TPS Sensor Circuit Wiring Diagram (1996 2.2L Buick Century)

APPLIES TO: This throttle position sensor (TPS) circuit wiring diagram applies to the following vehicles:

• 2.2L Buick Century: 1996.

Throttle Position Sensor Operating Theory

The throttle position sensor (TPS) lets the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) know the exact position of the throttle plate. Every time you press down or let up on the accelerator pedal, the TPS responds by changing its output voltage.

To do this, the sensor relies on three separate electrical circuits:

• 5-Volt Reference: A regulated voltage supplied by the PCM.
• Ground: A Ground circuit supplied by the PCM.
• Signal: A variable voltage signal that the TPS sends back to the PCM.

At idle (with the throttle plate closed), the TPS signal is normally between 0.2 and 0.9 Volts DC. As the throttle plate opens, the signal voltage should rise in a smooth, uninterrupted manner until it reaches approximately 5 Volts DC at wide-open throttle.

By monitoring this voltage, the PCM knows how much the driver is requesting from the engine. It uses this information to adjust fuel delivery and other operating strategies for smooth engine performance.

When the TPS or one of its circuits develops a problem, the signal sent to the PCM may become erratic, stop changing, or disappear completely. The result can be poor acceleration, hesitation, an unstable idle, and a TPS-related trouble code.

Although a scan tool is a very handy tool to have, you don't need one to determine whether the TPS is working correctly. In most cases, a digital multimeter is all you'll need to verify the sensor's signal, its 5-Volt reference circuit, and its Ground circuit.

TPS SENSOR TEST: How To Test The TPS With A Multimeter (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century).

Other TPS Sensor Wiring Diagrams

• TPS Sensor Circuit Wiring Diagram (1993 2.2L Buick Century).
• TPS Sensor Circuit Wiring Diagram (1994-1995 2.2L Buick Century).

More 2.2L Buick Century Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 2.2L Buick Century tutorials and wiring diagrams in this index:

• 2.2L Buick Century Index of Articles.

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

• How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century).
• How To Test Engine Compression (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century).
• How To Test The TPS With A Multimeter (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century).
• How To Test The MAP Sensor (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century).