Tps sensor

adamnkc

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Jul 26, 2016
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I have a 1998 wrangler and I just purchased it. Has the 4cyl. 5 speed. It keeps throwing code for tps. I replaced checked that I had ground, 5 volts coming in aND checked the sweep. All is good all the way over to the ecm. Any ideas what would be causing this, I have done a complete tune up and I erased code and as soon as I turn key on it comes right back on.
 
This is probably an obvious question, but have you checked all the codes just to make sure there isn't a code being thrown for something else? You're 100% certain the only code is for the TPS sensor explicitly?

Do you know the code number?
 
Have you driven it since the new TPS sensor was installed? Is it doing anything odd like bucking or backfiring, or is it driving just fine?
 
First thought:

You should have 5V going to the sensor and .5-5V going back depending on throttle opening. If the voltage changes like it is supposed too, than you have a computer problem. If the voltage is pegged high than you have a ground problem.The third wire to the sensor is a ground. It should always read 0V. If it reads more than that, you have a ground problem for the sensor. (It can also be caused by a bad computer ground. If the computers ground is bad it will cause it to read the TPS signal incorrectly.)

Second thought:

TPS faults can sometimes be clockspring related.
  • Unplug your clockspring to the steering column.
  • Remove the plastic cowl behind the steering wheel.
  • If you look under on the left side you will see 2 small connectors that go into the clockspring. Just unplug them and try it.
  • You will need to unhook your negative battery terminal then turn the lights on for about 2 minutes to ensure there is no charge left in the system anywhere.
If it works you have found your culprit and will need a new clockspring.
 
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Have you driven it since the new TPS sensor was installed? Is it doing anything odd like bucking or backfiring, or is it driving just fine?
Oh yea it's bucking, and it has a dead spot in the throttle. Has hesitation when you first give it throttle.
 
First thought:

You should have 5V going to the sensor and .5-5V going back depending on throttle opening. If the voltage changes like it is supposed too, than you have a computer problem. If the voltage is pegged high than you have a ground problem.The third wire to the sensor is a ground. It should always read 0V. If it reads more than that, you have a ground problem for the sensor. (It can also be caused by a bad computer ground. If the computers ground is bad it will cause it to read the TPS signal incorrectly.)

Second thought:

TPS faults can sometimes be clockspring related.
  • Unplug your clockspring to the steering column.
  • Remove the plastic cowl behind the steering wheel.
  • If you look under on the left side you will see 2 small connectors that go into the clockspring. Just unplug them and try it.
  • You will need to unhook your negative battery terminal then turn the lights on for about 2 minutes to ensure there is no charge left in the system anywhere.
If it works you have found your culprit and will need a new clockspring.
It's funny you say that because my airbag light is on and if I hit the cruise set button on my steering wheel the horn blows. I seen this post on other sites and thought it was a joke. My voltage in is just a little over 5 volts and the signal wire at idle is like 1.75 and it's smooth all the way through the sweep. I will have to check ground. How do I find out if ecm is properly grounded?
 
I will have to check ground. How do I find out if ecm is properly grounded?

Locate the ECM and trace all the wires coming from it. The ground wires should be obvious since they'll be grounded somewhere like the body or the engine block. Inspect them for corrosion and make sure they aren't loose.
 
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Locate the ECM and trace all the wires coming from it. The ground wires should be obvious since they'll be grounded somewhere like the body or the engine block. Inspect them for corrosion and make sure they aren't loose.
Cool thanks gonna try to work on it when I get home
 
Did you install a Mopar TPS or did you go with a cheap aftermarket TPS like from Autozone? Aftermarket sensors are well known for being very hit or miss on their quality, reliability, and longevity. Where critical parts like the TPS are concerned, I'll pay extra to install only Mopar.
 
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Yea I I got a bwd from oreillys the first one was autozone and I exchanged it for the bwd.
 
I unplugged that clock spring and thay was the problem check engine light went out drove it around and it seems to be running g like it should no more bucking or missing my engine light did come back on but it seems to be running good. I greatly appreciate the help. I was getting ready to buy a new ecm
 
Glad you got it fixed! Funny how the clock spring can be related to the TPS. It's one of those things you'd never think about unless someone told you otherwise.
 
Yep I'm getting ready to tear down for restoration just wanted to make sure it was running right before I took it apart.
 
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I know this is joining in waaayy late but I just want to let you knowledgeable guys know that you are very appreciated. I have used this source before for my second TJ that follows the first after an 18 year drought. It is what my daughter calls her most loved material possession. It does not come without its share of headaches for me and for that I am so appreciative of this forum and all you experts.

I had the same problem as this thread starter and the second step, the clock spring fixed it. Immediately, I knew. CEL gone and no sputtering when tapping the accelerator.

Thanks again and take care.