Throttle Position Sensor Codes

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Oct 18, 2008 | 09:46 PM

fordtrucksj

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From: Bay Area, Calif

Throttle Position Sensor Codes

Hello everyone. Here's what's going on. I have an 89 2.9L 4X4 Manual transmission. It suddenly began to idle at 1100 RPM. I've ruled out the ECT, IAC, basic tune up stuff like the rotor, wires, plugs, cap, and the timing is fine. So, I pulled the codes and it came back with the following codes:

63 (Continuous Memory code) which I think is a "throttle position circuit fault, below minimum voltage"

but then another code came in

53 (Continuous Memory code) which I think is a "throttle position circuit fault, above maximum voltage" reading.

Another note is that it does idle at 850 RPM from time to time (normal) and when I unplug the TPS, the RPMs do drop---so having said all of this--what's with the contracdicting codes? ---max and min voltage readings. Is the sensor bad? Is a short? Is there a fuse I don't know about? Should I replace the senor? It's 33+ tax at Autozone. HELP.

Thank you all for any feedback.

Oct 18, 2008 | 11:09 PM

mrshorty

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From: UT

I would probably check through the wiring to/from the TPS. Make sure the TPs is seeing a steady 5 V Vref and not getting a shaky voltage. TPs is a simple potentiometer, so it wouldn't take much to put a voltmeter on it and see if it shows any "breaks" or "flat spots".

Oct 19, 2008 | 01:05 AM

fordtrucksj

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From: Bay Area, Calif

How to check TPS for steady 5 V Vref

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrshorty

How do I do this? Electrical is my MAJOR weak spot. What tool do I use and how do I go about it. If you can explain it, I can do it--I just need to know how and where to start. I appreciate the help you have given me over the years mrshorty.

Oct 19, 2008 | 09:36 AM

Bear River

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From: Salt Lake City, Utah

Look, if your wiring looks good, and there are no signs of corrosion at the connector, then the codes are probably right on the money. If it were me, I would get a new one and install it. I have never seen a TPS code be anything other than a bad TPS.

Oct 19, 2008 | 11:45 AM

fordtrucksj

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From: Bay Area, Calif

TPS codes / Replacing the TPS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear River

I'm going to go for it and replace it. The harness is in great shape and I had it refurbished about 1 1/2 years ago. No signs of cracks or anything. The sensor is only two years old--I bought it at Kragen--is it possible that it went bad in only two years---or perhaps it was just a bad sensor from the get go? Thoughts?

Thanks Bear River

Oct 19, 2008 | 12:01 PM

97Centurion

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Lawrence, KS

I just got done replacing a 3 year old fuel pump if that tells you anything about "new parts." Thank goodness for "lifetime" warranty's or it would have cost me a $100 bill.

Oct 19, 2008 | 02:00 PM

Bear River

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From: Salt Lake City, Utah

I have found that if I stuck with brands that also make OE stuff, that I get better products (Bosch aside). I buy Motorcraft when I can, but AC Delco seems to be pretty good too.