1996 Pathfinder TPS

vazmaniandevil · Oct 25th, 2004, 07:11 PM

My check enging light has been on for the last couple of weeks. When I start from a standing still position, either from park or stopped in traffic, the engine revs up into 2nd gear. Then acts normal while driving. At stops sometimes it idles rough and seems to fight the fact that I'm stepping on the peddle.

I bought an ODB II reader cuz I got tired of taking it to autozone and having the 15 yr old behind the counter struggle to read it, let alone give me anything useful.

So I get a "P0120 Throttle Position Sensor A Malfunction". I read up on it and find the bulletin on www.alldata.com and here. I bought me a multimeter and a feeler gauge. The feeler gauge has one of those folding swiss army designs.

Alright, I'm an idiot :dumbass: . I can't figure out a couple of things: Am I suppose to simultaneously measure the ohms on the CTPS while holding the gauge in between the stop screw? If not, can I semi-protract the other gauges and lean them on the throttle to prop it up? Also, do I remove the air intake so that I can get the multimeter prongs on the 5 & 6 terminals? Cuz theres no way someone is getting the prongs in there straight.

I'd appreciate any help. Talk to me like a 2 yr-old I don't care. I just want to get this resolved, my wife is driving me crazy.

96R50 · Oct 26th, 2004, 08:28 AM

You need to measure the resistance with the feeler gauge in place.

To get into the connector with your multi-meter leads try using a paper clip as a small extension of your lead.

lewisnc100 · Oct 30th, 2004, 08:06 AM

I've done the adjustment on my 97. It helps to have a multimeter with the clip leads that can be attached. Also the pressure on the feeler gauge will hold it in place.

vazmaniandevil · Nov 1st, 2004, 04:32 PM

Which connection has the CTPS? The top connection? And if so, which prongs should be measured?

vazmaniandevil · Nov 1st, 2004, 04:34 PM

Which connection has the CTPS? The top connection? And if so, which terminals should be measured? I have documentation from ALLDATA that says the top connection and the top 2 terminals, but the factory service manual says the top connection with the bottom 2 terminals.

lewisnc100 · Nov 2nd, 2004, 07:45 AM

Read this thread:

http://www.4x4parts.com/ubbthreads/s...ev=#Post241620

vazmaniandevil · Nov 4th, 2004, 10:28 AM

Thanks for the info. The info on the TPS adjustment is right on. My problem involved the throttle cable and FIC (Fast Idle Cam) as well.

As an FYI for anyone else:
Check the FIC. It's a little thermal-element directly below the idle on the throttle body. Check to see if it is leaking and if so, replace it ($100 for the part and I think only a dealer carries it). Mine was leaking and the plate for the adjustment screw for the FIC was bent out. If you replace yours, level out the plate before you slap in the new thermal-element. If your not replacing the thermal-element or already did so, just try adjusting the screw for the FIC appropriately. There are some marks on the side of the idle. Make sure that they line up at the appropriate temperatures. Get a Haynes manual or read up on it somewhere on this forum.

Next check to make sure the throttle cable is correct. Mine was too tight.
And finally, do the TPS adjustment as detailed in these forums and in the Haynes manual.

If you check all these and it still doesn't work, then get a new TPS and make sure the adjustment is correct.

Hope this helps anyone and thanks for all the info.