer (+5V is supplied to one end, and the other goes to ground. The third pin (from the slider) goes the output signal to the controller). When there is an impact on the accelerator pedal, the throttle valve rotates and the voltage at the TPS output changes (it is 4V when the throttle is closed). Thus, the controller monitors the TPS output voltage and adjusts the fuel supply depending on the throttle opening angle.
How to check
To check the throttle position sensor, we will need the following tools: a multimeter (ohmmeter, voltmeter), pieces of wire.
Having opened the hood, we find the sensor we need (we look for it on the throttle assembly next to the IAC).
Disconnect the wire block from the sensor
Take a multimeter and set it to voltmeter mode. Volts negative terminal (on the engine). We connect the positive terminal of the voltmeter to the sensor wire block to terminal “A” (the pin numbering is indicated on this wire block)
Turn on the ignition and check the voltage: the voltmeter should show a voltage of around 5 volts. If the voltage is not supplied, or it is much lower than 5 volts, then the problem is either an open circuit or a malfunction in the electronic engine control system (in the brains). But if the voltage is normal, then, accordingly, the TPS is faulty.
Conclusion: If the sensor is faulty, then there are two options to solve the problem:
1) Repair the sensor (How to repair the TPS?). Most often it is easier to replace the sensor with a new one, because The cause of failure is most often normal wear of the part.
2) Replace the sensor with a new one
The speed sensor on the link does not work.
Symptoms of a problem
Reducing the base layer at the beginning of the slider stroke is one of the most common causes of failure of this sensor. This phenomenon prevents the output voltage from ramping up.
In addition, the TPS may fail due to a malfunction of the moving core. If one of the tips is damaged, it leads to the appearance of multiple scuffs on the substrate, as a result of which other tips also fail. Contact between the slider and the resistive layer is lost.
Replacement
The car's service manual contains instructions that will help you determine the location of the sensor; you can watch a video on this topic.
Replacing the VAZ 2112 throttle position sensor is a fairly simple procedure that any beginner can understand. So: turn off the ignition and disconnect the wire from the negative terminal of the battery.
Characteristic symptoms of a malfunctioning TPS condition
Thanks to the correct functioning of the throttle position sensor, the fuel system of the VAZ-2110 car engine works with a smoothing effect. That is, the vehicle moves smoothly, and the gas pedal responds well to pressure. Therefore, a malfunction of the TPS can be noticed almost immediately by the following signs:
- Poor engine starting.
- Noticeable increase in fuel consumption.
- The car's movements are intermittent.
- The idle speed of the engine is noticeable when running.
- The Check e light comes on on the dashboard
- The car accelerates poorly due to delays in acceleration.
- Popping sounds are heard in the intake manifold.
Of course, these signs of a faulty sensor may not all be observed at once. But even if you notice only one of the above symptoms, it is worth carrying out computer diagnostics of the vehicle at a service center.
Throttle sensor malfunctions
Malfunctions of the throttle sensor lead to unstable operation of the car engine. That the TPS is not working correctly can be understood by the following signs: unstable idle, decreased car dynamics, increased fuel consumption and other similar troubles. The main sign that the throttle position sensor is faulty is jumping speed. And the main reason for this is wear on the contact tracks of the throttle valve sensor. However, there are a number of others.
Checking the throttle position sensor is quite simple, and even a novice car enthusiast can do it. To do this, you only need an electronic multimeter capable of measuring DC voltage. If a sensor fails, repairing it is most often impossible, and the device is simply replaced with a new one.
TPS problems and their diagnosis
As you know, eternal parts for cars have not yet been invented. And the breakdown of the TPS can be foreseen; for this you need to inquire about the possible reasons for the failure of this part. Here are the main ones:
- Abrasion of the sprayed base layer, which serves to move the slider (the result is incorrect TPS readings).
- Failure of the movable type core (the result is deterioration of the contacts between the slider and the resistive layer).
How can you figure out problems with this sensor yourself? To do this, you can independently diagnose the operation of your diagnostics:
- Listen to the VAZ-2110 engine idling: the breakdown is obvious if you notice that its speed is in a “floating” state;
- a malfunction is present if the engine stops after this action.
- There is a problem with the TPS if the car starts to move jerkily, which indicates an incorrect supply of fuel to the system.
Experts say that most often the sensor fails when the resistive track is heavily contaminated or is completely broken. To verify the opposite, you need to check the working condition of the TPS.
Typical TPS problems
A malfunction of the throttle sensor can be determined by the following symptoms:
- increase in speed intensity when the load is off;
- deterioration of dynamic performance;
- the appearance of jerks when picking up speed;
- sudden stopping of the engine in neutral;
- warning light with a light bulb.
In addition, there are other malfunctions. One of the most common is a decrease in the base coating thickness in the initial part of the slider stroke. This prevents the linear voltage level of the output signal from increasing. Another causal relationship may lie in the failure of the movable core. The breakage of one tip contributes to the appearance of a large number of burrs at the base. As a result, others also break, causing the slider to lose contact with the resistive part.
You can test the throttle sensor yourself by following these steps. The first step is to start the ignition; if the warning light does not light up, then we take the converter directly. Using a multimeter, you should measure the potential difference between “−” and the slider wire. The obtained parameters should not be higher than 0.7 V.
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Next, you need to expand the sector to fully open the damper. Then you should recheck the voltage again. The readings must be at least 4 V. After this, you need to turn on the ignition and remove the connector. Again measure the resistance at the point of contact of the slider with one of the terminals. While scrolling the sector, monitor the multimeter readings.
The pointer should be moved gently and slowly, since shocks and sudden vibrations indicate a breakdown. The smooth operation of the device depends on the condition of the film resistor.
There are several types of throttle position sensor: film-resistive and non-contact. The first of them is installed by the manufacturer, the second is chosen by the car owner while driving and operating the car. The service life of the TPS may vary depending on the quality and adherence to technology in the manufacture of the device. The standard unit may not need to be changed even for 60,000 km, and sometimes it requires replacement even after 5,000 km.
When purchasing a throttle sensor, the price depends on the choice of its type:
- Film-resistive ones are the most frequently purchased among motorists due to their budget price, but their service life practically does not stand up to criticism;
- Contactless - at a higher cost (almost twice) the long period of use covers all costs. The high-quality operation of the device is due to the principle of magnetoresistance. When purchasing, you should be aware that this type of device operates at a DC voltage proportional to the throttle valve opening angle in the electric motor fuel injection system.
The sensor shaft rotates clockwise from the damper side. The service life guarantee is 3 years. Drivers do not repair the resistive sensor, but replace it with a contactless one - it is undoubtedly more reliable. Its design includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor is not affected by the magnetic field, because there is a magnet at its base. The stator is a part that is quite sensitive to the electromagnetic field. Its assembly is associated with programming, so a device of this category is often used for installation in electrical control units.
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.
Procedure for replacing TPS
We turn off the “ground” using the corresponding button or simply remove the negative terminal from the battery. Very carefully press the plastic latch on the sensor, and then disconnect the wiring connected to the TPS. Now we need a shaped screwdriver, with which we need to unscrew the fastening screws (there are two of them). Installing a new sensor is carried out, as you yourself understand, in the reverse order.
Here I would like to add that two types of sensors are currently sold - film-resistive and non-contact. Film ones are characterized by an operational life of about 50 thousand kilometers; they are, as a rule, installed on cars initially (at the factory). Contactless devices equipped with a Hall element are considered by experts to be of higher quality. The resource of their use is almost unlimited due to the fact that they operate on the magnetoresistive principle.
But be prepared to pay quite a lot of money for a contactless sensor. Compared to film elements, they are really expensive. When installing a new sensor, tighten the mounting bolts very carefully. If the tightening is not sufficient, the device will break quite quickly. In addition, do not forget to install a new foam rubber gasket instead of the one that was previously available on the TPS.
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Location and principle of operation of the meter
The sensor is installed on the throttle valve block and is mechanically connected to its axis. Thanks to this, the device is able to solve 3 problems:
- inform the controller at what angle the throttle is currently open;
- signal that the air supply is completely closed (the driver has released the accelerator pedal);
- monitor the speed at which the damper opens.
Based on this information, the electronic powertrain control unit (ECU) makes a decision to increase or decrease the fuel supply and fuel injection for intense acceleration when the gas pedal is sharply pressed.
Reference. Two types of TPS are installed on cars: resistive and non-contact. The first ones are cheaper and therefore are found on all budget cars. The latter are more reliable and more expensive, and are installed on cars of medium and high price categories.
The operating algorithm of the resistive sensor is as follows:
- At idle, the damper is closed and air flows into the engine through a separate channel. The voltage at the output of the device does not exceed 0.5 volts; the controller supplies fuel to maintain engine idle speed.
- When the driver presses the gas pedal, the sensor slider moves along the resistive film. The resistance of the electrical circuit into which the device is connected in series decreases.
- The ECU “sees” the increase in voltage in the meter circuit, makes a calculation, prepares the air-fuel mixture in the required quantity and supplies it to the cylinders. The maximum voltage at wide open throttle is about 4.5 V.
- When the driver sharply presses the accelerator pedal, the controller notes a similar voltage surge and delivers a portion of the enriched mixture for dynamic acceleration.
Note. The operating voltage values are indicated for a common Russian car - VAZ 2110.
The non-contact throttle position sensor functions identically. The difference lies in the method of influencing the electrical circuit. A resistive device changes resistance using a slider moving across the film, while a non-contact device changes resistance due to the magnetic-resistive effect. Thanks to this principle of operation, the TPS lasts much longer and does not create problems for the owner of the car.
Signs of a malfunctioning throttle position sensor
Before moving on to describing the symptoms of a TPS failure, it makes sense to briefly dwell on the question of what the throttle position sensor affects. It is necessary to understand that the main function of this sensor is to determine the angle at which the damper is rotated. The ignition timing, fuel consumption, engine power, and dynamic characteristics of the car depend on this. Information from the sensor enters the electronic engine control unit, and based on it, the computer sends commands about the amount of fuel supplied and the ignition timing, which contributes to the formation of an optimal air-fuel mixture.
Accordingly, malfunctions of the throttle position sensor are expressed in the following external signs:
- Unstable, “floating” idle speed.
- The engine stalls while changing gears, or after changing from any gear to neutral speed.
- The engine may stall randomly when idling.
- While driving there are “dips” and jerks, in particular during acceleration.
- The engine power is noticeably reduced, and the dynamic characteristics of the car drop. This is very noticeable in terms of acceleration dynamics, problems when driving the car uphill, and/or when it is heavily loaded or towing a trailer.
- The Check Engine light on the dashboard activates (lights up). When scanning errors from the ECU memory, the diagnostic tool shows error p0120 or another related to the throttle position sensor and its malfunction.
- In some cases, there is increased fuel consumption by the car.
It is worth noting here that the signs listed above may also indicate problems with other engine components, in particular, a malfunction of the throttle valve. However, during the diagnostic process, it makes sense to also check the TPS sensor.
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