Your throttle position sensor (TPS) constantly reports the position of your throttle plate (or butterfly valve) to the engine control unit (ECU), helping to control transmission shift points and fuel metering. A failed TPS can mean delayed shifts, poor fuel management or even a no-start condition. It's also something that will generally register a trouble code and illuminate the Check Engine light.
If you've got a problem with the throttle body or TPS, shop Advance for replacement parts - it's an easy job for a DIYer. We offer a complete line of new and remanufactured throttle bodies from Bosch, Carquest®, Dorman®, Hitachi, and VDO®. An electronic throttle body (or electronic throttle control) connects to the gas pedal/accelerator electronically without the use of cables. If the vehicle has an electronic throttle body, a sensor on the accelerator sends a signal to the powertrain control module (PCM) to determine the right throttle position and then commands a motor on the electronic throttle body to move the throttle valve.
Older throttle position sensor designs used mechanical moving parts, but newer throttle position sensors use inductive or magnetic technology. A failing TPS can result in poor performance, delayed transmission shifts or even a no-start condition. If a trouble code indicates a problem with the TPS, you can try cleaning the unit with an aerosol cleaner that's specific to TPS or just replace it - they're usually easy to access under the hood.