Checked TPS

[Ishodu]

Last night I kind of noticed a flat spot in the throttle so today I took out my meter and checked the voltage on the TPS. As a result At idle it was .78V and at full throttle it was 4.56V. I also never found any flat spots or spikes. I never tryed adjusting it started raining. I am also not getting any codes. Can this be adjusted that much? Or am I looking at a new one?

 

[BlackOnBlackATX]

i think you might just want to get a new one if your TPS is really your problem. theyre cheap enough. although i believe you can adjust them, i just dont know how much. where is your flat spot around? how is the car running otherwise?

 

[Mr Anonymous]

You might also want to check to see if your throttle cable might have stretched. You can visually verify it by having someone floor the gas pedal (with the car off obviously) and verify that the throttle opens all the way.

 

[olympic]

Clean the filaments on the MAF with some brake or TB cleaner. A dirty sensor can cause all sorts of problems too.

 

[Ishodu]

The car is running fine. The MAF has been cleaned not long ago. I have only notice this flat spot once it was around 2500. There is not oil in the plug wells new plugs and wires. I am thinking that I may as well just go get a tps.

 

[Ishodu]

The car is running fine. The MAF has been cleaned not long ago. I have only notice this flat spot once it was around 2500. There is not oil in the plug wells new plugs and wires. I am thinking that I may as well just go get a tps.

 

[rangerj]

ISHODU,

The TPS should range APPROXIMATELY .6V closed throttle, to 4.5V at wide open throttle. It would seem that your numbers fall within the desired range.

The TPS is not adjustable, BUT, the very slight movement, clockwise or counter clockwise, allowed when the hold down screws are loosened, may be enough to get your low end (closed throttle) volt reading closer to the .6v.

I would try this before replacing the TPS. IMHO I do not think the TPS is causing your flat spot. It is within range and there are no breaks in voltage when the throttle is advanced.

If you do replace it, and it solves the problem, please let us know. That would help us to know how sensitive the prescribed voltage range is.
ranger thumbs_u

 

[stevetatro]

Why is it that so many (that know more than I could ever dream of knowing) have suggested "adjusting" the TPS so the volts at idle read as close to 1.0VDC as possible without going over?

From what I've read/seen/heard, 0.96VDC is a good target.

Curious.

 

[rangerj]

STEVETATRO,

The literature, books on performance tuning electronically controlled ignitions, and magazines relative to performance such as Hot Rod, and 5.0 Mustang specific magazines, discuss the benefits of "adjusting" the TPS.

The TPS is a sealed unit and is not, per se, adjustable. The slight amount of looseness in the bolt holes allows for a slight amount of "adjustment".

The TPS is a potentiometer(sp)and as it is turned it either increases voltage, or decreases voltage in the 0v to 5v range. The optimum range for operations is published as "approximately" .6v to 4.5v.

The computer responds to the voltage increases by increasing the pulse width time the injectors are open, ergo more fuel is added as the throttle is opened.

The idea of "adjusting" the TPS is to optimize the fuel/air ratio, and throttle response, throughout the range of throttle positions.

Most of the literature I have read, and the racers I have talked to, also argue that the optimum performance setting of the TPS is just under 1v at closed throttle.

I shoot for the OEM setting of .6v to 4.5v on Ford's TPS. I do not argue that the TPS is adjustable, but it can be "SET" with some "SLIGHT" variation. rangerj

 

[Ishodu]

Well if its not the TPS. I will have to figure out what caused it. Its not a constant problem, maybe I am just too quick to want to fix something.

 

[rangerj]

ishodu,

You are taking the right approach. Rather than replacing every sensor in the car, then getting angry and frustrated because the problem did not magically go away, you are doing the diagnostic work in order to pinpoint the problem. thumbs_u

Keep doing what you are doing. Test any suspected sensor, its wires, and its connections. Do not overlook the possibilities of a mechanical malfunction, as opposed to an electronic problem.

I would retest the TPS. An intermittent problem within the TPS is a possibility. rangerj

PS is the ice off up there yet?

 

[Ishodu]

I will recheck the TPS later today. Almost every sensor that should be replaced has been. I just like my car to run perfect.
Well as far as the ice being off it was almost. We had summer like weather the last two weeks only now to be hit with an ice storm and snow again.

<small>[ April 05, 2003, 11:44 AM: Message edited by: ishodu ]</small>