Throttle position sensors do not go out very often and most throttle position sensors last the life of the car or other vehicle.
However some throttle position sensors may need to be replaced after 150,000 to 250,000 miles.
A throttle position sensor can last a long time and only need replaced when they go bad or test bad.
You do have to reset the computer after replacing the throttle position sensor by resetting the throttle position sensor itself which is pretty easy.
In some cases simply resetting your current throttle position sensor can fix most issues with the throttle position sensor.
To reset the throttle position sensor you first unhook the battery and then reattach the battery cables.
Then set the ignition to on and then push the gas pedal all the way down to the floor and then let it go.
After that turn the key to the off position and the throttle position sensor should be reset.
You can clean a throttle position sensor and sometimes that will help fix the throttle position sensor if it's just stuck.
Throttle body cleaner can be used to clean the throttle position sensor but don't use too much and be sure to remove grime or dirt on and around the throttle position sensor.
If the throttle position sensor is still not working then it will need to be replaced with a new one.
A bad throttle position sensor will lead to your engine running poorly and you may notice that you have poor acceleration.
With a bad throttle position sensor the computer is not telling the injectors to inject more fuel into the engine as you accelerate as the throttle position sensor works with the vehicles computer.
Common signs and symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor include.
Intermittently flashing of your check engine light for no other apparent reason.
Sudden surges in speed while driving down the highway.
Hesitation or sluggish engine when accelerating.
Sudden engine stalling and sudden idle surges.
And unexplained bucking and jerking in the vehicle.
A throttle position sensor will throw a code when it's bad or not operating properly.
The code for a bad throttle position sensor or TPS is a generic code of Po122.
When the TPS or Throttle Position Sensor goes bad the throttle body may not open and the engine will not be able to run without air.
A bad throttle position sensor or TPS may cause erratic idling, stalling, and sudden surges of acceleration.
The car may not start when the TPS is faulty.
Your car may idle or misfire when stopped.
You may also notice that your car accelerates itself, hesitates to accelerate, or come to a halt altogether.
You may also face difficulty changing gears and experience other issues with the car's air conditioning, ignition timing (ignition system), or fuel efficiency.
A bad or failing throttle position sensor can cause problems such as hard starting, rough idling, loss of engine power, increased fuel consumption, loss of engine power upon accelerating, slow idle, and failure to start as well as check engine light to come on.
A properly working throttle position sensor is essential to a properly running engine and to keep your vehicle from using excess fuel.
Engine spitting and sputtering is also a common sign of a bad throttle position sensor.