2500 4x4 Pickup V8-360 5.9L VIN 5 Magnum (1994)
Throttle Position Sensor: Description and Operation
LOCATION
Sensor is mounted on the throttle body .
PURPOSE
This sensor is used to send input signals to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to indicate the current angle of the throttle blade.
THEORY/OPERATION
Throttle Position Sensor Operation
This sensor is a variable resistor that has a 5 volt reference signal applied to it by the PCM. The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) sends signals back
to the PCM in the range of approximately 1 to 4 volts, depending upon the throttle shaft angle. The PCM uses these input voltages to determine the
current position of the throttle.
The PCM uses the voltage signals from the TPS and other input sensors to determine the proper air/fuel mixture and ignition timing for certain
operating conditions. Some of these operating conditions are: acceleration, deceleration, idle, and wide open throttle.
TYPICAL READINGS
An input voltage of approximately 1 volt indicates a minimum throttle opening, idle, or deceleration condition. An input voltage of approximately
2 volts indicates a cruise or light acceleration condition. An input voltage of approximately 4 volts would indicate a maximum throttle opening or
wide open throttle condition.