Throttle Position Sensor

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the throttle position sensor (TPS) on the 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 engine. The TPS is integrated into the throttle body assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Throttle Position Sensor × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (at least 30 minutes)
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on four retention clips

Procedure

1. 1

   Access throttle body
   Locate the throttle body on the intake manifold. It is positioned on the driver's side of the engine bay, connected to the air intake duct. Use a flashlight to identify the TPS connector on the side of the throttle body.
2. 2

   Disconnect air intake duct
   Loosen the hose clamp securing the air intake duct to the throttle body using a Phillips screwdriver or flathead screwdriver. Gently twist and pull the intake duct away from the throttle body to provide clear access.
3. 3

   Disconnect TPS electrical connector
   Press down on the locking tab of the TPS electrical connector and pull it straight off the sensor. The connector is located on the side of the throttle body. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
4. 4

   Remove TPS mounting screws
   Locate the two small Phillips screws securing the TPS to the throttle body. These screws are on the side of the throttle body assembly. Remove both screws carefully and store them in a safe place. Note the orientation of the sensor before removal.
   Torque spec

   TPS Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove TPS from throttle body
   Gently pull the TPS straight out from the throttle body. The sensor shaft is connected to the throttle plate shaft. Do not rotate or force the sensor as this can damage the throttle plate mechanism. If resistant, gently wiggle while pulling straight out.
6. 6

   Inspect throttle body and shaft
   Inspect the throttle plate shaft for any debris, wear, or damage. Wipe the mounting surface on the throttle body clean with a shop towel. Do not spray cleaners into the throttle body while the TPS is removed.
7. 7

   Install new TPS
   Align the new TPS with the throttle plate shaft, ensuring the flat or keyed portion of the shaft matches the sensor. Gently slide the sensor onto the shaft until it seats flush against the throttle body mounting surface. The sensor should only fit in one orientation.
8. 8

   Install and torque TPS screws
   Insert both TPS mounting screws and hand-tighten them evenly in a cross pattern. Using a torque wrench, tighten the screws to specification in a cross pattern. These screws require very low torque to prevent stripping or cracking the sensor housing.
   Torque spec

   TPS Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the TPS electrical connector firmly onto the sensor until it clicks into place. Ensure the locking tab is fully engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
10. 10

    Reinstall air intake duct
    Slide the air intake duct back onto the throttle body and tighten the hose clamp securely. Ensure the duct is fully seated to prevent air leaks.
11. 11

    Complete reassembly
    Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the four mounting points and pressing down until all clips engage. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify air intake duct is properly secured with no air leaks
3. Double-check TPS mounting screws are torqued to specification

Verification

• Start the engine and verify it idles smoothly without surging or rough running
• Verify no check engine light illuminates after 30 seconds of idle
• With engine running, gently press accelerator pedal to verify smooth throttle response
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and recheck for any fault codes using an OBD-II scanner
• Test drive vehicle to confirm normal acceleration and no hesitation under load
• Re-initialize power window auto-up/down function if equipped: fully close each window, hold switch up for 2 seconds, then fully open and hold switch down for 2 seconds

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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