LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

throttle position sensor?

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Old 02-27-2012, 05:18 PM
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throttle position sensor?

My car runs very well when I need power, but when I accelerate slowly, my transmission will bang into 2nd and 3d gear. Is it because of the throttle position sensor? It shifts very smoothly under normal acceleration.

The transmission also seems to go into gear rather quickly, almost in a rough fashion.

Last edited by 97z28k&N; 02-27-2012 at 05:46 PM.
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Old 02-27-2012, 05:59 PM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

Scan for transmission trouble codes. It will sometimes default to acting like that when there is some trouble. Trans codes do NOT light light the SES.

Last edited by shoebox; 02-27-2012 at 09:21 PM. Reason: added a NOT, LOL thanks Fred
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Old 02-27-2012, 07:02 PM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

....do not light the SES.

Must have worked O/T today Rob.
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Old 02-27-2012, 08:07 PM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

But wouldn't the SES light come on for the TPS?
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Old 02-27-2012, 09:26 PM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

Originally Posted by Injuneer
....do not light the SES.

Must have worked O/T today Rob.
LOL, typing on a tablet. Not as good as a keyboard.

Originally Posted by 97z28k&N
But wouldn't the SES light come on for the TPS?
Yeah, it might, but who says that is your trouble? It's more indicative of a transmission code and the mode the computer defaults to during one. You don't select an item and make the symptoms fit it, you let the symptoms lead you to the item.
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Old 02-27-2012, 09:27 PM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

Originally Posted by 97z28k&N
But wouldn't the SES light come on for the TPS?
Is your SES light on? Did you scan it for codes? Why are you suspecting it's the TPS sensor that is causing the problem? Rob is offering guidance, which you seem to be rejecting.
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Old 02-28-2012, 06:29 AM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

My SES light is not on. The symptoms I have been having are pointing to a faulty TPS, mentioned by a few 4L60E rebuild shops. I'm not rejectig Rob either, I will do what he is suggesting but I do not own a scanner.
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Old 02-28-2012, 06:40 AM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

Originally Posted by 97z28k&N
My SES light is not on. The symptoms I have been having are pointing to a faulty TPS, mentioned by a few 4L60E rebuild shops. I'm not rejectig Rob either, I will do what he is suggesting but I do not own a scanner.
You can use a scanner (not just a code reader) to observe the TPS and see if it is acting linearly. If it does not increase smoothly as you press the throttle, then it has a problem. The TPS is generally very reliable and not often a source of trouble. You can also use a multimeter and observe voltage between the dark blue and black wires as you move the throttle. Of course, you have to own a meter. The scanner is easier. Anyone that works on his own computerized car should invest in some way to scan and observe live data.
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Old 02-28-2012, 10:49 AM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

Originally Posted by 97z28k&N
But wouldn't the SES light come on for the TPS?
Originally Posted by 97z28k&N
My SES light is not on......
The following TPS codes turn on the SES light:

P0121 - Throttle Position (TP) sensor circuit insufficient signal activity
P0122 - Throttle Position (TP) sensor circuit low voltage
P0123 - Throttle Position (TP) sensor circuit high voltage

The following TPS codes do not turn on the SES light:

P1221 - Throttle Position (TP) sensor circuit intermittent high voltage
P1222 - Throttle Position (TP) sensor circuit intermittent low voltage
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Old 02-28-2012, 11:50 AM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

Originally Posted by shoebox
You can use a scanner (not just a code reader) to observe the TPS and see if it is acting linearly. If it does not increase smoothly as you press the throttle, then it has a problem. The TPS is generally very reliable and not often a source of trouble. You can also use a multimeter and observe voltage between the dark blue and black wires as you move the throttle. Of course, you have to own a meter. The scanner is easier. Anyone that works on his own computerized car should invest in some way to scan and observe live data.
Thank you, I will invest in a scanner. Are there any that you would recommend?
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Old 03-21-2012, 02:19 AM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

Thank you, I will invest in a scanner. Are there any that you would recommend?[/QUOTE]
Amazon.com: ScanGauge II Ultra Compact 3-in-1 Automotive Computer with Customizable Real-Time Fuel Economy Digital Gauges: Automotive
My buddy uses this his for his Escape and it's got alot of cool engine readouts as well being a basic code reader. I don't mean to butt in, but I'm suspecting (hoping) the same for my '96 A4. Shifts into 2nd and 4th (sometimes 3rd) rough at subdued acceleration. Also, I don't believe it's going into OD: 2000 rpm at 55mph, and 2200 at 65mph? My Firebird with the 3800 would do around 1600 at 55mph. The only code that showed for me was a stored code P0179, which is a fuel composition sensor, but that wouldn't explain the hard shifts. Attempted testing the TPS for consistancy, but failed because I wasn't confident if it was the right sensor I was taking off. Found location in pic online for a '95 Z28, and I'll check voltage tomorrow if it's not still raining.
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Old 03-21-2012, 06:15 PM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

I've talked to a few LT1 A4 owners recently and they told me that their cars had the same "rough" shift points. I am not worried.
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Old 03-21-2012, 07:28 PM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

lol 'normal' isnt always a good thing
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Old 03-21-2012, 07:43 PM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

Originally Posted by greenformula94
lol 'normal' isnt always a good thing
What are you talking about?
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Old 03-22-2012, 06:53 AM
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Re: throttle position sensor?

I believe he is saying just because others are experiencing the same thing that doesn't mean it is nothing to be concerned about.
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