suprabad said:
I adjusted my TPS yesterday (per TSRM) and now the car is all jerky when I let off the throttle...it's a nightmare, and the worst part is when I try and do it again tomorrow I don't know what I'll do that will be any different (definition of insanity=do the same thing and expect a different result).
I read all the posts and I'm still confused. :icon_conf :aigo:
To everyone trying to adjust their TPS and ending up with this jerkiness problem - I suspect your TPS, though within spec, is not working 100% properly. However, there is a way to get around this without getting a new TPS. It requires some fiddling but basically, adjust it to base TSRM specs first like everyone here has explained; .7mm feeler between stop screw and throttle linkage, turn the tsrm until you get continuity then turn it the other way and stop exactly at the point when continuity is lost (this is what they mean by deflect, on an older analog meter the needle would "deflect" or rapidly move to a very high resistance; hence, no continuity). Tighten down the TPS but leave the bottom screw somewhat loose. Now go for a drive and if its jerky: stop, loosen the top screw and move it a little counterclockwise, retighten the top screw. Go for another drive.
Your goal is to have the ability to maintain a constant speed with slight pressure on the throttle. If not adjusted properly you'll always be either accelerating or decellerating, it will be impossible to find that happy medium where the car will maintain a constant speed. When throttle is released you should have a smooth exhaust note during decelleration -- this means the computer is getting a proper reading from the TPS and cutting off fuel. If you get the gurgling/backfiring sound the TPS is not giving the computer a proper reading, fuel is not being cut out and you have that sputtering effect because fuel is still being ignited during decell.
I just went through all this while adjusting my TPS that I bought used from a forum member and though it gives good readings and doesn't throw a code like my old one, its still not 100% working so I had to use this method to get the car driving right. I will report back with my results of a brand new TPS I ordered from Champion for $75 and wether or not the TSRM settings work right off the bat!
Hope that helps and feel free to ask if anything I wrote needs clarification.