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Home β€Ί Waveforms β€Ί 2021 Toyota RAV4 β€Ί Throttle Position Sensor

Throttle Position Sensor

2021 Toyota RAV4 Β· 2.5L I4

0.9V0.8V0.6V500ms/div for throttle snap test | 1V/divdc-variable
Sensor Type
hall-effect
Waveform Type
dc-variable
Location
Integrated into electronic throttle body assembly on intake manifold inlet, driver's side of engine. Non-serviceable component of throttle body motor assembly
Pins
6-pin connector
0
Timebase
500ms/div for throttle snap test
Voltage Scale
1V/div
Trigger
Not applicable for analog signal

Wiring

Six-wire throttle body connector: Two 5V reference (Pink wires for TP1 and TP2), Two grounds (Black wires), Two signal outputs (Light Green for TP1, Green/Red for TP2) providing redundant position sensing

Expected Voltage Range

At Idle
0.6V to 0.9V
At Higher RPM
4.2V to 4.7V

Expected Pattern

Two independent analog voltage signals (TP1 and TP2) that move in opposite relationship. TP1 increases from ~0.7V (closed) to ~4.5V (wide open). TP2 decreases from ~4.3V (closed) to ~0.8V (wide open)

Known-Good Waveform

Two smooth, linear voltage ramps that track throttle blade movement with inverse relationship to each other. TP1 and TP2 voltages should sum to approximately 5V at all throttle positions. During snap throttle test, expect smooth acceleration from idle voltage to WOT voltage in 200-300ms with no steps, dropouts, or flat spots. At closed throttle, TP1 should read 0.6-0.9V and TP2 should read 4.1-4.4V with engine running.

Common Failure Patterns

One sensor reading frozen or not tracking throttle movement while other sensor responds normally
Cause: Failed dual-track potentiometer on throttle body circuit board, requiring complete throttle body replacement as Toyota does not sell sensor separately
Related DTCs: P0120, P0220, P2135
Both sensors showing voltage spikes, steps, or dead spots at specific throttle positions during sweep test
Cause: Worn resistive tracks inside throttle position sensor assembly, often occurring between 15-25% throttle position where most driving occurs
Related DTCs: P0120, P0220, P2135
TP1 and TP2 voltages do not maintain inverse correlation or sum differs from 5V by more than 0.5V
Cause: Poor ground connection at throttle body or damaged 5V reference supply from ECU, check connector C301 for corrosion or water intrusion
Related DTCs: P2135, P2138

Diagnostic Tips

Toyota electronic throttle bodies on RAV4 rarely fail internally but are sensitive to carbon buildup affecting blade movement. Perform throttle body cleaning before condemning TPS. After throttle body service or replacement, perform throttle learning procedure using Techstream or compatible scan tool.

Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes

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

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