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Home › Waveforms › 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 › Throttle Position Sensor

Throttle Position Sensor

2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 L83

0.9V0.7V0.4V500ms/div | 1V/divdc-variable
Sensor Type
hall-effect
Waveform Type
dc-variable
Location
Integrated into electronic throttle body assembly on intake manifold, part of TAC (Throttle Actuator Control) system
Pins
6-pin connector
0
Timebase
500ms/div
Voltage Scale
1V/div
Trigger
2.5V, rising edge

Wiring

Two redundant sensors - TPS1: Dark Blue (signal 1), Gray (5V ref), Black (ground) and TPS2: Light Blue (signal 2), Gray (5V ref), Black (ground)

Expected Voltage Range

At Idle
0.4V to 0.9V
At Higher RPM
4.2V to 4.7V

Expected Pattern

Two inverse linear voltage ramps - TPS1 increases from ~0.6V to 4.5V as throttle opens, TPS2 decreases from ~4.4V to 0.6V simultaneously

Known-Good Waveform

Dual redundant analog voltage signals that move in opposite directions providing cross-check validation. At closed throttle (idle), TPS1 reads 0.5-0.9V while TPS2 reads 4.0-4.5V. As throttle opens to wide-open-throttle (WOT), TPS1 rises smoothly to 4.2-4.7V while TPS2 falls to 0.4-0.9V. Combined voltage should always equal approximately 5V, transitions must be smooth without steps or jumps.

Common Failure Patterns

One sensor voltage frozen or not tracking throttle movement while other sensor responds normally
Cause: Failed Hall-effect sensor element, broken trace on throttle body circuit board, or corroded connector pins
Related DTCs: P2135, P2138, P0120, P0220
Both sensors reading incorrect voltages but moving together, sum does not equal 5V, or excessive voltage difference between sensors
Cause: 5V reference voltage problem from ECM, high resistance in ground circuit, or water intrusion in throttle body connector
Related DTCs: P2135, P2138, P0641
Voltage spikes, dropouts, or stepped movements instead of smooth linear transitions during throttle sweep
Cause: Worn throttle shaft bushings causing unstable sensor positioning, carbon buildup interfering with blade movement, or ECM calibration issue
Related DTCs: P2135, P0121, P0221

Diagnostic Tips

The L83 electronic throttle body is sensitive to voltage correlation; if TPS1 and TPS2 voltages differ by more than 0.5V or don't sum to approximately 5V, the system enters reduced power mode. Clean throttle blade and perform idle relearn procedure with Tech2 or compatible scan tool after any throttle body service or replacement.

Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes

P0120P0121P0122P0123P0124
Always confirm waveform data with your vehicle's OEM service manual before diagnosing.

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