Symptoms of a throttle position sensor going bad?
 

Lately I have had an occasional shudder from my truck. 93 f-150 4x4, 302 auto, 3.55 regular cab. It doesn't seem to have any certain conditions in order for it to happen, it just happens randomly. Sometimes at highway speeds and sometimes at low speeds. It feels like it is running out of gas, but the rpm's never change. Any ideas?

Just a shot in the dark here, but maybe the EGR is acting up. Sticking, or something. Have you pulled the codes?

MIne would ping bad pulling long hills and have no power.

How did you figure out that your TPS was bad?

Big Daddy Braddy

Is it the famed torque converter shudder?

Mine did that and I got better gas

TPS
 

Where can I get the codes pulled? What does it cost? One other thing that happens is that when it is first started, it will begin to idle fine and then begin to sputter and die if I don't tap the gas pedal. Also, if it is in gear and I get out of the gas quickly it will go dead. This has been happening for quite a while but I just found this site so I thought I would try here first.

get a code reader at a parts store for 30 bucks, also if you have a chiltons manual it will tell you how to check your tps with a multimeter...couple things to try i guess...
oh, also, does your check engine light come on? if not i dont think youll be pulling any codes....

You CAN have codes with no check engine lights. If it lights up, you do have codes. If not, maybe you have codes. Only way to tell is to pull 'em.

Same problem
 

Big Daddy-

I'm having the same problem as you describe. Too busy with other projects to mess with it. Eager to hear what you determine is causing the problem with your vehicle.

Maybe the MAP sensor
 

Big Daddy- I was getting the same problems at start up as well as the stutter AND pinging on excelleration. Last night bought a $25 code reader from Wal-Mart. The KOEO test indicated code 22 (MAP Sensor out of range). Went to parts store, bought new sensor (about $60). The sensor (on my 88 F-150) is on the left side of engine compartment on the firewall. Just 2 screws holding it on. Replaced and the truck runs like a champ! No more stalling during startup and no more pinging AND MORE POWER!

dfawvor

My '93 f150 is doing the EXACT same thing. stutters a little at ramdom while driving, wants to suddenly die when first started up, and stalls when you step on the gas. Reading codes with a sweep meter is something i've always struggled with. maybe i should go to walmart and look for that code reader. I'm going to check several of the sensors this weekend with a good voltmeter too.

Thanks a lot fellas!
 

I appreciate all the tips. The check engine light does not come on, but I will try some of the things you suggested.

dfawvor,
Was your check engine light on when you decided to buy a
code reader? Just wondering. I am having the same problem
you guys are having. Sounds like I need to buy a code reader!!!

Thanks,
shutterman

As I mentioned above, my truck was having the same problems. My check engine light never came on. This weekend, I jumped the self test terminals as per the Haynes manual. Then I turned the key on and watched the "check engine light" flash. It showed a code 23 twice and then it showed (i think) a code 66. those are both codes for the throttle position sensor. I borrowed a good digital volt ohm meter from work. I checked the voltage into the unit and it was 5 volts like the book said. The voltage output of the unit was also as per the book. Then I disconnected the unit and checked the resistance as it said to inthe book. The resistance should be within spec and a smooth transition. It was mostly within spec but was not smooth. It was very jumpy and the numbers bounced from high to low and back to high. I'm sure I've found the problem and I'll be putting one on tonight. I just wanted to share this with everyone for information purposes. Maybe it will help someone else. I love my '93 F150........240,000 miles on it and still going strong! Kent