VUE AWD V6-3.5L VIN 4 (2004)
Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation
THROTTLE POSITION (TP) SENSORS
There are 2 throttle position (TP) sensors, both located in the molded side cover of the TAC module assembly. Each is a potentiometer connected to the
throttle shaft of the throttle body. By monitoring the voltage on the signal line, the logic circuits in the throttle actuator control (TAC) module calculate
the throttle position. When the TAC motor changes the throttle valve angle in response to accelerator pedal movement, the two TP sensor signal voltage
outputs also change. Both TP sensor signal voltages are low at closed throttle and increase as the throttle opens. TP sensor 1 determines the actual
throttle valve position. TP sensor 2 provides a backup value for TP sensor 1. For detailed information on the operation of the TAC system refer to
Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description.
Because the position of the throttle valve controls the air supply to the engine, the powertrain control module (PCM) will modify the fuel delivery based
on the throttle angle. For example, power enrichment occurs when the throttle angle approaches wide-open throttle. The PCM looks primarily for
changes in the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and TP sensor outputs in order to control fuel delivery.
