Best Method To Reset A Car’s Throttle Position Sensor

If your car fails to get power, you may need to do a throttle position sensor reset, even when pressing the accelerator. A throttle position sensor or TPS is an advanced sensor that provides optimal operation to your car. But, sometimes it goes wrong. In such a situation, you need to reset the throttle position sensor. This is how you can reset this sensor

• With an OBD2 scanner.
• Push accelerator.
• Remove the battery.
• Drive the car.
• Remove the fuse.
• Turn off the engine
• Drain the car power.

The throttle position sensor or TPS has a magnetic disk. The disk sends electronic pulses to ECM or Engine Control Module. This way, it makes the computer alert by positioning the throttle. Today, this guide will tell you how you can do a throttle position sensor reset if you need to. 

So, keep reading. 

What Happens When The Car’s Throttle Position Sensor Goes Wrong?

In case the throttle position sensor of a car goes wrong for any reason, it can cause so many troubles for your car. It can cause trouble for the engine of your car as well. When the throttle body of the car fails, you can’t speed up your car properly, even if you press the accelerator pedal. 

But, that is not the only case always. If the TPS or the throttle position sensor goes wrong, your car might speed up suddenly after you floor the gas pedal. 

That is why you should always check the throttle position sensor of your car. If you notice anything wrong with it, you need to reset this advanced sensor as soon as possible. 

What Are The Reasons For A Throttle Position Sensor Failure?

Even though the throttle position sensor is one of the advanced sensors of a car, it can be prone to damage. There can be various reasons for a faulty throttle position sensor. 

• If the throttle position sensor is old enough, it can be damaged and causes so many issues for your car.
• If the car’s throttle position sensor gets in touch with too many substances, it can become faulty.
• If you haven’t maintained your car well and serviced it for a long time, the throttle position sensor can cause multiple issues.
• The throttle position sensor or TPS can fail because of poor contact with the wiper.

Signs Of A Bad Throttle Position Sensor In A Car

Fortunately, you can understand if the throttle position sensor of your car goes wrong. You can see a number of signs of a bad throttle position sensor. After seeing those signs, you can do a throttle position sensor reset. 

Power Problems

The engine of the car can’t get enough power supply in case the throttle position sensor goes wrong. you will be able to see the sudden movements of the car. This happens due to low fuel consumption. 

Issues With Acceleration

A bad throttle position sensor leads to multiple issues including acceleration. When you press the acceleration pedal, your car will not react properly. You cannot speed up your car, or you can see that the car speeds up accidentally. 

Irregular Idling

You will be able to notice irregular idling when the throttle position sensor is faulty. The throttle sensors should not move if the car is not moving. You need to supply enough fuel to your car to keep the idle speed on the track. But, if it does not happen, you might have to reset the throttle position sensor or TPS of your car. 

Trouble In-Transmission Shifting

When a Throttle position sensor goes wrong, you will feel difficulty in shifting gears. For example, if you want to shift to a higher gear, but the car still remains in a low gear. If this happens, you need to check the throttle position sensor on the throttle body of your car. 

Illumination Of The Check Engine Light

Once you notice any of the above-said signs, the check engine light of the car will illuminate. But, you need to keep in mind that the check engine light can indicate multiple issues other than a bad throttle position sensor. So, you need to check the throttle body and if you find it faulty, reset it as soon as possible. 

In What Way Does It Work?

Here are some of the ways in which you can reset the throttle position sensor of your car. 

With An OBD2 Scanner

If you own the most modern car model, using an OBD2 scanner is the easiest way you can try. You can calibrate the throttle sensor using an OBD2 scanner as well. You need to buy a diagnostic scanner that is compatible with the car’s engine. The OBD2 scanner also needs to have the throttle position sensor feature. 

Push Accelerator

Push accelerator is a process by which you will be ab;e to reset the throttle position sensor without much effort. You need to start the car without starting the car’s engine. Now, you should keep the key ON. you can push the button only one time in a keyless start car. 

After that, press the accelerator for at least 20 seconds. Leave it slowly. Turn off the car. Finally, you can start the car’s engine normally. Also, you can drive the car for some time to check the throttle position sensor. 

Remove The Battery

Removing the battery is one of the effective ways to reset something electronic. 

• First, you need to detach the negative cable from the battery.
• detach the battery. Keep it disconnected for at least 5 minutes.
• This process will reset everything including the throttle position sensor on the throttle body.

Drive The Car

Sometimes, driving the car at a high speed will be able to reset the throttle position sensor. The car’s speed should be at least 40 km per hour. Once the car is at the high speed, slowly accelerate and decelerate. Do this again after sitting back for a few minutes. This will surely reset the throttle position sensor of the car. 

Remove The Fuse

The throttle sensor of your car works with the help of a fuse. That is why removing the fuse will help you reset the TPS. 

• Find out the fuse box and the fuse in the car.
• Remove the fuse carefully.
• Keep it disconnected for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
• Plug it in again and check the sensor on the throttle body.

Turn Off The Engine

Turn off the engine after cranking it over. Wait for 3 minutes. Repeat the process again. 

Drain The Car Power

Only removing the battery of the car will not drain all the power of the car. You need to do other processes as well. First, start removing the battery. Then, you need to start the ignition. Also, hold on to the brake pedals. 

Now, you should wait for at least 10 to 30 minutes and let the process complete. This way, you can drain all the power from the car. Connect the battery again. Start the engine. 

Frequently Asked Questions-

Do you have to reset the computer after replacing the throttle position sensor?

Generally, you do not need to reset the computer of the car after replacing the throttle position sensor. When you replace the throttle body with the engine, you will see the light on and a pending code. It will go away. But, if it is a hard permanent code, you need to reset the computer. 

Do you have to calibrate a throttle position sensor?

Yes. once you fit the throttle position sensor or the TPS, you have to calibrate it from MEITE. 

• In order to calibrate the TPS, you need to connect the wires properly.
• Assign the signal input of the throttle sensor to TPS Raw.

How do you calibrate an accelerator pedal position sensor?

• First, ensure that the pedal of the accelerator is released completely.
• Enable the ignition switch.
• Hold on for 2 seconds.
• Disable the ignition switch.
• Hold on for 10 seconds.

Final Thoughts

A throttle position sensor is one the most essential parts of modern car models. The methods I have discussed above will help you reset the sensor. However, if you can’t do it alone, you can consult an expert. You can take your car to a professional as well to reset the throttle position sensor. All the best! 

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