[sevitzky]

Anybody run into this when adjusting their TPS?

After getting bizzaro readings on my TPS, I purchased a new one.

After installation, I was adjusting it to FSM spec. and having a bear of a time with it. Values/continuity issues were all over the place, such that I thought I had another bad sensor (what are the chances?

I found the issue: the screws were too tight. They caused open circuit/infinity resistance readings. But when I tightened them down originally, they weren't anything crazy, more like "finger-tip" tight.

To get proper readings, they have to be juuuust barely past being loose. Now I'm worried the wiring harness might pull the tps out of alignment if I bump it while working on something else.

Anybody else encounter this? Now I think I might have wasted a bill on a new tps...

 

[hydrogenh2]

Make sure your multimeter is not malfunctioning. Use good alligator clips to make hands free measurement. If the tightness of the screws is really causing an open, that indicates the strain/stress under tight condition is causing lose connection on the connectors. Have a thorough inspection of TPS with mounting to throttle body. You can turn TPS with a screw driver to simulate the movement throttle plate.

 

[sevitzky]

I don't think it's my dmm; it's fairly brand new and I've isolated the variable I'm describing to only the adjustment of the screws (by as little as a 1/4 turn).

I'm using insulated alligator clips on the TPS pins.

I'm pretty sure the new tps is "working" with my dmm - the E2 pin and VTA impedance correspond linearly to the throttle plate position.

 

[V62WDLongbed]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who's had trouble adjusting the TPS.

 

[shaeff]

i have a spare TPS connector i use for adjusting the TPS. works like a charm. pick one up at the junkyard next time you're there.

also, sounds like something is warped to me. i've never had that problem, no matter how tight i make the screws.

 

[maxpower_hd]

shaeff, Good idea witht he spare connector. I don't know why I didn't think of that while I was there ste............I mean............appropriating a spare TPS.

Thnks for the tip.

 

[sevitzky]

I have to find another free afternoon before I can compare the original TPS screw factor to isolate the problem to the TPS, or the TB, or my screwing technique. I always endeavor to screw professionally.

Doesn't seem like the TB is would warp easily, but I'll check...

Shaeff - do you mean the wiring harness that plugs in?

 

[shaeff]

sev: yeah, the harness that connects to the TPS.

 

[sevitzky]

Totally Awesome

Are you guys ready for my awesome follow-up to my "loose TPS screws" post?

gold star to whoever can guess where this is going...


so I was on my way to Neeeew Yooooork Ciiiiiity, driving through rural Pennsylvania, hours from home at night. I had a problem which was becoming progressively worse to the point of non-driveability. Basically, while cruising on the hwy, when the accel pedal was just barely pressed, the engine was suddenly revving down for no apparent reason. Sort of like popping the clutch at highway speeds. Mmm, makes a great sound and I'm sure it was great for my clutch and/or engine.

I pulled over, popped the hood, and... GUESS WHAT IS DANGLING BY A SINGLE SCREW?? The TPS, my favorite part of the car right now! Awesome.

Luckily, there is an Ace hardware store nearby. Driving without a TPS is not very much fun. It seems the only way to do it is by racing the engine WOT, and controlling speed via the clutch. Mmm... burning clutch smell, just like mamma used to cook 'em.

So I get to the Ace and call up my Dad to look online for the 4Crawler page on TPS replacement screws (FYI, their size is not listed). Hilarity ensues, the older generation meets google, flashlights are borrowed, time passes, the chick at the counter flirts with me, the stranded out-of-towner.

2 hours later, I've found the right screws, purchased six of them, and replaced the TOP screw on the TPS, which one can reach easily. I put it on tight. It was dark outside and 14 deg. F with windchill, btw.

An hour later, same problem. This time no gas stations. Pop the hood. TPS is dangling - the bottom screw is gone. I wait for the engine bay to cool down, and futz with the bottom screw for about 30 minutes, flashlight stuffed in mouth with a paper towel, dropping f'ing screws, the whole time without gloves, of course. After an hour, I've salivated all over my flashlight, can't feel my toes or fingers, and can't get that bottom screw in. So I screw the top screw back on tighter.

30 mins later, same problem. Luckily, I find a gas station and hotels nearby, so there's a backup plan. Double luckily, I have my tool set in the back, my recently purchased 263-piece Craftsman set. Comes with plastic drawers; common sense not included.

As I've become quite familiar with the throttle body lately... I decided to tackle the job. And then it began to snow. (well, it could have been raining.... Wait, no it couldn't, too cold...)

Well, I got that mother batch off, and torqed down the bottom screw, (hex bolt, actually) and got the batch back on and drove to f'in new york. For a very important appointment the next day.

Man, who needs all this off-road crap, I get enough excitement this way...

 

[shaeff]

That's crazy. I've never had a problem with any TPS screws on either of my vehicles (both Toyotas) loosening up. I wonder if your TB is to blame...

 

[fast68]

in my 88 22RE it runs and drives fine with the TPS unplugged

the TPs has been junk for years it has a real big bad dead spot in it closer to just barely open throttle position
also the temp sensor is dead as well

regardless it always starts right up and runs perfect and is good on gas and im not spending 100 bucks just for a new TPS

so i leave well enough alone

4 year so far so good

my computer must not be running the TPs pert of the circuit at all anymore haha

wierd.

each truck is so much different than anther

wild

one needs the TPS or it wont run worth a crap, and the next runs perfectly fine without one at all


funny


i am officially amused

 

[hydrogenh2]

Could this indicate the problem is not TPS, but something else? Once I suspected my TPS was not working when the RPM was not predictable. But it turned out I had a faulty AMF.