Dummies... like me!
I've searched and I see a lot of threads that mention TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) adjustment but none that actually explain it. Some point to links that no longer exist. So, since I needed to adjust mine today, I thought I'd take a few pics along the way, ala RotorMotorDriver and the rest of you who post photo "How To's"! (I am simply in awe of your knowledge and skills.)

These procedures pertain to SE's only, I'm afraid, although the 12A precedures are similar (kinda).

Now, I know just about everybody on this forum knows how to adjust their TPS, but for the ones that might not...
this is the TPS....


The first thing you should do is make a simple test lite assemby that looks like this...

(You can do the adjustment using duel multimeters, but it's a pita) You need two small 12v bulbs, some wire, and a connector off an old TPS. (or you can use alligator clips = pita) Solder a wire to each of the lite terminals. Join a wire from each lite into one (blue circle in photo); this wire then connects to the odd blade in the connector. The other two wires connect to the two parallel blades, one to each blade.

Make sure your car is at normal operating temperature and shut it off. Locate the unconnected GREEN connector near the air cleaner...


Locate the TPS adjustment screw and remove plastic cap if it has one...


Plug your test lite into the GREEN connector. Turn your ignition on, but DO NOT START THE ENGINE, and check your test lites...

A single lite on (either one) = correctly adjusted TPS


No lites on = out of adjustment, turn the adjustment screw clockwise until a single lite comes on (either lite). Note position of screw, slowly continue to turn screw clockwise until both lites are on. Note position of screw and back the screw off 1/2 way between the two points. One lite should be on.


Both lites on = out of adjustment, turn the adjustment screw counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise to some of you!) until one lite goes out and note position. Continue turning until both lites are out and note position. Once again, reverse direction and back the screw off 1/2 way between the two points. One lite should be on.

You are done! Put your test lite away, you'll need it again. Remember, anything you do that changes the throttle position at idle will require another TPS adjustment.
Maybe we can talk T.J. or someone into doing one for the 12a folks...

 

Damn, that does look make it easy. Thanks.

Looks like one for the Archives.

 

I farted around too long and couldn't edit again, so I'm adding this here...

The 12a lite assembly is different in that the connector only has two blades. Connect one wire from one bulb to one blade in the connector, connect one wire from the other bulb to the other blade. The other two wires from the bulbs are joined and go to the battery or other power source (book says "b" term on alt).

There's no "green" plug on the 12a. You disconnect the brown TPS connector and connect the test lite to it and the battery. Then you rev the engine to 3k and abruptly let off the throttle. Both lites should come on at the same time at 1k~1.2k. If not, you have to turn the TPS adjusting screw clockwise to make them come on sooner, counter-clockwise to make them come on later.

I don't know what the hell you do if only one lite comes on. Bad TPS maybe? Dunno about that.

 

Yeah, thats me...Dummy...good info...thanks....cjf

 

I'm putting this one on my to-do list. If I have time, maybe I'll snap the pics for the 12A variant...

 

Thanks zookeeper! Great info. This thread's getting bookmarked.

 

Zookeeper, you might want to add (in your write-up) that the car should be at operating temp (warmed up) and before you adjust your tps (with the screwdriver).

 

It's there, ya missed it! But thanks for the input
Something I did forget to mention, though. Manntis got me to thinking (a miracle, I know!) last night. If you don't have a spare TPS connector just laying around your garage or on a parts car, you can do the same thing using male crimp-on spade connectors instead of the connector...

Just stick the spades into the appropriate recepticals in the GREEN connector. Same deal... double wire to the odd, one wire each to the other two.

 

i know this thread is pretty old. but i was wondering if you guys still had the pictures of how to make it sitting somewhere around?? im more of a visual person. if not its cool.

 

yea, that would be great, i cant see the pics eather and i need to ajust my tps, so im told by like everyone on this site

 

i can post pics if anyone is interested in seeing the test light.

 

What kind of repairs or mods that would make you re-adjust the tps? just if that sensor was removed and moved, how would the car run if it out of spec? my gsl-se runs super good besides a slight stumble prob from the 5th and 6th ports being wired open.
thanks

 

the tps will fail and need replaced. it should be checked and adjusted any time its removed.

 

My TB is worn out and I am going to have to replace it. I am also going to have to move the old TPS over to the newer TB. Some pics of the test light would be great as I am going to have to make one.