The throttle position sensor (TPS) is an essential part of your vehicle's fuel management system, tasked with ensuring that a precise blend of air and fuel is routed to your engine. This sensor works in tandem with others sensors to optimize acceleration, cruising speed and fuel economy.

What happens when a throttle position sensor goes bad?

When a TPS goes bad, then the car's throttle body won't function properly. It could either stay shut or it won't close properly which is a severe issue. ... When the throttle gets stuck in an open position than your vehicle will receive too much air and cause it to have a high or fluctuating idle.

What exactly does a throttle position sensor do?

A throttle position sensor is used to measure how open the throttle valve is and therefore controls the amount of air which can flow into the engines intake manifold.