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A Bad TPS sensor or something else (Throttle position sensor)

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Old 06-18-2012, 01:05 AM
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Default A Bad TPS sensor or something else (Throttle position sensor)

I thought after I repaired the slow leak on the fuel line along with removing the kink in the line I thought it would fix my problem I had going on but my problem is still there. So since I have replaced the Fuel filter, Air filter and plug and wires I thought my problem would go away but it didn't. So I asked Auto Zone to scan my car for the in case of that my check engine light was burnt out or not working, well they found no codes stored or active in my computer. So they check my Idle Air Control sensor by unplugging it when the car was running and my RPM'* went threw the roof so they plugged it back in and then they unplugged the Throttle Position Sensor and it didn't due nothing to my RPM'*. The problem I am having it a random problem were the car has a drop out in power and if you try to try to speed up my gas pedal will start to shake and vibrate under my foot. also my RPM'* bounce from 900 to 1,000 RPM'* when the car is at idle but when they unplugged my TPS sensor the RPM"* stop bouncing. It will due it at random times. It could due it when I take off from a stop light or stop sign. Also it may not due it at take off but it will due it when I try to get out on the highway. So Auto Zone thinks that it may be a TPS sensor problem because of a dead short. Also I have fixed all the vacumn leaks the car did have so I highly doubt that is my problem. So what due yall think on this. Any advice will be grateful. Thanks.
Old 06-18-2012, 07:14 AM
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what car is this 1996......??
Loss of power could be related to a bad spark plug or coil pack as well.
When u first start car the check engine light should come on momentarily as bulb test to ensure it does work.
Generally the TPS should throw a code.....but this sounds more like an intermittent loss of ignition power or maybe carbon/throttle body?
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Old 06-18-2012, 08:14 AM
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What happens when you are in bumper to bumper traffic, and you give it some gas (just a little) to move up a few feet? If it hesitates under light load like that it could very well be the TPS. If it happens only when you accelerating aggressively, it could be a misfire (although that should throw codes). A misfire can be caused by bad plugs, wires, coils, fuel pump, fuel filter, injector, etc. In other words, anything related to spark or fuel. There are also some mechanica causes for misfire, but we aren't there yet.

Based on your description, you might be on the right path in thinking it is the TPS.
Old 06-18-2012, 09:21 AM
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its a 96 achieva, like i said before you will get better help if you put your make, model, year, and trim in your signature. people dont know otherwise what applies and does not apply and more likely get no response

check these
https://www.gmforum.com/trouble-shooting-test-procedures-141/throttle-position-sensor-tps-signal-voltage-284385/
https://www.gmforum.com/trouble-shooting-test-procedures-141/testing-tps-throttle-position-sensor-279319/
Old 06-18-2012, 11:28 AM
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in bumper to bumper traffic it does due if from time to time but not all the time. Also the problem I am describing doesn't happen all the time. It could not due it for an entire day but the next day it would screw up many times. Also I have a 1996 Olds Achieva SL with the 3.1 V6.
Old 06-18-2012, 04:30 PM
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Nice links to the TPS - VOM voltage test there Justin..good job!
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Old 06-18-2012, 04:40 PM
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I removed the sensor and had it tested at Auto Zone and they found one of the connectors on my TPS sensor did get any voltage until it hit about 80% resistance so they said that sounds like my problem.
Old 06-18-2012, 05:03 PM
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Originally Posted by DeathDealer
I removed the sensor and had it tested at Auto Zone and they found one of the connectors on my TPS sensor did get any voltage until it hit about 80% resistance so they said that sounds like my problem.

So you bought a new one, installed it, and ......???

What happened?
Old 06-18-2012, 05:04 PM
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I reinstalled the old one. I don't have the money to but another one right now but I plan on buying one next week when I get paid again.
Old 06-18-2012, 09:36 PM
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Let us know what happens.


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