Testing the throttle position sensor (TPS) on the 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 2.4L DOHC Chrysler Cirrus and 2.4L DOHC Dodge Stratus can easily be done with a multimeter.
In this tutorial, I'll explain how to do the test and more importantly how to interpret your test results to find out if the TPS is defective or not.
I'll also show you where to buy it (if you do need to replace it) and save a few bucks.
Contents of this tutorial at a glance:
NOTE: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles since they use the exact same TPS sensor:
Chrysler Vehicles:
- 2.4L DOHC Sebring: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
- 2.4L DOHC Sebring Convertible: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006.
Dodge Vehicles:
- 2.4L DOHC Stratus: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
Symptoms Of A Bad TP Sensor
The throttle position sensor (TPS) is tasked with measuring the throttle plate's angle as you step on or off the accelerator pedal.
The throttle plate angle measurement is then sent directly to your 2.4L Chrysler Sebring or 2.4L Dodge Stratus' fuel injection computer.
Since the TP sensor is monitored by the fuel injection computer, when it fails you'll see the check engine light lit up by one of the following trouble codes:
- P0121: Throttle Position (TP) Circuit Performance Problem.
- P0122: Throttle Position (TP) Circuit Low Input.
- P0123: Throttle Position (TP) Circuit High Input.
You're also going to see one or more of the following symptoms:
- Won't pass the state mandated emissions test.
- Bad gas mileage.
- Lack of power, rough idle, or hesitation.
- Engine cranks a long time before starting.
TP Sensor Circuit Descriptions
The TPS sensor is a 3 wire type sensor. This means that it has a power wire, a Ground wire and a signal wire. The table below has a brief description of each:
| Terminal | Wire | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VIO/WHT | 5 Volts DC |
| 2 | ORG/BLK | TPS Signal |
| 3 | BLK/LT BLU | Ground |
Where To Buy The TP Sensor And Save
You can buy the TPS sensor in just about anywhere. The following links will help you to comparison shop and hopefully save you a few bucks on its purchase (I've also included the link to the TPS sensor electrical connector):
NOTE: The above throttle position sensor (TPS) fits the following vehicles.
Chrysler Vehicles:
- 2.4L Sebring: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
- 2.4L Sebring Convertible: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006.
Dodge Vehicles:
- 2.4L Stratus: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
TEST 1: Testing The TP Sensor Voltage Signal
The one thing to know about the throttle position sensor is that its voltage signal increases as the throttle plate is opened (til the throttle plate reaches its maximum wide open position).
As you close the throttle plate, the voltage signal decreases (back to the original value).
When the TPS fails, you'll usually see that its voltage signal stays stuck in one number (value) as you open and close the throttle plate.
The wire that we need to tap into (to read the TP signal voltage) is the orange with black stripe (ORG/BLK) wire of the TPS connector.
This wire is identified with the number 2 in the photo above.
IMPORTANT: The throttle position sensor (TPS) must remain connected to its electrical connector for this test to function properly. To be able to access the voltage inside the signal wire, you'll need to use either a back probe or a wire piercing probe. You can see an example of this tool here: Wire Piercing Probe.
Let's get started:
- 1
Place your multimeter in Volts DC mode.
- 2
Connect the red test lead to the ORG/BLK wire of the TP sensor harness connector.
- 3
Ground the black multimeter test lead directly on the battery negative (-) post.
- 4
Manually rotate the throttle.
You'll get the best results by opening and closing the throttle directly on the throttle body instead of stepping on the accelerator pedal. - 5
The multimeter should show an increasing voltage as you (or your helper) open up the throttle.
You'll get the best results by opening and closing the throttle directly on the throttle body instead of stepping on the accelerator pedal. - 6
The multimeter should show a decreasing voltage as you begin to close the throttle.
- 7
Using a screwdriver's handle, gently tap the TP sensor as you open and close the throttle and observe the multimeter.
The purpose (of tapping the TP sensor with the screwdriver's handle) is to see if the TP sensor shows gaps in the voltage signal. Why? Because a good TP sensor will show a continuous increasing or decreasing voltage signal even while getting tapped by the screw-driver's handle.
Let's analyze your test results:
CASE 1: The TPS voltage signal decreased and increased as you opened and closed the throttle. This is the correct test result and lets you know that the TPS sensor is working correctly (not defective).
You can also conclude that the TPS sensor is getting both power (5 Volts) and Ground from the fuel injection computer.
CASE 2: The TPS voltage signal DID NOT increase/decrease as you opened and closed the throttle. This test result usually indicates that the TPS sensor is defective.
To make sure the TPS sensor is truly defective we have to make sure that it's getting both power and Ground. For these tests go to: TEST 2: Verifying TP Sensor Has 5 Volts And Ground.
CASE 3: The multimeter DID NOT register any voltage. This test result usually indicates that the TPS sensor is defective.
To make sure the TPS sensor is truly defective we have to make sure that it's getting both power and Ground. For these tests go to: TEST 2: Verifying TP Sensor Has 5 Volts And Ground.
