How to: Test a throttle position sensor with a cheap scan tool

Simple DIY how to: Check a throttle position sensor for normal working operation using an affordable scan tool, without back-probing connectors or disassembling components.
Faulty throttle position sensors can cause engine problems such as a rolling idle, stalling, failure to start, surging, or erratic acceleration. The same symptoms can be other problems though, so here's how to easily check your TPS is working correctly.
You will need:
- OBD2 scan tool. Review of the one featured: • Review: Vgate iCar2 OB...
Amazon US: amzn.to/2cgqSbU | UK: amzn.to/2cd2Jm0
- And suitable client (laptop or phone). I am using Forscan (for Ford/Mazda).
Video on removing Duratec HE throttle body which shows replacing the throttle position sensor: • How to: Clean & replac...
Using the above Amazon links helps support my channel and is appreciated!

[@CraigsDIY]

Review of the OBD2 scan tool featured: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZXZn4N5Z5VnsLc Amazon US: amzn.to/2cgqSbU | UK: amzn.to/2cd2Jm0

[@mambat]

HI Craig what scan app were using in the phone ?

[@SuperMadmax4]

@@mambat It's forscan lite

[@demoking1422]

Great good info , I have not heard of the blue tooth scan tool will get one soon Thanks

[@seshachary5580]

THANK YOU. VERY EDUCATIVE .

[@Sachinsk03]

Very well explained. Good Work Keep it up. Love from India..💐👍

[@RajithaSeneviratne]

This is super useful.

[@u.s.a.198]

Thank you for video!

[@Irondrgntp]

Great video. Subscribed.

[@charliesiluwe2449]

Hi, my Ford Mondeo MK3 has high idle speed with revs up to 3000..what could be the cause

[@texasboyz9305]

I pull my tps off while truck is running, then it suts off. What does that mean?(96 ford ranger)

[@contactJT1]

Great video, very helpful

[@jamilkrdi6282]

Your voice also is very clean 🙂🙂

[@scb7478]

awesome telling

[@monthermozher3745]

very very good

[@lucianpatrascu4253]

Hi, I have a Ford Mondeo mk3 1.8 duratec 125 cp and it has recently started to run out of power and if I accelerate very fast, I hear a loud noise from the engine, it's very very rough this sound. do you have any idea what the problem is?

[@Milpower]

Nicely done, thank you. How would we do this for a car that is throttle by wire (no cable)?

[@BuBuTaBi]

name of app for scan????

[@efortysixm]

Which app do you use for your adaptor?

[@makhosonkedlamini3092]

I have a problem with my ford focus 2003 zetec 2.0 TPS can't merger to it's normality what must I do

[@JoseSanchez-wb8tr]

I have a 2001 nissan sentra gxe. the service light today came on and gave me the code p1126. I did some research and it says it is a bad throttle control motor relay. would it be the same process?

[@goofyGAguy]

Replace the thermostat...

[@anthony_entrepreneur_]

hi good day, can this sensor produce this problem when ever the vehicle is in drive and you stop, the idle speed drops from 900rpm to 500?

[@CraigsDIY]

Yes it could - but so could dozens of other conditions. Test it as shown to eliminate it as a cause.

[@JoseSanchez-wb8tr]

what can I possibly do?

[@JoseSanchez-wb8tr]

also when its idling on drive the rpms seems a little low and noticed that it goes up and down but not to much. any advice?

[@ulyvillar3126]

try to change the tps or try to adjust its postion by moving a little until you hear a hasing sound...

[@Muchapo79]

Which app is this?? Can't find TPS *VOLTAGE* PID in any app I have downloaded

[@CraigsDIY]

I am using Forscan which is a Ford/Mazda app. Try something specific to your vehicle as the generic phone apps are often not complete. Search for TPS or throttle in different modules. The car may report a percentage % not voltage.

[@rajivmohadawoo]

Is 0.9 to 5 standard for all engines? Having tps issues on a 4age ST. Thanks.

[@CraigsDIY]

No, it's usually in that ballpark but you will have to look up the specs for your motor.

[@rajivmohadawoo]

Thanks.

[@MatLon28]

My obd2 scanner read 0% . Doesn't move up even if I step on the gas petal. Have code p0122

[@CP-nh6ml]

Quick question; When I press the accelerator, there is a slight drop before it rises. And slight drop when it goes all the way back to the floor. Is that normal?

[@scottykilmer1094]

Quick reaction :D :D

[@acasm]

Hi Craig, can you please try to help me, I also have same car as you and same engine, I have problems with rpm in neutral gear, or when i drive and press clutch the rpm goes down to 400rpm and then back to 1000rpm then goin arounnd 700rpm and waves. I changed coolant thermostat, throttle position sensor, temperature sensor and I clean Idle Air Control Valve, and still same problem, its very annoying. Do you have maby some idea what should I chek more. Thanks

[@CraigsDIY]

Is it an idle problem or a clutch problem. I.e. if idling in neutral and you depress clutch, does something happen. If it's just an idle problem this sort of thing is usually a vacuum leak. Check everywhere from throttle body to header. Don't forget the PCV hose under the manifold.

[@acasm]

Thanks for answer. Its not a clutch problem, only idle rpm. Vacum leak, what you mean under that. Im sorry if I make some mistake in writtening, Im from Serbia. I will be very thankful If you can help me solving this problem. I didnt chek that PCV pipe. Can EGR valve produce this type of problems?

[@acasm]

Also, I been on computer diagnostic, and there was an error code for EGR valve, as I understand its says not enough air, in mixture there is to much gasolin. Is it posible by yours opinion, that EGR valve is cosign this problem? Thanks man.

[@CraigsDIY]

Sure, you need to sort whatever is causing that code. Possibly the EGR is clogged up. I have a video on getting to it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4athINrr6ish9E - but it could be more than just cleaning required.

[@acasm]

Yep, I also have some filing that its not only a EGR problem, here is now very cold and snowy, when its get better weather I will clean EGR and see what is happening. Anyway I will inform you, thank you very much, I wish you best.

[@angelisone]

Do you know if BlueDriver OBD II can do TP_V (3:46)?

[@CraigsDIY]

I'd be very surprised if it can't, these are just in the standard set of OBD PIDs, nothing manufacturer specific. But you would be best checking with them to be sure.

[@joesno406]

@@CraigsDIY I own Bluedriver Dont think it reads voltage Tell me if I am wrong Please!!

[@joesno406]

I own Bluedriver Dont think it reads voltage Tell me if I am wrong Please!!

[@ajaygauravelly4030]

hi Craig i got 4.10 tops and 0.9 lowest .is that good ??it hasnt maxed out to 5.0 v??? so can i rule out the TPS in this case??

[@CraigsDIY]

That should be okay, it is more important that you can get a smooth transition from closed to wide open throttle with no spikes or gaps in the voltage.

[@mansormohawmansorwmohammed3471]

عمل تي بي اس

[@Koodayengine]

Plugged a scan tool in, and it shows 100 percent throttle at less than half foot pedal, no codes but engine sometimes loses power etc, new throttle position sensor needed?

[@CraigsDIY]

Have you checked cable & pedal. Does 'half foot pedal' equate to ~half TB butterfly valve open by hand as shown in video? And does it jump to the 100% without a smooth ramp-up.

[@Somsid6]

i get readings from 0.9 only up to 2.5

[@eddybourland7338]

02 tarsus I unplugged.tps now it.runs better will this.harm anything

[@CraigsDIY]

It will presumably be inefficient. Try another TPS, if that makes no difference then you have another problem somewhere with the EFI that needs fixing.

[@eddybourland7338]

Craig's DIY Car my trans problem started when I put in new tps and did not help ideal problem I'll try another tps on next pay day I'm just retired old man trying to fix my car thank you very much eddy

[@martystevens8357]

Eddy Bourland Keep it unplugged! Unplugged all sensors! It won't hurt!

[@martystevens8357]

Eddy Bourland TPS need to be adjusted to a certain voltage sometimes. A Snap-on scanner is VERY useful for that! E-Bay has then! Get the cartridges and cables and adapters and manuals.

[@Blade548]

Do you have any idea of why I always find engine oil inside this hole where the sensor is placed? Thanks

[@CraigsDIY]

A dirty throttle body is not uncommon, and enough oil there will get into the TPS also. Clean the throttle body. See other video linked in desc.

[@Blade548]

Can I send you a picture of where exactly the oil is? My throttle body is not dirty at all but I can find oil inside the axis that goes inside the sensor. Thanks.

[@CraigsDIY]

It can only be coming via the intake manifold and throttle body, perhaps it just accumulates around the TPS. Unless someone 'oiled' the throttle plate? If everything is working okay I wouldn't worry too much about it, although excess oil in front of the intake ports usually means PCV/valve component needs replacing.

[@Blade548]

The PCV valve... I've never thought about that. The car is 10 years old, 5 with me. I guess it's never been replaced. Thank you very much for the tips.

[@joescheller6680]

that is new newest one i have is 16 yrs

[@deceanudaniel]

Hi ! I have a problem with my mazda6 2.3 02 . why my throttle position with engine stopped is 20 ? i have a low idle and i try to find the answer :(. check this photos imgur.com/a/0MUoc imgur.com/a/uN8I6

[@deceanudaniel]

I tested with another throttle and it's the same, so it starts from there

[@Videouploader248]

Hey craig you sound very very sleepy, go to sleep my friend.

[@CraigsDIY]

Sleep when we're dead.

[@agyemangfrimpong5774]

Craig's DIY Car .

[@enquire422]

Craig's DIY Car No , They live we Sleep!

[@ayinggranada4315]

Videouploader248 b

[@talkwithalana7489]

Tahir Rana aca4,

[@Shroommduke]

Hey man, did you say "foreskin"? LOL I got one of those wireless OBDII scan tools but it only works on some cars, can't seem to get it to work on my GFs honda accord @#$% , it's made by Innova, nice when it works but it's unreliable and a total ass-fuck sometimes. It uses "Quicklink"... Anyway, if anyone buys one of these things make sure you can take it back if it don't work for ya!

[@CraigsDIY]

Try one of these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZXZn4N5Z5VnsLc

[@Shroommduke]

I wonder if I could make an arduino or raspberry pi version...

[@jn1mrgn]

I would rip that "beauty cover" off and throw it in the back of the garage.