Theory Of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 RAM 1500. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The three wire Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with an input signal voltage that represents the throttle blade position of the throttle body. The TPS is connected to the throttle blade shaft. As the position of the throttle blade changes, the output voltage of the TPS changes.

The PCM supplies approximately 5.0 volts to the TPS. The TPS output voltage (input signal to the PCM) represents the throttle blade position. The PCM receives an input signal voltage from the TPS. This will vary in an approximate range from 0.26 volts at minimum throttle opening (idle), to 4.49 volts at maximum opening (wide open throttle).

The Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS) is a linear potentiometer. The APPS provides the PCM with a voltage signal proportional to the angle or position of the accelerator pedal. The APPS signal along with inputs from other sensors is used by the PCM to calculate the throttle plate position.