RAM 3500 Truck 4WD V10-8.0L VIN W (1997)
Throttle Position Sensor: Testing and Inspection
TPS / IAC Motor Location
The throttle position sensor (TPS) can be tested with a digital voltmeter. The sensor must be checked on the vehicle with its three wire connector
engaged to the sensor. The center terminal wire of the sensor connector is the output terminal.
1. Remove the air filter housing assembly.
2. Carefully attach a paper clip into the center terminal of the sensor harness.
3. Attach the positive (+) lead of the voltmeter to this paper clip.
4. Attach the negative (-) lead of the voltmeter to a good ground.
With the ignition key in the ON position, check the TPS output voltage at the center terminal wire of the connector. Check this at idle (throttle plate
closed) and at wide open throttle (WOT).
-
At idle, TPS output voltage should should be greater than 0.350 millivolts and less than 900 millivolts.
-
At wide open throttle, TPS output voltage must be less than 4.5 volts.
-
The output voltage should increase gradually as the throttle plate is slowly opened from idle to WOT.
NOTE: For additional testing information and circuit diagnosis see Computers and Control Systems/System Diagnosis/Procedures/Diagnostic Charts.
