How to Check the TPS Voltage on a Chevy Truck
by Russell Wood
The TPS on a Chevrolet truck is the throttle position sensor. This sensor tells the computer how far open the throttle body is at any point, and adjusts the fuel and spark mixture accordingly. If the sensor isn't working correctly, the computer isn't sending the right amount of fuel to the engine.
Step 1
Open the hood on the truck. Remove the engine's air cleaner by removing the wingnuts. Locate the TPS sensor on the passenger side of the throttle body. Unplug the harness connected to the TPS sensor.
Step 2
Place the black probe from the voltmeter on the middle terminal inside the TPS. Place the voltmeter's red probe on the the top, rearward terminal of the TPS.
Step 3
Put the key in the ignition. Turn the key to the "on" position, but do not start the engine.
Step 4
Look at the voltmeter. The voltage should read between 0.5 and 1.2 volts when the throttle body is closed. Turn the throttle linkage by hand, opening and closing the throttle body. Watch the voltmeter to ensure voltage moves up and down in conjunction with the movement of the throttle body. The TPS sensor must be replaced if the voltmeter spikes.
References
- "Chilton General Motors Full-Size Trucks 1988-98 Repair Manual"; Thomas A Mellon; 1996
Tips
- Use a multimeter if you don't have a voltmeter.
Things You'll Need
- Voltmeter
Writer Bio
Russell Wood is a writer and photographer who attended Arizona State University. He has been building custom cars and trucks since 1994, including several cover vehicles. In 2000 Wood started a career as a writer, and since then he has dedicated his business to writing and photographing cars and trucks, as well as helping people learn more about how vehicles work.
