engine
Throttle Position Sensor
for 2021 Honda Civic 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30 min
Tools
6
Steps
11
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo engine.
Warnings
⚠Allow engine to cool completely before starting work to avoid burns from hot components
ℹ️Disconnecting the battery will erase radio presets and may require window calibration after reconnection
⚠Do not force the TPS screws as they are small and can strip easily
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Phillips screwdriver or small socket (depending on screw type)Essential
Torque wrench (0-15 Nm range)Essential
Electrical contact cleaner
Nitrile gloves
Flashlight or work light
Parts
- Throttle Position Sensor × 1 — Use OEM Honda TPS or equivalent
- Throttle body gasket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 30 minutes after running)
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
- Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent electrical issues during sensor replacement
- Locate the throttle body on the driver's side of the engine, connected to the intake manifold
Procedure
- 1Remove engine coverRemove the plastic engine cover by pulling upward on the cover to release the retaining grommets. Set cover aside in a clean area.
- 2Access the throttle bodyIdentify the throttle body assembly on the intake manifold. The TPS is integrated into the throttle body on this engine. You may need to remove or relocate the air intake duct for better access by loosening the hose clamp at the throttle body connection.
- 3Disconnect the TPS electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on the throttle body. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the TPS. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Inspect the connector terminals for corrosion or damage.
- 4Remove TPS mounting screwsLocate the two small screws securing the TPS to the throttle body. These are typically Phillips or small Torx screws. Carefully remove both screws and retain them if reusing. The TPS may be held with a light adhesive or gasket material.Torque specTPS Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 5Remove the TPSGently pull the TPS straight away from the throttle body. It should slide off the throttle shaft. If there is resistance, carefully wiggle it while pulling. Do not twist or rotate the sensor as this may damage the throttle shaft.
- 6Clean the mounting surfaceUse electrical contact cleaner and a lint-free cloth to clean the TPS mounting surface on the throttle body. Remove any old gasket material or adhesive. Inspect the throttle shaft for damage or excessive wear. Ensure no debris enters the throttle body opening.
- 7Install new TPSAlign the new TPS with the throttle shaft, ensuring the sensor keyway matches the shaft orientation. The sensor should only fit in one position. Slide the TPS onto the shaft until it seats flush against the throttle body mounting surface.
- 8Install and torque TPS screwsInstall both TPS mounting screws by hand first to ensure proper threading. Once both screws are started, torque them in a crossing pattern to the specified torque. Do not overtighten as the screws thread into aluminum and can strip easily.Torque specTPS Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorPush the electrical connector onto the TPS until you hear or feel a click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
- 10Reinstall air intake componentsIf the air intake duct was loosened or removed, reinstall it and tighten the hose clamp securely at the throttle body connection. Ensure all vacuum lines and connections are properly reattached.
- 11Reconnect battery and perform relearnReconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine) for 10 seconds, then OFF for 10 seconds. Repeat this cycle 3 times to allow the ECU to recognize the new TPS. Start the engine and allow it to idle.
Reassembly
- Reinstall engine cover by aligning grommets and pressing down firmly until seated
- Perform throttle body relearn procedure by following the ignition cycling process described in step 11
- Some models may require a drive cycle or dealer scan tool for complete throttle adaptation
Verification
- Start the engine and verify it idles smoothly without surging or hunting
- Rev the engine slowly and verify smooth throttle response without hesitation or cutting out
- Check for any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner - there should be no TPS-related codes
- Test drive the vehicle and verify normal acceleration and throttle response throughout the RPM range
- Verify the check engine light does not illuminate during or after test drive