Honda Civic Throttle Position Sensor Problems- How to Fix it?

The throttle position sensor is an essential component of the throttle body that ensures a correct air intake for an engine. If your TPS is malfunctioning, you might experience performance issues with your car, and you will need to fix the problem. How do I deal with Honda Civic position sensor problems?

Throttle position sensor problems happen due to poor contact with the wiper. To fix it, first test and ensure the readings are okay; if there are different readings, you may need to replace the TPS. Take a compatible TPS for the Honda Civic and mount it on the throttle body to improve performance.

Fixing TPS problems is not simple, but you can do it smoothly by following my instructions.

What is a Throttle Position Sensor?

The TPS is responsible for monitoring the air intake of an engine. It is usually mounted on the butterfly shaft to monitor the throttle position directly. It also monitors the throttle valve and sends data to the engine control unit. Based on the data received, the ECU adjusts fuel injection and air intake at a suitable level to ensure optimized performance.

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Symptoms of a Bad Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor

If you have a bad accelerator pedal position sensor, you may experience the symptoms below.

• Slow response to accelerator. Your vehicle takes time to move once you press the accelerator pedal.
• Rough idling is another common symptom of a bad accelerator pedal.
• You may experience that your vehicle cannot go higher than a specific speed.
• Fuel efficiency decreases
• A problem in shifting the gears when accelerating
• The engine management light turns on

Common Causes of Honda Civic Throttle Position Sensor Problems

When it comes to the causes of Honda Civic throttle position sensor issues, the major problem is poor contact with the wiper. It may lead to no reading or inaccurate readings. You may also notice a sudden acceleration.

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Honda Civic Throttle Position Sensor Problems

A faulty Honda Civic throttle position sensor can decrease your engine performance. Your engine will idle fine, but you will face difficulty with acceleration. The reason is that the engine could not receive accurate information for injecting the correct amount of fuel for excellent performance.

The throttle position sensor needs proper diagnosis, and if found, the problem is that it may need a replacement.

So, here I will tell you about the testing and then the replacement of the bad throttle position sensor.

How to Test Faulty Throttle Position Sensor? [Step by Step Guide]

Step 1: Gather essential tools

You will need a multimeter to test the faulty throttle position sensor. Make sure you have an excellent digital multimeter for accurate results. I recommend the AstroAI multimeter for Honda Civic throttle position sensor testing.

Step 2: Locate the throttle position sensor

Then, locate the throttle position sensor; it is usually mounted near the air intake duct in the Honda Civic.

Step 3: Disconnect wires

Once you find it, disconnect the wires. Do it carefully and remember their positions because you must reconnect them with a new sensor if it is replaced.

Step 4: Turn the ignition on

Turn on the car’s ignition, but do not start the engine. It will ensure the voltage supply to the TPS.

Step 5: Connect the multimeter

Then, connect the sensor to the multimeter to measure the DC voltage. While checking, find the power wire and ensure its voltage is 5 volts. You can easily find it by checking different wires; the wire has 5 volts and is a power wire.

Now look for ground and signal wires. You will have 2 remaining wires, the red and black. Red is a positive wire, which is for the signal, and the black one is for grounding.

Then, connect the wires to the TPS to check the voltage and ensure at least 5 volts are reaching the TPS. Next, check the signal wire voltage; it should be between 0.2 and 1.5 volts. Make sure the voltage is getting to the TPS smoothly while checking.

However, if the readings are less than the above readings, you may need a replacement of the throttle position sensor.

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How to Replace Faulty Throttle Position Sensor? [Step by Step Guide]

Things you need:

• Gasket screwdriver 
• Hacksaw 
• Multimeter

Step 1: Remove throttle body

Remove the throttle body from the engine by unscrewing all the screws.

Step 2: Access the TPS

Now locate the TPS on the throttle body. You will also need to remove the screws to remove the TPS from the throttle body. 

Step 3: Remove the Old TPS

Once the screws are removed, remove the old TPS.

Step 4: Clean throttle body

Clean the throttle body and ensure all dirt or dust is removed

Step 5: Install new TPS

Now, install the new TPS in place of the old throttle position sensor. Ensure that you have connected the correct points.

Step 6: Attach the gasket

Then, place the new gasket between the throttle body and the New TPS. Secure the TPS with bolts; ensure the bolts are tight, but avoid too much tightening.

Step 7: Calibrate the TPS

Now calibrate the TPS using a multimeter and connect the multimeter to the TPS. Ensure the right connection between terminals. Then, adjust the TPS position and keep an eye on the voltage. Stop when you see 5 volts on the multimeter screen. 

Step 8: Reassemble

Then, reassemble all the components you removed and, finally, the throttle body.

Step 9: Test the TPS

Before finalizing, test and ensure the throttle position sensor works fine.  If there is no issue, you have completed the job.

How to Reset Throttle Position Sensor Honda Civic  

Resetting the throttle position sensor on the Honda Civic will be easy for you if you follow the instructions below.

• You will need a scan tool that is compatible with the Honda Civic. I recommend the Foxwell NT510 for your car. Connect it to your vehicle via the OBD-ll port.
• Once connected, power the scan tool and select “Honda” from the available menu.
• Next, navigate to its “control unit” here, look for the “programmed fuel injection” menu, and tap on that.
• Then scroll down to number 12, “TP position check” and follow the instructions to reset it.
• Once you confirm the “reset” wait to reset the throttle position sensor. When it’s done, check for errors if you have any clear error codes.
• Now disconnect your scanner; you have done your job. 

Throttle Position Sensor vs. Accelerator Position Sensor 

The throttle Position Sensor and accelerator position sensor are two vital parts of the electronic throttle control system. Both share a similar circuit and are installed on the throttle body. But their functions are different.

The throttle position sensor monitors the throttle valve’s angle to identify its opening. It sends it as the voltage signal to the PCM. It helps in adjusting the air-fuel ratio and fuel cut control.

On the other hand, the accelerator pedal position sensor monitors the accelerator pedal position and transmits it as electrical signals. It sends the data to the actuator and PCM to ensure smooth acceleration by controlling the plate’s position at the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Conclusion:

The throttle position sensor ensures proper air intake to the engine for the correct fuel mixture to provide optimized performance. But if there is a fault, you may need to replace it. Replacing TPS may take time, but following the above guidelines can save hundreds of dollars. But make sure you are confident in your skills; otherwise, seeking professional assistance is better.