wierd check engine light problem with code 41

[Turbo Habanero]

So i drove about 4miles today and the check engine light went on and off about 3 times on my way to where i was going. it seemed to shut off at idle and come on while driving.

So i pulled over checked the codes even though the light was off.
i got code 41.

Throttle Position Sensor Signal
Diagnosis
•Open or short circuit in throttle position sensor signal.
Trouble Area
•Throttle position sensor circuit
•Throttle position sensor
•ECU

on my way home same distance the light never came back on. only difference is the way there the car was cold in the begining.

 

[jetjock]

Did you have a question?

 

[Turbo Habanero]

Did you have a question?

yeah lol. sorry.

I have checked the TPS and wiring there is nothing noticable that is wrong. from a glance..

My question is it possible the timing is off ? or that i just need to adjust my TPS sensor?

I was getting code 51 be for but i just moved my TPS sensor alittle bit and it went away. but i didn't check my timing aftwards. (i heard that your timing can't be set right if your TPS sensor is not set right.) So could it be my timing fucking it up?

or is my TPS sensor going out or is it just my wiring?

Truly i don't know where to start. Problem just showed up today. No other codes are being set off.

Like i said it just randomly came on and went back off a couple times on first trip on the way back never came on.

 

[jetjock]

It's most likely the TPS, just like the book says. The randomness could be due to anything from it being set wrong to a bad connection to a worn TPS.

Stuff can't be "checked" with a glance. Especially electrical stuff. I've been working with electricity most of my life and have yet to see it. I've felt its presence on several occasions though...

 

[Turbo Habanero]

so how/where do think i should start? How do i check the the wiring to the (TPS) clip is good? and if that checks out just check to see if the TPS sensor is still in working order?

I assume that the TSRM walks you through how to check if its still in working order?

 

[jetjock]

Edit: Oops, that's for code 51. You want to check the VTA part of the TPS. Ohm between VTA and E2 on the TPS like the book says or measure voltage between VTA and E2 on the ECU.

 

[Turbo Habanero]

Edit: Oops, that's for code 51. You want to check the VTA part of the TPS. Ohm between VTA and E2 on the TPS like the book says or measure voltage between VTA and E2 on the ECU.

reading that about 2weeks ago is how i fixed my 51 code. Belated thanks to you by the way on the wright up. ust got to go through it again to see if i can get rid of the blinking 41

---------- Post added at 04:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:49 PM ----------

So i have a question?

So why is code 41 not keeping the check engine light ons? why is the engine light not staying on i was under the impression 51 is the only one that turns its self off? if so why is my ecu storing 41 when i check codes and thats with no engine light on?

And is it quite possible that the blinking is code 51 coming on and off?

I have not been able to check codes while the light is on? it shut off to quickly for me to be able to.

 

[jetjock]

A lot of people confuse code behavior with MIL behavior. It's more complex than is generally understood. Put simply, in the case of a 41, not every event of the fault will turn the light on but if it does the light will go out if the problem resolves itself. However, in every case the code will be stored.

This is not true of all codes though. For example once 52 turns the light on it will stay on until the key is cycled even if the fault "fixes" itself. In addition there are certain parameters that must occur before some faults turn on the light. Speed, RPM, time, coolant temp, number of key cycles, things like that. It depends on the code.

It's why you should check for codes on occasion even if you never see the light. Every oil change is a good time.