dodge journey throttle position sensor reset

How to Reset a Throttle Position Sensor At Home

Updated: March 6, 2023

Today’s cars are equipped with advanced sensors for just about every system. While these sensors provide optimal operation, they can also fail and cause trouble. If you need to deal with the throttle body sensor, it’s important that you can reset it.

In this guide, I discuss what the throttle position sensor is and show you how you can reset it. I also show you signs that something is wrong with the throttle body sensor and give you a few tips for cleaning the throttle body.

How to Reset a Throttle Position Sensor

The methods you use to reset the throttle position sensor on your car depend entirely on the car model you drive. On some car models, you can reset the throttle body sensor by disconnecting the battery, while on others you need to use a diagnostic tool to reset and calibrate it.

Before you reset the throttle body sensor, you may want to ensure that it’s mechanically calibrated if that is possible on your car model. Here are some of the common methods for resetting a throttle position sensor:

1. Use an OBD2 scanner

The easiest way to reset a throttle sensor and calibrate it on most modern car models is to use an OBD2 scanner . However, to do this, you need to make sure that the diagnostic scanner you buy is compatible with your car engine and has a throttle sensor reset feature for your car model.

You can find many OBD2 scanners for cheap, but it won’t help if it’s not compatible with your car, so you should do a lot of research before you decide to buy one. Additionally, for some car models, it is only possible to reset the throttle sensor manually.

2. Push Accelerator

You might be able to reset the sensor without much effort. Turn on the vehicle without starting the engine and leave the key in the ON position. If you have a keyless start, just push the button one time, not enough to crank the engine over.

Hold down the accelerator pedal for twenty seconds. You want it to go as close to the floor as possible. Release it slowly and turn the car off. Now, start the engine normally and go for a drive to see if the situation has improved.

3. Remove Fuse

The sensor is an electronic aspect of the vehicle. It is run through a fuse. By pulling out the fuse, you cause a manual reset of the sensor.

Find the fuse box and the appropriate fuse. This information can be found in the owner’s manual. Pull out the fuse and leave it out for ten minutes. After you replace it, the throttle body sensor should have reset. However, so will anything else that’s also run by that fuse.

RELATED: 8 Symptoms of a Bad Throttle Body (& Replacement Cost)

4. Drive the Vehicle

In some cases, it takes driving the vehicle to reset the sensor. Start the engine and drive down the highway at maximum speeds. You want to be consistently over 40 mph.

Once you get the car up to highway speeds, you should slowly accelerate and decelerate slightly. Give a few minutes in between each session. The sensor may reset, providing better responsiveness.

5. Disconnect Battery

Whenever you want to reset something electronic, disconnecting the battery can help. Take off the negative cable from the battery.

Allow the battery to remain disconnected for five minutes before reconnecting it. When you do this, everything electronic in the car will reset, including the clock and stereo preset. For this reason alone, most people prefer starting with one of the other methods first.

6. Drain Car Power

Even when you remove the battery connection, many aspects of the car can retain power. If nothing else is working, you want to drain the power from every aspect of the car in hopes of resetting the sensor.

Start by disconnecting the battery, both the positive and negative cables. Jump into the car and turn on the ignition and press the brake pedal.

You may want to wait 10 to 30 minutes for this procedure. During this time, any power will drain from the vehicle. Reconnect the battery cables and start the engine. The sensor should be reset.

7. Idle Engine

Crank the engine over and allow the car to idle for three minutes. Once the time is up, turn the car off.

Go ahead and repeat these steps again. In a few models, you can turn the key ON without starting the engine with the same results. Reference the service manual to see what’s appropriate for your car.

What is the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)?

The throttle position sensor (TPS) can be found alongside the throttle body. It’s a sensor that includes a magnetic disk to send electronic pulses to the engine control module (ECM). This sensor alerts the computer about the position of the throttle, whether it is open or closed.

When the car needs more speed, the throttle must open up. On the other side, the throttle must close when the car is slowing down. Additionally, during idling, the throttle must be mostly closed, still allowing gas to flow through to the engine.

The computer utilizes the information received by the TPS to idle the idle speed. When you let off the accelerator pedal, the car needs to continue pumping gas so it doesn’t stall. The computer will also look at the cylinders to determine if they are receiving enough fuel to continue combustion.

RELATED: 5 Signs of a Bad Throttle Position Sensor (Replacement Cost)

Signs of Defective Throttle Body Sensor

1. check engine light.

When any sensor fails or isn’t optimized, the Check Engine Light can come on the dashboard . Because the engine control module is monitoring the throttle body sensor, you can expect this light to come on when there’s a problem.

An error code will be stored in the computer that can be read with your OBDII scanner. In most cases, you might see Code P2119, which stands for “Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Perfomance.” This is the code that occurs when the throttle sensor is out of range.

2. Rough Idle

When the throttle body sensor isn’t working properly, the idle could be off . RPMs could drop or be higher than normal because of the defects.

Not only can this cause the engine to stall, but your car could also go through more fuel than it should. With the air-fuel ratio imbalance, you want to have the problem resolved right away.

3. Trouble Accelerating

There could be a lack of power when the sensor fails. Without the right amount of power, acceleration can be troublesome. Not only will there be some hesitation, but the car can also jerk.

There’s also the chance that your car can accelerate on your own. If the butterfly valve opens on its own when it should be closed, the car can propel forward. On the other hand, the most probable symptom is that you will have trouble getting the car to go faster, even when you push down the gas pedal.

4. Limp Mode

If the situation is dire, the car can go into limp mode . This default setting occurs whenever something is happening that has the potential to harm the engine. Power is cut off to certain car functions to ensure better protection.

However, it’s hard to drive the vehicle in limp mode. You can put the four-way lights on to alert others to the trouble. If you only have to drive a short distance, you might be able to make it. Otherwise, you might consider having the vehicle towed for your protection.

Steps to Clean the Throttle Body

If there’s a problem with the throttle body itself, you might be able to clean it versus replacing it. Here are some general steps you could follow.

Locate the throttle body. It is usually between the air filter and intake manifold. Normally, you can clean the throttle body without removing it.
With a carburetor or brake cleaner and a microfiber cloth, carefully get rid of any carbon buildup or dirt.
Test drive the car.

You can gain more guidance by following the directions found in your car’s service manual. Otherwise, you need to visit a professional for more help.

RELATED: How to Clean a Throttle Body (10 Steps DIY)

Do you have to reset the computer after replacing the throttle position sensor?

Most car models will reset and calibrate the throttle position sensor by itself after you replace the sensor and turn on the ignition. However, on some car models you may need to calibrate it manually or reset it by disconnecting the battery or using an OBD2 scanner.

Does a throttle position sensor need to be calibrated?

If your car has a throttle cable, you often must manually calibrate the throttle sensor according to a repair manual for your car model. If your car uses an electronic throttle, the car can calibrate the sensor automatically when you turn on the ignition.

Is there a fuse for the throttle position sensor?

There is no fuse for only the throttle position sensor in most car models. However, there should be a fuse for the engine control module that sends the power to the throttle position sensor. Check your owner’s manual for the fuse location.

Does the throttle position sensor affect idle?

Yes. A bad throttle sensor can affect the idle and result in a rough or unstable idle. If you suspect that the throttle position sensor is bad, you need to scan the trouble code memory with a code scanner.

Categories: Engine , Guides

Latest Posts

The Best & Worst Years Of Ford Explorer
Best & Worst Years Of Toyota Corolla
Best & Worst Years of Toyota RAV4
When Should Your Child Switch To A Forward-Facing Car Seat?
The Best & Worst Years Of Toyota Camry
I Accidentally Put Premium Gas In My Car, What To Do?

Remember me Not recommended on shared computers

Forgot your password?

Electrical, Battery & Charging

Throttle position sensor

By David jette January 16, 2020 in Electrical, Battery & Charging

Reply to this topic
Start new topic

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

4 weeks later...

John/Horace

You may have fixed this by now. I would put the old sensor back in first since car functioned without limp biscuit mode.

What codes showed up that made you change tps sensor? It’s possible they sold you wrong part.

It was the whole throttle assembly you changed out correct? May not be a plug and play part, sometimes they can require a learn procedure from a dodge compatible hand held scanner.

Drive by wire cars also have an output sensor on the gas pedal that works together with throttle actuator.

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

× Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead

Only 75 emoji are allowed.

× Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead

× Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor

× You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Insert image from URL
Submit Reply
Existing user? Sign In

More Forum Apps

Online Users
Leaderboard

|| Forum Activity ||

All Activity
Create New...

Dodge Journey Bad Throttle Body: Symptoms + Diagnosis

dodge journey throttle position sensor reset

If your Dodge Journey has a faulty throttle body, it can cause it to run terribly. Common symptoms of a bad throttle body include dirt and grime, the check engine light, and an erratic idle.

Your Journey’s throttle body controls the amount of air that enters the engine. You control the throttle body position with the gas pedal. So, the symptoms of a bad throttle body will all affect how the vehicle feels responding to your throttle input. A rough idle is also a very common symptom.

Dodge Journey Bad Throttle Body Symptoms

The symptoms of a bad throttle body can feel identical to a vacuum leak, bad throttle position sensor, clogged air filter, or bad MAF sensor.

Bad Throttle Body Symptoms

Dodge Journey Bad Throttle Body diagnosis

Here are the most common symptoms of a bad throttle body.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is one of the most common symptoms of a bad throttle body in your Journey. Start your diagnosis here.

The trouble codes that are stored in the computer can tell a lot about what is actually going on. This makes diagnosing the throttle body much easier.

P0121- Throttle position sensor “A” circuit range/performance is the most likely code you’ll experience if your vehicle has a throttle body issue.

Rough or Unstable Idle, Stalling

A failing throttle body may cause a rough or unstable idle. If you notice your engine idling poorly or in a rough manner, it could be an indication that your Dodge Journey has a bad throttle body.

Dirt, grime, or coking inside the housing can interrupt the air-fuel flow and disrupt proper engine operation. In more severe cases, the engine may stall while idling or experience sporadic high revs.

A very common indicator of a dirty throttle body is when your vehicle’s engine stalls when coming to a quick stop .

Poor Acceleration

When your Journey’s throttle body is not functioning correctly, you could experience acceleration issues. This is because the throttle body is responsible for managing the air-fuel mixture that enables your vehicle to accelerate smoothly.

If this mixture is not properly regulated, your car may struggle to pick up speed or hesitate when you press the accelerator.

Your Dodge Journey may get the P0171 or P0174 codes, which indicate the air-fuel mixture is lean.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

A bad throttle body can negatively impact your Journey’s fuel economy. If your vehicle’’s air-fuel mixture is not optimal or the throttle body isn’t responding accurately, the engine might require more fuel to maintain its performance.

As a result, you may notice a decrease in MPG’s or frequent fill-ups at the gas station.

Your Journey may have a P0172 code (too rich, bank 1) which indicates your car or truck is using too much fuel in relation to the air

Diagnosing a Bad Throttle Body

Visual Inspection

Begin by visually inspecting the your Journey’s throttle body for signs of dirt and grime buildup. Over time, this buildup (also known as coking) can cause an interruption in air-fuel flow and lead to poor performance.

Check for any corrosion or damage to the throttle body and its components. If you find any issues during your visual inspection, clean the throttle body with a throttle body cleaner and check for improvements in performance.

How does the wiring look going into you Journey’s throttle body? If it looks damaged or broken, test and replace it.

Testing the Journey’s Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor (TPS) is responsible for communicating the position of the throttle to the engine control module (ECM). To test your TPS, follow these steps:

Locate the TPS, typically on the side of your Dodge Journey’s throttle body.
With a multimeter, measure the resistance between the TPS terminals while the key is in the “on” position, but the engine is off.
Slowly move the throttle from its closed position to its fully open position while observing the multimeter.
The resistance should increase smoothly as the throttle opens. If the resistance jumps or is erratic, your Journey’s TPS may need to be replaced.

Testing for Vacuum Leaks

A vacuum leak can cause erratic idle, poor acceleration , and poor fuel consumption. To test for vacuum leaks, follow these steps:

Start your Journey and let it idle.
Spray a small amount of carburetor cleaner or brake cleaner around the base of the throttle body. Be cautious when doing this, as these substances are flammable. It’s best to try this when your vehicle’s engine is cold.
Listen for changes in the idle speed. If the idle speed increases when you spray the cleaner, it indicates that there is a vacuum leak in that area.
Inspect the vacuum hoses connected to the throttle body, ensuring they are in good condition and properly connected.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose a bad throttle body in the Dodge Journey and take necessary action to remedy the problem.

Throttle Body Maintenance and Replacement

Cleaning the throttle body.

If you’ve determined that your Dodge Journey has a dirty throttle body, you’ll need to clean it.

Proper maintenance of your vehicle’s throttle body is essential for optimal engine performance. Dirt, grime, and other contaminants can build up over time, leading to coking, which disrupts the air-fuel flow in your engine. To clean your throttle body, follow these steps (or just watch how ):

First, make sure your engine is cool and your Journey is in a well-ventilated area.
Locate the throttle body, which is typically located between the air filter and the intake manifold.
Remove the air intake hose and any other necessary connections for easier access to the throttle body.
Use a specialized throttle body cleaner and a clean cloth or brush to gently scrub away any deposits or buildup. Don’t use soap or brake parts cleaner.
Reassemble the connections and air intake hose, then start your engine to confirm proper operation.

It’s important to note that some vehicles may require more specific cleaning procedures or products, so always consult your Dodge’s owner’s manual or a professional mechanic for guidance.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your Dodge Journey, it’s important to address the issue promptly, as a bad throttle body can severely impact your engine’s performance. Many manufacturers don’t set a specific interval for throttle body replacement, so it’s crucial to be observant and proactive in maintaining and servicing your vehicle.

In cases where replacement is needed, the cost can vary, with estimates of around $500 for parts and labor. However, always consult with a trusted mechanic for accurate pricing and recommendations tailored to your specific vehicle.

How To Reset The Throttle Position Sensor?

It can be tough to pinpoint the source of engine problems in your vehicle. The throttle body system is one of many components that work jointly to offer steady engine acceleration. If you’re concerned about your throttle body or acceleration or idling problems, check out these throttle body signs to see if your car requires a replacement throttle position sensor and what you can perform to repair, replace or reprogram it.

Table of Contents

What Is The Purpose Of The Throttle Position Sensor?

The throttle position sensor keeps track of how far the car’s open throttle valve is, as ascertained by how lower the accelerator pedal is pushed. The amount of air that flows into an engine’s intake manifold is controlled by the throttle position; when it is opened wide, more air flows in; little air circulates in whenever it is pretty much closed.

The location of the throttle and how fast it opens or closes is sent to the engine control module, and the computer considers this information when deciding how much fuel to inject and leading to engine sparks. The TPS (throttle position sensor) is positioned on the throttle body (a housing that holds the throttle valve).

Since the engine control module doesn’t know throttle placement and can’t specify its fuel mixture and even ignition timing correctly, it causes the engine to idle rough, hesitate and trigger a “check engine” warning light through a TPS malfunction.

How Does The Throttle Position Sensor Work?

The throttle body is usually where this sensor is located. It detects the location of the throttle or butterfly valve and sends the data to the engine management unit. This sensor measures how far down your accelerometer pedal is pressed and provides the output current, which is used to determine the pedal’s location. The location of the pedal controls the air circulation of the engine. A tremendous amount of air is delivered to the engine when the valve is wide open and vice versa. This sensor’s output, along with those of other sensors, is sent to the engine control module, which determines the quantity of fuel to inject into your vehicle’s engine.

Also, Read – How To Replace The Crankshaft Sensor ?

A three-wired potentiometer is used in this sensor. The resistive layer of the sensor receives 5V power via the first wire. The second wire serves as a ground, while the third wire is attached to the wiper potentiometer and gives input to an engine control system.

There are 3 kinds of throttle position sensors based on their construction. The throttle position sensors have built-in end switches, also referred to as Closed Throttle Position Sensors, the potentiometer type, and a mix of the two are available.

How Do You Test A Throttle Position Sensor?

The resistance or voltage of the TPS is among the most common test. The data will be collected at various throttle positions, including closed, slightly open, and fully open. In this scenario, the first method of testing the throttle position sensor is to use voltage.

To begin, open the hood and take off the cleaner assembly. To determine any impurities or carbon buildup on the throttle plate or the throttle body’s walls, inspect and evaluate them. Finally, look for the TPS, which is found on the throttle body’s side.

First Throttle Sequence

Heat the vehicle’s engine to the proper operating temperature before proceeding with the rest of the procedure. You can accomplish this by leaving the vehicle idle while adding gas to keep it from stalling or driving it safely.

You will not require any tools for this procedure, and it is beneficial in circumstances in which the battery has died, or you require a jump start.

Start the car by turning the key in the ignition.
Without starting the engine, switch the key to the “On” position. To turn it off, wait for several seconds and then turn it off.
Carry out the second step once more.
Start the engine and let it run for a while.
Apply the parking brake on the vehicle.
Place the gear lever in the Drive position.
Wait 5-10 minutes before continuing.

Second Throttle Sequence

It is similar to the first sequence in that it does not involve any tools or expertise, and the engine does not need to be warmed up before performing the second. It is compatible with Toyota Tacoma models manufactured between 2005 and 2015, but it may also be compatible with other models.

Without starting the engine, switch the key to the “On” position.
Slowly press and hold the gas pedal for three seconds, then slowly release the pedal. Repeat the process three times.
Remove the key from the ignition and place it in the Off position.

Disconnecting the Battery

The first approach is a two-step procedure that is quite simple. Lift the hood and look under the car for the car battery. Use the proper tool to detach all of the cables from the battery and set them aside for a few minutes.

It’s time to reattach the wires, but be careful not to overtighten them and risk breaking the clamps. The procedure provides the electronic system with ample time to completely discharge and reboot, much like a smartphone or a laptop.

Resetting the Fuse

Although it is an unusual occurrence, removing the fuse and reinstalling it may resolve the TPS difficulties in some instances. The position of the fuse box varies depending on the type of car, so you’ll need to consult the owner’s manual for guidance.

Once you’ve got access to it, refer to the handbook once more to locate the correct fuse, remove it with fuse pullers, inspect it to ensure it’s in excellent working order, and then connect it back in again.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Throttle Position Sensor?

#1 inadequate acceleration .

A faulty TPS can result in a variety of power problems. Although your engine may start, it will have minimal to no power, causing it to shut down. On the other hand, even if you don’t step on the throttle, it can cause your car to accelerate spontaneously.

#2 Stalling In An Inappropriate Manner

Inappropriate stalling is a sure sign that your vehicle’s throttle position sensor is failing. Although stalling might be a symptom of any other automotive problem, this is likely the cause if it occurs frequently. As a result, don’t dismiss the problem. Also, get some fundamental knowledge and auto maintenance recommendations for your car to avoid any significant issues in the future.

#3 Acceleration Of Speed

It is among the most common indications of a spoilt throttle position sensor. The vehicle’s speed can suddenly increase at times. It is most common on highways, where speed surges enhance its speed. To avoid any form of accident, take your car to a professional right away.

#4 Switching Gears Difficulty

With a malfunctioning throttle position sensor, your car may have trouble switching gears. You may experience issues that indicate the car’s sensor isn’t working correctly when changing gears. If this is your car’s only problem, the transmission is likely malfunctioning. If this problem occurs in conjunction with the acceleration problem, it is a sign of a malfunctioning TPS.

#5 Service Light Signaling

The presence of a service light can indicate various things, but one possible cause is a malfunctioning throttle position sensor. A defective sensor does not necessarily mean that the vehicle will explode while driving, although it is a severe problem for you and your vehicle. Take your vehicle to a repair center as quickly as the service light illuminates. If you leave the problem unattended for too long, the automobile may stop working, and you may have trouble repairing it.

Several wrong throttle position 2 symptoms, in addition to the ones listed above, reveal the sensor’s malfunction. Because TPS is small and intricate, it can only be solved by a professional.

FAQ’s

Will a car run without a tps sensor.

The TPS, or Throttle Position Sensor, informs the ECU about how wide the throttle is opened and how much gasoline is required. Without a TPS, you will drive, but not very well. When you open the throttle, the ECU detects a lean situation in the o2 and attempts to richen it up. The MAP sensor will also tell the ECU how much vacuum you’re pulling, and the ECU will modify fuel and ignition appropriately. You can still drive, but don’t expect to break any 1/4-mile records, and your catalytic converter is going to burn out in a few hundred miles or less.

Can A Tps Sensor Cause No Start?

When a TPS malfunctions, the throttle mechanism of the vehicle ceases to function correctly. If it does not close properly or does not close at all, it poses a significant threat to the user’s safety. If it is left closed, the engine will not receive any air and start at all. Your car will receive excessive air, resulting in a high or variable idle.

Wrapping Up

The TPS sensors’ batteries are designed to endure for five years. They are not replaceable like those in a flashlight since they are incorporated into the sensor. As a result, TPS sensors should be replaced every 5 years.

Inability to shift up, harsh or slow idle, and lack of power when the car is accelerating are symptoms of a malfunctioning throttle position sensor. You and other drivers will be in danger if you drive with these symptoms, so get your automobile repaired as soon as possible.