TESTING

1990 Vehicles

1. With the ignition OFF, disconnect the sensor connector from the harness.
2. If equipped with 1.8L engine, connect test harness MD998474 or equivalent, to the TPS harness. If equipped with 2.0L engine, connect test harness MD998464 or equivalent, to the TPS harness. The test harness will prevent damage to the female connector. If the test is done without the test harness, do not insert the test probe into the female connector of the sensor.
3. On 1.8L engine, using an analog (needle type) ohmmeter, measure the resistance across the sensor power supply terminal (black clip) and the sensor ground terminal (red clip). Normal resistance is 3500–6500 ohms (3.5–6.5 Kohm;).

   Fig. 1: Connecting test harness MD998474 to the TPS harness connector

4. If equipped with 2.0L engine, using an analog (needle type) ohmmeter, measure the resistance across the sensor power supply terminal (white clip) and the sensor ground terminal (red clip). Normal resistance is 3500–6500 ohms (3.5–6.5 Kohm;).
5. If the measured value differs from the desired readings, the sensor must be replaced.

1991–98 Vehicles

1. With the ignition OFF, detach the TP sensor connector.
2. For all vehicles, except 1995–98 2.0L non turbo engines, proceed as follows:
   1. Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance across terminal No. 1 (sensor power supply) and terminal No. 4 (sensor ground terminal). Normal resistance is 3500–6500 ohms (3.5–6.5 Kohm;).

      Fig. 2: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) terminal identification — 1991–94 vehicles

      Fig. 3: TPS terminal identification and resistance testing — 1995–98 2.0L turbo and 2.4L engines

   2. Move the ohmmeter probes to test across terminal 2 and terminal 4. Slowly operate the throttle from idle to wide open; the resistance shown on the meter must change evenly and in proportion to throttle movement.
3. For 1995–98 2.0L non-turbo engines, proceed as follows:
   1. Attach an ohmmeter, then measure the resistance across terminals 1 and 3. The resistance should be 3.5–6.5 kilo-ohms.

      Fig. 4: Testing the TPS resistance — 1995–98 2.0L non-turbo engine

      Fig. 5: To measure the resistance, unplug the TPS electrical connector . . .

      Fig. 6: . . . then use an ohmmeter to see if it is within specifications

   2. Attach an ohmmeter, then measure the resistance across terminals 2 and 3.
   3. Open the throttle valve slowly until it is fully open from the idle position. The resistance should change smoothly to the opening angle of the throttle valve.
4. If resistance is out of specification or fails to change smoothly, the sensor must be replaced.