TPS Idle Switch Multimeter Test (1992-1996 2.2L Camry)

As you're already aware, the throttle position sensor on your 1992-1996 2.2L Toyota Camry has 4 wires coming out of its connector. This is because the TPS is 2 sensors in 1 assembly. In other words, the TPS assembly is made up of an idle switch and a throttle position sensor.

The idle switch portion of your 2.2L Camry TPS is designed to tell the fuel injection computer when the throttle plate has closed. With this info the PCM can better control the engine's idle (like when the AC compressor is running).

If you need to test the throttle position sensor part of the idle switch, this tutorial will help: How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (1992-1996 2.2L Camry).

Idle Switch Continuity Tests

Testing the idle switch portion of the TPS simply involves testing the continuity of two specific pins, with your multimeter in Ohms (Ω) mode.

Using the illustration of the TPS above, the two TPS terminals that we need to locate/identify (to test) are terminal #2 and terminal #1.

IMPORTANT: The 1992-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry comes equipped with a Throttle Opener Diaphragm Assembly (which is located on the throttle body). You will need to apply vacuum to the Throttle Opener with a vacuum pump to check the idle switch continuities in the table below. To see what a Throttle Opener Diaphragm Assembly looks like, take a look at this section: Throttle Opener Vacuum Diaphragm).

1. Turn off the ignition switch and disconnect the TPS from its engine wiring harness connector.

2. Insert the specified thickness feeler gauge between the throttle stop screw and throttle lever and check for the specific continuity shown in the table below (to see the location of where you need to place the feeler gauge: Location Of The Throttle Stop Screw). If not within specification, adjust or replace the TPS assembly.

Idle Switch Continuity Specifications
Feeler Gauge Thick.	Pins	Ohms
.020 In. (.51 mm)	1 and 2	Continuity
.028 In. (.71 mm)	1 and 2	No Continuity

If the throttle switch on your 2.2L Toyota Camry doesn't pass any of the above pin continuity tests, then before replacing it, you need to make sure that it's not misadjusted. The next subheading will help you with this procedure.

Adjusting The Throttle Position Sensor Assembly

If you need to remove and replace the throttle position sensor assembly, you'll need to adjust it to the correct specification before you bolt it down.

This is a pretty easy adjustment and in this section I'll show you how to do it.

NOTE: The 1992-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry is equipped with a Throttle Opener Assembly, so you'll need to apply vacuum to it, with a vacuum pump, to adjust the TPS.

This is what you'll need to do:

1. Turn the ignition switch to its Off position and make sure the TP sensor assembly is disconnected from its connector.
2. Place your multimeter in Ohms mode.
3. Place the .028 In. (.71 mm) feeler gauge between the throttle stop screw and the throttle lever and:
   • Test continuity between terminal #1 and #2. Your multimeter should register NO CONTINUITY.
   • If continuity exits, adjust the TPS sensor by rotating it until NO CONTINUITY exists.
   • Slightly tighten the TPS screws.
4. Place the .020 In. (.51 mm) feeler gauge between the throttle stop screw and the throttle lever and:
   • Test continuity between terminal #1 and #2. Your multimeter should register continuity.
   • If continuity does not exist, adjust the TPS sensor by rotating it until continuity exists.
   • Slightly tighten the TPS screws.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to verify No Continuity and Continuity exist with the indicated feeler gauge thickness.
6. Once the proper continuity specs have been verified, tighten the TP sensor assembly mounting bolts.
7. Once you're done, recheck the continuities once more to make sure the TP sensor didn't move on you when you tightened the two bolts.

Throttle Opener Vacuum Diaphragm

NOTE: The Throttle Opener Diaphragm Assembly in the illustration above belongs to the 1989-1992 1.6L Corolla. The Throttle Opener Diaphragm Assembly on the 1992 Toyota Camry is very similar. It's located on the throttle body assembly under the throttle plate linkage (see orange arrow in image above).

A vacuum hose connects to the Throttle Opener Assembly's vacuum inlet port. You'll need to disconnect the vacuum hose that's attached to the inlet port and attach your vacuum pump to it.

Location Of The Throttle Stop Screw

NOTE: To check and/or adjust the TPS assembly, you need to place a feeler gauge between the throttle stop screw and throttle lever. The orange arrow in the photo above points to this location.

Where To Buy The TPS And Save

Probably, the best place to save on the purchase of a new TPS, for your 2.2L Toyota Camry, is online. Check out the following links. I think they'll save you a few bucks:

Not sure if the above TPS fits your particular 2.2L Toyota Camry? Don't worry, once you get to the site they'll make sure it fits by asking you the specifics of your particular Nissan vehicle. If it doesn't fit, they'll find you the right one.