Kane Dan
Remember the relationship between your gas pedal and the TPS that governs your engine. If the relationship is facing some ups and downs, your TPS is definitely failing.
In this article, we will discuss various methods for resetting the throttle position sensor in your Toyota, the possible failing signs, and how the system works inside the TPS. But first things first, let us discuss resetting the TPS in your car.
Various methods will help in resetting the TPS in your car. Each method has a slight difference, and you can use the one that suits your car well.
However, you need to remember that it is possible that some of the methods might not work for your Toyota model, make sure you try from the first procedure and move forward to know your car better and what works best for it.
2 Ways To Program The Throttle Position Sensor In A Toyota
Did You Know? The science behind this process is that it provides a certain relaxation to the whole system. It reboots itself and is good to go after resting well for 5-10 minutes.
Warning: Use the wrench with immense care. You can end up hurting the cables, and fixing that might demand a trip to the mechanic.
Some procedures might demand some tools like a wrench and fuse pullers.
1. First Throttle Sequence
The method that we are going to discuss does not demand any tools, and it can come really handy when the battery of your Toyota is dead or demands a jump start.
Here are the step-by-step instructions for the process:
- Start by inserting the key into the ignition and turning the engine on.
- Turn the engine off in a few seconds after turning it on.
- You need to repeat the above steps several times.
- Now crank the engine and pull out the parking brake.
- Make sure the gear of the lever is turned to drive and then stand by for a few seconds.
2. Second Throttle Sequence
This method doesn’t need any warming up, and it works really well for the model Toyota Tacoma that is manufactured b/w the years 2005 to 2015.
The steps for this method are as follows:
- Start by inserting the key in the ignition and turning the engine on.
- This time do not start back the engine. Now put your foot on the gas pedal and press it really slow.
- Hold the position for about 3 to 4 seconds, and then release the pedal slowly.
- Now repeat the steps mentioned above at least 3 to 4 times.
- Now take out the key from the ignition and wait in the car for at least 5-10 minutes.
Note: This method might not work for all Toyota models.
Here’s the good video from YouTube:
What To Do If None Of The Above-Mentioned Procedures Work?
The sequences in the car vary according to the model you drive. Different sequences mean different TPSs, and there is a huge possibility that none of the methods mentioned above might work for you at this time.
If this happens, you have no other option but to take your car to a mechanic for diagnostics.
Do not worry; taking the car to the mechanic does not mean the TPS will be replaced, though it can be altered. However, if your TPS is not replaceable, we are afraid you have to go for a replacement.
Otherwise, your fuel economy will be affected badly, and it will also have a really bad effect on your car’s engine.
Replacing a sensor is quite a complex task. Thus it is suggested that the mechanic handle the task.
However, if you cannot afford a mechanic to do it, you can watch tutorials over YouTube to do it yourself.
Battery Disconnection
This is one of the simplest procedures ever.
You just need to follow two simple steps below:
- Start with lifting up the hood and locating the battery of your Toyota Model. Now take a wrench depending on the size of your wires and disconnect the battery. Leave it disconnected for a few minutes.
- After 5-10 minutes, take the wrench and start re-attaching the wires. But, again, make sure you do not re-attach it too tight.
Resetting Of Fuse
This method rarely comes into use, but it is quite possible to pull the fuse out and put it back to reset the TPS in some cases.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
- This method cannot be performed without a user’s manual, so locate it as it will guide you to the position of the fuse in your car.
- Once you have located the complementary fuse, take it out carefully.
- Now observe the fuse condition; if the condition is a good plug, it back, as now you are good to go.
Note: All the features mentioned above are non-contact. Thus the energy used is reduced, and the quantity of fuel used will be comparatively less.
If your TPSs are failing, that means they might need a replacement. However, repairing it might be a challenge, as the current TPS is quite complex.
Toyota Throttle Position Sensor Problems
Sometimes resetting might not be the option for you, as sometimes your TPS might be failing and need a replacement. The question is how we know if the TPS is failing, as it is not a simple piece of machinery that you can keep an everyday check on.
So now we will discuss some of the symptoms you need to look out for, as they might indicate a possible failure in your TPS.
The major lookout for you is the check engine light on your dashboard. We might not take it seriously, but that is a warning sign that indicates a possible failure in your TPS. It appears before any symptoms indicating the failure.
In the case of a Toyota, if you miss a few years of service and are still driving your vehicle, that light would be already lit up. We would recommend you visit your mechanic for a diagnostic, as this move can save you a lot of money in the future, think of it as an investment.
The most basic symptom that you might observe is irregular idle revs and stalling. The best way to confirm this is by turning on the ignition and paying close attention to the rev gauge. If your Toyota model does not have one, pay close attention to the sound of the engine.
If there is fluctuation in the rev gauge and a possible audible flaw in the engine is the biggest indication of the possible failure of the TPS.
If your vehicle’s response to the gas pedal is not the same as before, there is a huge problem, my friend. This is also an early sign of TPS failure, and it can be really harmful to your vehicle as well.
If you do not take care of it, it might transform into dips and surges, and then it will be too late for you to take any possible action.
Mechanics Behind TPS
If you plan to work with your TPS yourself, you must understand the mechanics behind the TPS system. In addition, each car model is unique. Thus the positioning of the TPS might change as well.
A TPS plays a vital role in fuel consumption and the smooth functioning of the car’s engine. This is because it plays as a linking agent for the gas pedal and your car’s engine.
The TPS is like the heart of your car; once you apply pressure on the gas pedal, the TPS starts acting like a valve.
First, it creates a movement that converts the information into movement, allowing a certain amount of air to enter the engine’s intake manifold.
Earlier the TPSs were quite simple and rudimentary. They do not help out much in managing the fuel economy. But that is not the case with the current TPS systems.
The complex features like hall-effect sensors, magneto-regressive units, and inductive units have helped quite a lot with the fuel economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is There A Possible Mechanism That Can Help Me Out In Testing My TPS?
Yes, there is definitely a mechanism that can help you in testing your TPS. In this case, you need to turn the ignition on, but make sure you do not switch on the engine.
Now, look at the readings on the multimeter at your dashboard. If the reading is between 1.5 volts to 2 volts, then it is good news. Your TPS system is working really well.
Now you need to open the throttle plate and again look at the reading; if the reading increases 5 Volts, you need to get your TPS system checked.
Q2. Can I Still Drive My Toyota With A Bad TPS?
Well, yes, you can drive your Toyota with a bad throttle position. According to us, it is not a very good idea though. Moreover, it can be really dangerous to drive a vehicle with a bad TPS.
It might happen that you are pressing the gas pedal to accelerate. Still, the car is not accelerating, and sometimes the vehicle might accelerate when you are not even pressing the gas pedal. It can result in unfortunate incidents, thus do not ignore a bad TPS.
Q3. What Is The Possible Cause Behind A TPS Code?
A TPS code means that the TPS is dropping below a certain range of volts quite often. The possible reason behind it can be a loosely mounted TPS.
A faulty TPS or a faulty switch of the TPS in your car. There can be a possible short circuit on the TPS (circuit), possibly with the ground wire or any other wire in the circuit.
Conclusion
TPS might sound like a really heavy name, and no doubt it is a complex system as well. But, if you observe certain dips in your vehicle, the TPSs might need some resetting or even replacement. Do not ignore the signs; otherwise, it might be really heavy on your pocket.
How to reset the TPS in your Toyota is not a very major task. You read all the possible ways above, and you can understand it is not a very tough task.
If those methods mentioned above do not work out for you, my friend, the TPS system of your vehicle needs a replacement. Do not delay it as it can damage your car in the worst way possible.
If your car’s engine is not responding, see your mechanic, help out your vehicle. But trust me before doing that, try the above-mentioned methods, as they might help you. Also, there is no harm in learning how your car works, as this will only help you keep it in a better position.
