Loses power and stalling while driving

Tiny
JDUB70
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 135,000 MILES
Randomly my truck will lose all throttle control while driving. Once I pull over and shut it off, it will start and run fine. It won’t throw a code or at least hasn’t yet. I’m assuming it’s a sensor issue but not sure which one.
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Thursday, August 26th, 2021 AT 9:18 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Hi,

Based on your description, it sounds like the throttle position sensor (TPS). Start by disconnecting the sensor (on the TB) and inspecting it for corrosion, damage to the connector, and make sure it's tight.

I attached a pic below of the TPS. Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, August 26th, 2021 AT 10:23 PM
Tiny
JDUB70
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  • 3 POSTS
I removed the TPS and inspected it, found no corrosion on connectors, and the unit was seated nice and tight. I looked at the wires and checked for pinches or tears in insulation and all looks good. Still have the issue.
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Friday, August 27th, 2021 AT 10:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Hi,

By any chance is the check engine light staying on while the engine is running? If so, have you had it scanned for codes?

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, August 27th, 2021 AT 10:54 PM
Tiny
JDUB70
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  • 3 POSTS
No check engine light for this issue at all.
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Friday, August 27th, 2021 AT 11:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Hi,

This is a tough one. I suspect it is related to the TPS, but it just doesn't set a code. What really needs to be done is to have a live data scan tool plugged into the DLC and drive the vehicle while a helper watches the TPS signal for variations that could cause this.

I do have another question. When this happens, if I understand correctly the engine keeps running but doesn't respond to the throttle. Do you notice anything such as a strange odor, any smoke from the exhaust, any sounds, or anything that may help us figure this out?

The interesting thing here is the throttle valve is operated by a cable. Is anything loose with the cable? Also, have you checked the signal from the TPS? The TPS should receive a 5V signal from the PCM. At an idle, it should signal approximately 0.6V. At wide-open throttle, it should be very close to 5v. If the TPS fails, the computer goes into a pre-determined setting allowing the vehicle to continue running. But in that case, it should set a code.

Let me know anything you can think of. Also, please confirm that when this happens, the engine just idles and doesn't stall.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, August 28th, 2021 AT 9:13 PM

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