What are the symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor in Chevy?

Questions and Support
1

If you’re experiencing issues with your Chevrolet vehicle, you might be wondering about the symptoms related to a failing throttle position sensor (TPS). The TPS is a critical component that helps control the air intake in your engine, and when it starts to fail, you may notice several performance issues.

Common Symptoms of a Bad TPS:

  1. Poor Acceleration: If you find that your Chevy is lagging when you try to accelerate, it might be a sign that the TPS isn’t sending the correct signals to the engine. This could lead to a lack of responsiveness when you press the gas pedal.

  2. Stalling: A failing TPS can cause your engine to stall unexpectedly, which is both dangerous and unsettling. If your vehicle shuts off while driving, it’s crucial to investigate the TPS as a possible cause.

  3. Idling Issues: An erratic idle is another symptom. If your Chevy is idling too high or low, the TPS may be sending incorrect data. Listen for any fluctuations in engine RPMs when the vehicle is stationary.

  4. Check Engine Light: The presence of the Check Engine light can’t be overlooked. A malfunctioning TPS can trigger this warning, so it’s wise to run a diagnostic test to pinpoint the problem.

  5. Bucking or Jerking: If your vehicle feels like it’s bucking or jerking while driving, it could be a sign that the TPS is not functioning correctly. This can often happen when accelerating or shifting gears.

Troubleshooting Steps:

  • Diagnostic Scan: Start with a diagnostic scan to retrieve any trouble codes. This can provide insight and help confirm whether the TPS is the issue. Codes related to the TPS usually begin with ‘P012’ through ‘P022’.
  • Visual Inspection: Examine the wiring and connectors related to the TPS for any signs of damage or corrosion. If something looks off, it might need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Testing the TPS: If you’re comfortable, you can test the TPS using a multimeter to check if it’s working properly. You should see a smooth voltage increase as you move the throttle.

If you suspect that your TPS is failing, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional mechanic who can provide a thorough diagnosis and ensure your Chevy is running smoothly again. Has anyone else dealt with TPS issues in their Chevy? What symptoms did you notice? Let’s discuss!

2

If your Chevy is having poor acceleration, it might be a sign of a bad throttle position sensor. Mine acted up and I felt the car dragging even when I pressed the gas.

3

I totally relate! My car stalled unexpectedly, and it turned out to be the TPS. It’s scary when that happens!

4

Irregular idling can definitely indicate a failing throttle position sensor. I noticed mine idled up and down randomly when it was failing. Super annoying!

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5

I had similar issues too. My Chevy would rev high one moment and then almost stall the next. It’s good to catch these signs early.

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6

Yeah, every time I felt my car acting weird while idling, I knew something was off. Just a few years back, it was my TPS too.

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7

So, what are the tests to confirm if it’s the TPS? I’m a little confused about how to check it properly.

8

Testing it might involve using a multimeter to check the voltage. If the resistance fluctuates significantly, then it’s likely the sensor is faulty.

9

I once joked my car had a mind of its own with all those symptoms! If it starts driving like a squirrel on caffeine, it’s time to check the TPS.

10

Great point! I’ll definitely give that a shot. Better safe than stranded, right?

11

A failing throttle position sensor could also cause issues with gas mileage. Has anyone noticed that too when theirs went bad?

12

Absolutely! I had to fill up my tank way more often when my TPS was acting up. It’s a sneaky way for the car to demand attention.

13

I think it’s important to listen to your car. If it’s behaving oddly, something could be off. Reflecting on my experience helps me catch issues sooner.

14

Speaking of odd behaviors, has anyone experienced their Chevy just turning off while driving? Scary if it’s due to the TPS.

15

That happened to me! I thought I’d hit the jackpot of car problems. Turns out, the TPS was the culprit the whole time.

16

If you suspect a bad throttle position sensor (TPS), one method to diagnose it is by checking the voltage output of the TPS with a multimeter. Ideally, you want to see a gradual change in voltage as you move the throttle.

17

Great tip! Also, using an OBD-II scanner can really help interpret error codes related to the TPS. Look for codes like P0120 or P0121.

18

I had similar issues with my Chevy. The idle would fluctuate and it was hard to accelerate smoothly. After testing the voltage output, I found it was jumping erratically. Replaced the TPS and boom, smooth driving again!

19

I’ve heard some people can just spray the TPS with some cleaner first to see if that resolves the issue before replacing it. Has anyone tried that?

20

I’ve tried that on an old TPS and it definitely helped temporarily! It’s worth a shot if you’re trying to diagnose without replacing it right away.