TPS test confusion!

[tmielnichuk]

I am confused on how to test my TPS. Maybe this is a dumb question but hey, if in doubt...

First: Do I neeed to connect (jumper) the VREF and SIG RTN on the harness and then ground my voltmeter and measure the voltage on the jumper? Or do I just test each wire individually?

Secondly: What the heck is "backprobing"??? All I need is a plain english instruction on how to do the TP signal test easily? Again, do I jumper the TPS and SIG RTN together or what?

Can anyone post a SIMPLE step by step on how to do this for me? Sorry about the silly question, I need more coffee!

PS:
I got the instructions off the FAQ.


HELP ME PLEASE!

Thanks guys!

 

[bigpappy]

First, take a deep breath; relax. Second, if your TPS is faulty, you should still be able to drive your car to an Autozone. (assuming no other faults.) They can test it for you!

Ive had mine tested there recently. I don't recall the specifics, but I know that 2 of the three are jumpered and then the multimeter will begin decrementing by tenths until it reaches a negative value, then increment back up -- if it is good. No telling what a bad one will do.

 

[tmielnichuk]

I live in Canada... no Autozone.... gonna just buy the stupid thing and replace it anyway...
Thanks though!

shrug

 

[projectSHO89]

Do not connect any jumpers between wires as you mentioned. If you do, you WILL short out something very undesirable.

Back probing a connector is just that. Use the test probe to go through the back of the connector until it makes contact with the pin or wire inside. If the connector is a sealed one, it is necessary to puncture the insulation, unfortunately.

SHONut lists a Windstar TPS recall kit as a replacement for the SHO V6. This is probably since it is compatible and only costs USD 15 from a dealer. You can find the part number on his web site.

Steve

 

[rangerj]

tmielnichuk,

There are two tests for the TPS. One tests the sensor, and the other tests the sensor circuit.
Simply replacing the sensor gives you a 50% chance of solving a TPS problem!

1st the circuit test.

With the key off/engine off (KOEO) (for at least 10 seconds) disconnect the TPS connector. Probe, that is touch with your meter probe ends, the VREF (voltage refference wire = brown with a white tracer) and SIG RET (signal return wire = gray with a red tracer)wire ends at the inside of the connector.

These two wires are at the opposite ends of the sensor connector. The middle wire is the TP signal wire (GRAY/WHITE tracer).

The results of the "probe" should be 4 to 6 volts. This would tell you that the sensor is getting the proper voltage and is a complete circuit (good connection, no grounds or short circuit, nor any open or broken circuit wires).

Test no.2 the TPS itself while it is activated by current (Key on/ engine off) KOEO.

With the TPS connector attached to the TPS, "backprobe", that is make contact with the wire connectors or the wires from the back side of the TPS connector, the TP SIGNAL wire (the middle wire GR/W), and the Signal Return GR/R wire.

While the probes are in contact, with the KOEO, move the throttle slowly from its closed position to the wide open throttle position.

Test results on a good TPS should range from approximately zero volts to approximately 5 volts with no interruption or drop off in voltage. The meter should progress upward as the throttle is opened, and decline as the throttle is closed.

The voltage range is approximately 0.3 volts to approximately 4.6 volts.

I use a long straight pin taped to my probes to get in to the connections in the connector. If I have to probe into the wire insulation a pin does the least amount of damage to the wire IMHO.

NOTE: the wire color references are from my 90 wiring diagrams. If yours are different, consult your model year diagrams.
Hope this clears things up for you. rangerj