How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (1991-1995 3.0L Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth)

By: Abraham Torres-Arredondo
Created: 19 November 2013
Updated: 15 February 2024
Articl Id: 522

Page 2 of 2

TEST 2: Making Sure The TPS Is Getting Power

Making Sure The TPS Is Getting Power. How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 3.0L V6 Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth)

In this test step we're gonna check that the violet with white stripe (VIO/WHT) wire of the TP sensor's 3-wire connector has power with a simple multimeter voltage test.

If the TP sensor is getting power (5 Volts DC), then your next and last test step is to confirm that the TPS is also getting Ground.

OK, let's get started:

1
Set your multimeter to Volts DC mode.
2
Disconnect the TPS sensor from its electrical connector.
3
Connect the black multimeter test lead directly to the battery negative (-) terminal.
4
Ask your helper to turn the key to the RUN position, but do not crank or start the engine.
5
Gently probe the terminal labeled with the number 3 with the red multimeter test lead.

The female terminal marked with the number 3 should connect to the VIO/WHT wire in the TPS sensor connector.

NOTE: Be careful not to damage the female terminal with the multimeter probe, or you'll need to replace the connector.
6
Your multimeter should read from 4.5 to 5 Volts DC if the VIO/WHT wire is supplying 5 Volts to the TPS sensor.

Let's take a look at what your test results mean:

CASE 1: The multimeter registered 4.5 to 5 Volts DC. This is the correct and expected test result and tells you that the throttle position sensor (TPS) is getting power.

Your next step is to make sure that the TPS is getting Ground on the BLK/LT BLU wire. For this test, go to: TEST 3: Making Sure The TPS Is Getting Ground.

CASE 2: The multimeter DID NOT register 4.5 to 5 Volts DC. Re-check your multimeter test lead connections and re-test.

If the multimeter still indicates the TPS is not getting power, then you've found the reason why the TPS did not create a voltage signal in TEST 1.

Although it's beyond the scope of this tutorial to find the reason why these 5 Volts are missing, you'll need to get yourself a wiring diagram (for your particular Chrysler car or mini-van) and check the continuity of this wire between the TPS and the PCM.

TEST 3: Making Sure The TPS Is Getting Ground

Making Sure The TPS Is Getting Ground. How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 3.0L V6 Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth)

So far, you have checked and confirmed that your car or mini-van's throttle position sensor is:

Not creating an increasing/decreasing voltage signal on the ORG/DK BLU wire (TEST 1).
Is getting power on the VIO/WHT wire (TEST 2).

The last test is to make sure that the black with light blue stripe (BLK/LT BLU) wire is feeding the TPS with Ground.

CAUTION: Be careful and make sure not to short the BLK/LT BLU wire to battery voltage; otherwise, you risk damaging your Stratus' fuel injection computer, which is a headache (and a costly mistake) you'll want to avoid. The multimeter voltage test I'm suggesting below is a safe way to check for the presence of Ground in this wire.

These are the test steps:

1
Set your multimeter to Volts DC mode.
2
Disconnect the TPS sensor from its electrical connector.
3
Connect the red multimeter test lead directly to the battery positive (+) terminal.
4
Ask your helper to turn the key to the RUN position, but do not crank or start the engine.
5
Gently probe the terminal labeled with the number 1 with the black multimeter test lead.

The female terminal marked with the number 1 should connect to the BLK/LT BLU wire in the TPS sensor connector.

NOTE: Be careful not to damage the female terminal with the multimeter probe, or you'll need to replace the connector.
6
Your multimeter should read from 10 to 12 Volts DC if the BLK/LT BLU wire is supplying Ground to the TPS sensor.

Let's examine your multimeter test results:

CASE 1: The multimeter registered 10 to 12 Volts DC. This test result confirms that the TPS is getting Ground.

You can conclude that the TPS sensor is bad and needs to be replaced if you have:

Confirmed the sensor is not creating a voltage signal that increases/decreases (TEST 1).
Confirmed it's getting power (TEST 2).
Confirmed it's getting Ground (this test section).

CASE 2: The multimeter DID NOT register 10 to 12 Volts DC. Re-check all of your test connections and repeat the test.

If the multimeter still does not show the indicated voltage, then you've found the reason why the TPS did not create a voltage signal in TEST 1.

Although it's beyond the scope of this tutorial to find the reason why this Ground is missing, you'll need to get yourself a wiring diagram (for your particular Chrysler) and check the continuity of this wire between the TPS and the PCM.