Pathfinder SE 4WD V6-3.5L (VQ35) (2002)
Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation
P0121, P0122, P0123 TP SENSOR
Description
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
The throttle position sensor responds to the accelerator pedal movement. This sensor is a kind of potentiometer which transforms the throttle position
into output voltage and emits the voltage signal to the ECM. In addition the sensor detects the opening and closing speed of the throttle valve and feeds
the voltage signal to the ECM.
Idle position of the throttle valve is determined by the ECM receiving the signal from the throttle position sensor. This sensor controls engine operation
such as fuel cut. On the other hand the "Wide open and closed throttle position switch" which is built into the throttle position sensor unit, is not used for
engine control.
P0510 CTP SENSOR
Component Description
A closed throttle position switch and wide open throttle position switch are built into the throttle position sensor unit. The wide open throttle position
switch is used only for All control.
When the throttle valve is in the closed position the closed throttle position switch sends a voltage signal to the ECM. The ECM only uses this signal to
open or close the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve when the throttle position sensor is malfunctioning.