What is a throttle/accelerator pedal position sensor?
Newer car engines use electronics to control the amount of fuel sent to the engine, eliminating the need for a physical wire connection between the accelerator and throttle body. These electronics calculate the right amount of fuel required based on the movement of the accelerator pedal.
The accelerator pedal position sensor is mounted to the car’s gas pedal and converts any pedal movements into voltage signals. These signals tell the car’s computer how much fuel to inject into the engine for acceleration.
What are the common symptoms of a bad throttle/accelerator pedal position sensor?
Symptoms that your accelerator pedal position sensor needs fixing include:
Little to no acceleration
Zero throttle response while in Neutral or Park
Rough idling and stalling
Check engine light switches on
If you notice any of these warning signs, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
How often do you need to replace a throttle/accelerator pedal position sensor?
There is not a set replacement period or “lifespan” for accelerator pedal positions sensors, so if you have a feeling that there’s a problem you should take your car in for an inspection.
Is replacing a throttle/accelerator pedal position sensor yourself easy?
Although replacing a throttle/accelerator pedal position sensor isn’t the trickiest project, if you decide to do it yourself, be sure to be confident in your DIY auto repair skills. If you don’t have the right tools or experience, we encourage letting a pro mechanic tackle the problem.
Keep in mind: Checking the accelerator pedal position sensor requires a voltmeter, and the mechanic should have a good understanding of the proper range for voltage output.