1995 Pontiac Bonnie SE

On my way into work this morning I noticed my cruise wouldn't work, then when I got into town and had to stop at a light and take off, I think I was taking off in 2nd, revved high and didn't get the take off as usual. In the parking lot tried reverse, fine. Tried putting it in 1st (1) via column and still felt like it was in second.

Any ideas? Tranny going? Vacuum line for the cruise or are these connected?

When was the last time you serviced your trans? Can you tell us what color your fluid is and what it smells like?

Never been serviced since I've owned it (about 1 1/2 years)

Fluid is red/clear, smells like tranny fluid although a little more pungent, maybe cause it'* still warm?

Loss of cruise and kickdown make me wonder about your TPS. Do you have a check engine light?

Yes, have a check engine light, but it hasn't come on, only the windshield washer light is on.

TPS - throttle position sensor?

TPS bottom, Upper right is MAF and upper left is IAC



EDITED

OK, so I went out at lunch and no change. I did confirm that when the gearshift is put in "1" it does feel like it is taking off in 1st. Help confirm TPS problem?

The TPS has the 4817 stamped on it correct? Should the check engine light come on if it is a TPS problem? Or how can I diagnose that is the problem? Idea of cost of replacement TPS?

Thanks for all the help guys.

$49 at autozone for a TPS.

Found this on the net. Might help you.

Throttle Position Sensor - Testing

1. Set DMM to read DC Volts.

2. Connect black COM lead probe tip to the TPS ground wire.

3. Connect red Volts lead probe tip to the TPS Reference Voltage wire.

4. Turn ignition ON. Do NOT start engine.

5. Look for a 5 volt reading - (some manufacturers may differ - verify correct
reference voltage for the specific vehicle being tested).

6. If reference voltage is too high or too low, look for a problem with the wiring harness or PCM.

7. After establishing reference voltage is O.K., connect the red Volts lead probe tip to the TPS to PCM signal return wire.

8. Look for low voltage at idle position that will smoothly increase as throttle is applied. Any fluctuation of the DMM Bar Graph or erratic voltage readout indicates a bad sensor. Verify factory specs for low voltage (idle) setting, even one tenth off can make a difference in vehicle performance. The high (full throttle) voltage should reach at least 80% of the reference voltage.

9. Turn ignition OFF when test is complete.

Thanks for the find Mike.

I just thought of something...after looking at the sensors online I see it is in relation to the air intake. I found mouse droppings in the car the other day and wonder if they are nesting in the intake and some nesting or something caught the "flap" of the sensor? Maybe I need to take it out tonight and have a look-see. Looks pretty simple...a couple screws.

I do have a DMM, not sure in the instructions which would be the ground wire and the refernce voltage wire but I'll see what I can find out.

Jason

I don't have the schematic for your car, but for a '99 the black wire is the ground, the dark blue is the TPS signal voltage, and the grey is the reference voltage.