The dodge ram throttle position sensor reset procedure is more straightforward than you imagine; turn on the key and don’t start the engine. Next, slowly press the accelerator pedal to the floor and then release it slowly and then repeat the steps two more times, and you’re done!
We have also discussed the symptoms of a bad throttle position sensor and other details you want to take advantage of.
Check out the detailed steps below.
Contents
How To Reset Dodge Ram TPS? 3 Easy Steps To Follow
To reset the Dodge RAM TPS, turn the key to the run position but don’t start the vehicle. Next, press the accelerator slowly all the way down for about 15 seconds, release it slowly and turn the key off, then start the engine and drive.
Understanding the answer to the “what is a throttle position sensor (TPS)?” is very important before following the procedure for resetting the Dodge RAM throttle position system. Basically, the TPS is a component of the fuel management system. It’s designed to detect throttle position, determining how much air goes into the engine.
This component is located near the vehicle’s throttle body by the butterfly shaft, where it can accurately perform its task. It plays a significant role in ensuring a correct air-to-fuel mixture ratio flowing into the engine.
When accelerating the vehicle, the TPS sends the throttle position info to the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU then uses this data to manage the throttle, enabling it to take in the engine’s required air.
The more you press the gas pedal, the wider the throttle opens to allow more air into the internal combustion engine. While more air enters the engine, the fuel injectors inject more fuel, creating a balanced mixture for successful combustion to provide the power the vehicle needs to move.
Like any other mechanical or electrical part, the TPS can fail at its job. When that happens, the ECU will lack the information required to ensure that the correct air-fuel mixture goes into the engine’s combustion chamber. That would make the vehicle struggle to get power even when you’ve stepped the accelerator pedal to the floor.
Sometimes, a reset is all that the sensor needs. The good thing is that you don’t need special tools to reset the throttle control. All you require is to be in the driver’s seat of your dodge ram. You’ll also need a watch or any other way of recording time.
Experiencing power loss could be a result of many issues. Before you consider a throttle position sensor reset, you need to ensure that it’s the root cause of the problem. We’ve discussed how to do that in our next section below.
When you’re sure that the TPS is the problem, follow these steps to reset it:
– Turn the Ignition Switch to On
After inserting your car’s key into the ignition, turn it to electric or the run position where all the dashboard lights come on but don’t start the vehicle.
Hold the key in this position and proceed to step number two, presented below.
– Press the Accelerator Pedal
Gradually press the accelerator all the way down to the floor. Do it as slowly as you can. Once it hits the floor, allow it to rest in that position for about 3-5 seconds. In the same way, you’ve pressed the pedal down, slowly release it.
Repeat that twice for a total of three times. That will help calibrate the pedal and allow you to use its full range of motion to control the throttle body.
– Turn the Key to Off
After the third time, turn the key to OFF and remove the key for approximately 10 seconds. Start your dodge and allow it to idle for at least three minutes, and ensure you don’t touch the throttle.
You should know when the procedure is successful if the idle is still. If it’s not, you may require repeating the steps a couple of times more. After the idling time, turn the vehicle off, restart it, and drive for a test. That’s how to reset electronic throttle control manually .
Some people recommend resetting the throttle position sensor by reconnecting it to the batter after a gap of five minutes. Unhooking the battery or disconnecting the fuse from the engine control module won’t reset the TPS. It only reprograms the engine’s computer.
How To Know If You Have a Faulty TPS? Casually Explained
To know you have a faulty TPS, consider common symptoms, including acceleration and power loss problems. Other exclusive Dodge RAM electronic throttle control problems are rough idling, problematic transmission shifting, ruined fuel economy, and the engine light turning on, which can indicate this issue.
Whenever your dodge ram throttle position sensor isn’t working correctly, it will let you know through these symptoms. Paying attention to the signs is essential to know when to reset.
In some cases, you may need to replace the TPS altogether:
– Acceleration Issues
A defective electronic throttle control may cause acceleration problems. When accelerating, you’ll notice the vehicle struggling to pick up power and reach the desired speed. Even when you’ve pushed the throttle pedal to the floor, you might feel like the vehicle is still in low gear.
A faulty TPS means the ECU cannot maintain a proper throttle to the correct position. It also means the engine isn’t receiving the right amount of air, hence the weak acceleration. When the TPS becomes defective, it becomes difficult to exceed 30 mph, and the vehicle can even get into limp mode.
– Power Problems
An improperly working throttle position sensor will make your engine lose power or run poorly. Generally, the sensor may send misleading information to the ECU, failing to inject the fuel the engine needs to reach its full capacity.
Sometimes, the ECU will release too much gas, which leads to another problem discussed below.
– Ruined Fuel Economy
The TPS significantly affects the proper air-to-fuel mixture entering the combustion engine. A bad TPS will be less likely to return accurate readings, which can result in less fuel being injected into the combustion chamber.
The fuel injectors inject gas based on the accurate readings the ECU gets from the TPS. Incorrect readings can cause a rich air-to-fuel ratio resulting in poor fuel economy.
– Rough Idling
There shouldn’t be any movement in the TPS when your vehicle is not in motion. When you park the truck somewhere, it should have an idle RPM of about 600 to 900. Below or above that range, when stopped, you have a rough idling with your engine.
Your truck requires a particular amount of fuel to maintain an ideal idle speed. The engine won’t get the needed gas if the TPS isn’t working correctly. Hence, the engine will not idle properly.
Sometimes, the TPS can send incorrect information that ultimately stalls the engine inexpertly. Carrying out a dodge throttle body reset procedure could help resolve the issue.
– Struggling Transmission Shifting
A bad TPS will also cause transmission shifting issues. Shifting gears won’t feel as good as it has always been. As mentioned, even when you shift to a higher gear, the vehicle will still feel like it’s in low gear. The situation doesn’t change even when you press the accelerator pedal all the way down.
– Check Engine Light Illuminates
The check engine light (CEL) turning on can indicate a malfunctioning electronic throttle control . Please note that the CEL can point to a lot of different things.
When it goes on, it may only sometimes be a TPS issue unless it coincides with the problems above.
FAQs
1. How Long Will the TP Sensor Reset Procedure Take?
To know how long will the TP Sensor reset procedure take, add the time to slowly press the accelerator pedal down, release, and repeat the process twice. In general, the entire process only takes 60 seconds at most. Therefore, you can reprogram your TPS efficiently in no time at all!
2. How Much Will the TP Sensor Replacement Cost Me?
To know how much will the TP Sensor replacement cost you, consider the parts and labor costs. On average, you can pay $150, depending on the location, vehicle model, make, and manufacture year. Parts alone can cost you $75 to $100, while labor ranges from $35 to $90.
Conclusion
Resetting the throttle position sensor (TPS) on your dodge ram is as easy as explained above and only requires a very few steps that you can follow and finish in a couple of minutes at most.
Here’s a summary of the most important points discussed in this article that will help you reset the throttle position of your Dodge RAM more efficiently:
- The TPS is critical in determining a proper air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber.
- A defective TPS problem can be resolved by a reset or replacement
- The TPS reset is a three-step procedure that takes about 60 seconds only
- Symptoms of a bad TPS include rough idling, acceleration, and power issues.
You don’t need any tools to reprogram your TPS. So, sit in the driver’s seat with the key handy and finish the job!
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