Jeep Throttle Position Sensor Replacement


Jeeps are automobiles known for holding their values pretty well. They are comfortable and reliable and if you need a car to drive off-road, then a Jeep is an excellent choice. Notwithstanding, there’s a lot that can go wrong in a Jeep. If you own a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee or Wrangler then you may notice some drivability issues with your car particularly with the engine stalling or shutting off while driving. You most likely have a faulty throttle position sensor on your hands if this is the case.

What Is the Jeep Throttle Position Sensor and What does It Do?

The throttle position sensor (TPS) is what signals for acceleration when the driver presses down on the gas pedal. The gas pedal has a direct attachment to the throttle valve which is responsible for regulating air supply to the car’s engine. This attachment is so designed such that pressing down on the pedal opens the throttle valve, the further you press down, the more the valve opens.

The TPS relays information concerning the positioning of the throttle valve to the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU uses this information to properly calculate and regulate the appropriate amount of fuel and ignition timing required for the engine to run at full efficiency. If the TPS of your Jeep fails, driving may be impossible.

What Are the signs of a failing throttle position sensor?

If your throttle position sensor fails to send information back to the computer unit of your vehicle or if the parameters do not align with what other engine sensors are sending in, the engine will set off several indicators, an illuminated check engine light being the most common of those. Another common sign of a TPS failure is lack of acceleration, if you are already in high gear, you may notice a gradual reduction of power in the engine, until the engine finally surges out. This is a safety feature activated when the system recognizes faulty sensors that could damage the components of the powertrain of your Jeep, this feature is called limp-home mode. The speed gradually reduces giving the driver ample time to get off the highway and bring to the vehicle to a safe spot, off the road. If the vehicle isn’t on the road, the engine may hesitate, run rough for a short time usually with very loud revving before losing power. Reduced fuel efficiency is also another sign of a possible TPS failure.

How do we fix a bad throttle position sensor?

Before we make a diagnosis, we will perform diagnostic tests using a scan tool on the sensor to verify if the throttle position sensor is faulty. A failed sensor will need replacement. Throttle position sensors are not just car specific but model specific as well and as a vital sensor on the engine, we always use original factory-made parts for the replacement. The TPS does not have a manufacturer’s recommended servicing schedule, while some may last for the lifetime of your Jeep, others may need replacement after about 60,000 miles. Thus, it goes without saying that routine maintenance is required for the throttle position sensor if you do not want drivability problems with your Jeep.