Has your car been idling unstably, and does it struggle to accelerate?
This sounds like a failing throttle position sensor reaching its breaking point.
The throttle position sensor sensor works with your car’s engine control unit to help with ignition. If it fails, your only option is a replacement.
So, let’s check out the throttle position sensor replacement cost and how it can vary for older and newer cars. We’ll also learn why replacing the sensor is a smart move for a smooth ride.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Throttle Position Sensor Replacement Cost?
- Is It Worth Replacing the Throttle Position Sensor?
- 8 Looming Signs You Need a New Throttle Position Sensor
- How Long Does a Throttle Position Sensor Last?
- Is a Replacement Necessary to Fix a Bad Throttle Position Sensor?
- How Does a Mechanic Replace the Faulty Throttle Position Sensor?
- How to Make Sure the Throttle Position Sensor Doesn’t Fail
How Much Does a Throttle Position Sensor Replacement Cost?
Refer to this fair price estimate to ensure you’re paying the right amount for the sensor replacement.
A. Range
Overall, you may spend around $150 to $710 to replace the throttle position sensor (TPS), which includes:
- Parts cost: $100 to $540
- Labor cost: $50 to $170
NOTE: The TPS is removable in older vehicles with mechanical throttle systems, so the replacement is cheaper. However, the sensor is integrated with the throttle body in most newer cars with drive-by-wire systems. So, the entire throttle body has to be swapped, making it pricier.
B. Factors Affecting Cost
A few other aspects that can alter your final total include:
- Sensor type: Potentiometer-based sensors are commonly used in older vehicles, while newer cars use Hall effect-based sensors. Out of the two, Hall effect sensors are pricier because they’re more advanced.
- The complexity of the service: In older models, the sensor is fixed on the side of the throttle body (throttle valve spindle), so it’s easy to remove. But, in modern cars, it’s integrated with the throttle body housing and hence has to be replaced as one unit. Replacing the entire throttle body needs more effort, resulting in higher labor costs.
- Recalibration costs: Sometimes, sensor recalibration is included in the replacement costs, but if it’s not, you’ll have to pay an extra $100 to $200 for it.
Is It Worth Replacing the Throttle Position Sensor?
Yes, definitely!
The sensor monitors the position of the butterfly valve (throttle plate) and sends this information to your car’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). With the data, the ECU adjusts the air-fuel ratio for proper combustion.
If the sensor malfunctions, there will be inconsistent airflow to the engine, which results in two possible scenarios, such as:
- The engine runs too rich: Your car runs on less air and more fuel, increasing gas consumption and releasing black smoke from the exhaust.
- The engine runs too lean: The vehicle runs on more air and less fuel. This causes starting trouble and engine misfires.
Both these situations aren’t good for your car, as they can lead to poor engine performance and potential damage. To avoid expensive repairs in the future, replace the faulty sensor at the first sign of trouble.
8 Looming Signs You Need a New Throttle Position Sensor
A few throttle position sensor issues you shouldn’t ignore include:
- A lit check engine light with an error code between P0120 and P0124
- Inconsistent idle speed
- Limited acceleration
- Unexpected surges in speed
- Your car enters the limp mode along with a lit “Engine Power Reduced” dash light
- Trouble shifting the gear in automatic transmission cars
- Unsteady or no throttle response while your car is in ‘park’ or ‘neutral’ mode
- Reduced fuel economy
How Long Does a Throttle Position Sensor Last?
A throttle position sensor lasts between 80,000 to 150,000 miles. But you may have to schedule a replacement sooner if:
- It’s worn out due to the regular use of your car
- It’s physically damaged
- It gets contaminated by dirt and debris
- The wiring around the sensor is split or corroded
- It’s improperly installed
- You’ve installed a poor-quality sensor
Is a Replacement Necessary to Fix a Bad Throttle Position Sensor?
Not always.
If the wires around the sensor are loose, you can refix them. And if you notice inconsistent throttle performance before or after an ECU update, a reset should help.
That said, improper resetting on your own can lead to unsteady throttle behavior, such as unintended acceleration, which can be dangerous when driving. So, it’s better to call a car repair mechanic to handle it.
Here’s how they’ll reset your sensor using the OBD-II scanner:
- Find the OBD port under your dashboard and plug the scanner in.
- Turn the key in the ignition to “ON” without starting the engine.
- Look for “TPS Reset” or “Accelerator Pedal Position Reset” in the scanner’s menu.
- Follow on-screen instructions to help the ECM clear the old throttle position data.
- Check the scanner to verify whether the reset was successful.
- Take the car for a test drive and observe how it performs while it idles and accelerates.
However, if the mechanic finds corroded wires or a damaged sensor, they’ll perform a complete replacement.
How Does a Mechanic Replace the Faulty Throttle Position Sensor?
To swap out the faulty sensor, the mechanic will follow these steps:
- Disconnect the car battery.
- Locate the sensor.
- Detach the electrical connectors and sensor’s mounting screws.
- Remove the sensor or throttle body (in drive-by-wire systems).
- Install the new sensor or throttle body and fix it with the mounting screws.
- Reattach the electrical connectors.
- Reconnect the battery.
- Recalibrate the sensor using an OBD-II scanner and clear the error codes.
- Test drive your car and check its performance during idle and acceleration.
How to Make Sure the Throttle Position Sensor Doesn’t Fail
Here’s what you can do to keep the sensor working smoothly:
- Get the throttle system, air filter, and electrical wiring checked for damage or corrosion buildup once a year or every 75,000 miles.
- Don’t drive aggressively, and avoid pressing the gas pedal harshly to prevent stress on the sensor.
- Keep the throttle body and air intake system free of dirt or debris.
Swap Your Throttle Position Sensor Stress-Free with AutoNation Mobile Service
A faulty throttle position sensor can cause your car to idle roughly, leading to poor engine performance. If you continue to delay its replacement, your driving troubles and repair bill will likely skyrocket.
Unsure if your throttle position sensor needs replacement?
Call AutoNation Mobile Service mechanics to verify and replace the faulty sensor.
We’re a mobile car repair solution that offers a fair price estimate and simple online booking. All our services come with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Book an appointment to replace the throttle position sensor from your driveway.