1997 Chevrolet S-10 Throttle Position Sensor

Tiny
CCOPES75
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 200,000 MILES
I replaced the TPS on my 4.3l S-10 and am still having the same problem as before. It sputters and hesitates until half throttle and then smooths out. I tested the new TPS with a multi-meter and it passed the power input and ground tests. However on the power out to the PCM test it shows no voltage from idle until half throttle then starts showing voltage. At WOT it shows 3.5 volts. I exchanged the TPS and the replacement shows the exact same thing. My internet searching says that this TPS is not adjustable and my hands-on experience seems to agree. If it is adjustable I can't tell how. So basically I have two questions, is it possible that my local Advance simply got in a bad batch of TPS's and is there anything other than a bad TPS that will cause the readings to show like that. Thanks in advance for your help.
Saturday, October 19th, 2013 AT 6:03 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
Did this set a code for the tps? It sounds to me like the MAF is bad. What do you have for a scan tool? If you can get into a calculated engine load, check that while accelerating at WOT as it should show a calculated engine load of atleast 90% if not, replace MAF. Usually a tps sensor wont give the symptoms you describe. Lets start with checking the MAF. Also, when it stumbles, is it all the time, or when its hot? These have a spyder injector mounted on the lower intake which has been plagued with issues. Before we jump to conclusions though, let us know what you find with the MAF
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Saturday, October 19th, 2013 AT 6:18 PM
Tiny
CCOPES75
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
How would the MAF cause the TPS to fail it's test? I can't test the MAF because my multimeter doesn't measure hertz. I have checked the fuel system and it reads fine and holds pressure. BTW, I tried a 3rd TPS today and it showed the same readings. No current until half throttle and 3.5 instead of 4.5-5 at WOT.
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Sunday, October 20th, 2013 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
MADMIKE1735
  • MECHANIC
  • 951 POSTS
The MAF shouldnt have an effect on the tps. However, the MAF is the most common cause of sputtering on this engine. When it comes to sensors for a vehicle, I dont recommend aftermarket. I would replace with OEM parts. Its a bit more money, but its worth it. What are your 02 sensors reading? Your going after one sensor, that in my opinion wouldnt be the cause of your issue. What do you have access to for scan tools? Without live data, we are just guessing.
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Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013 AT 6:21 PM

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