2003 tacoma tps 4 pin

I've been researching this f ing sensor problem for about a year now. Lucky mine is a periodic problem but seems to be getting worse. I just dont' want to get stuck on the highway so I've ramped up the search. I really don't want to spend a grand on a TB assembly. Any suggestions?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...35030-group-buy-back-on.504600/#post-16857681

@mechanicjon was looking into this to see what he could get. Not sure if he ever had any luck with it.

 

option: buy a used 01-02 4Runner TB

 

Why? My throttle body is fine. I just need the sensor. I read somewhere about that in a thread but don' understand what that will do for me. Please explain.

 

no one is going to sell just the TPS, they will sell the entire TB though. You may get lucky, who knows. But look for the 01-02 4Runner TPS as it's a 4-pin and same as 03-04 Tacoma. Other 4-pin TPS will not work as some others found out.

also in some of my reading the APPS (where the pedal cable links) is tied/tuned to the TPS and may have to be checked

 

Ok I understand. I can also accept a 01-02 TB from a 4 runner in the event I can't find a used one from a 03-04 tacoma. I also read somewhere the reason why they don't sell the tps sensor is because it' calibrated with another sensor and simply replacing one wouldn't work. Is that true?

 

I'm in the market for one as well. Just a backup in case this one ever fails.

Another great link with information on the TPS.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-89452-35030-is-back-on.504599/#post-15857079

 

yeah that's what I was eluding to, the TPS is calibrated with the APPS (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor) which is on the opposite side of the butterfly. It's on the front side where the pedal cable connects to and there is also a 4 pin connector for it.

In easy terms when you push the gas pedal, it pulls on/rotates the APPS, the APPS tells the ECM (computer) how much throttle to give/how far you pushed the pedal. The ECM tells the motor under the TB how much to "rotate" to operate the butterfly, the TPS reports if it is correct or not. This gives you rpms. So it's not an instant acceleration but it's close. When the TPS fails to report the correct value you may get the "limp mode" that is commonly mentioned.

 

Sounds like this is just a bad design since only offered a couple years. Any way to convert to the common style 3 prong?

 

Looks like I'm screwed. I'm leaning toward selling the truck. Just talked to the local toyota dealer and I'm looking at 1500k for the TB assembly.

 

Only way to get new ones is to have a batch made. $3500 for 300 sensors. Used ones can be found for$200 -450 i know of 1 used one available.

 

that's alot of 1st genner's buying first and hoping there right.

 

Right.

 

I have an 03 Tacoma that the sensor went bad on. I went to Pull-A-Part and got the sensor off a 4Runner and put it on my Tacoma, cost me $5.
It is not calibrated with any other sensor, all you have to do is replace the TPS, start the truck, let it warm up to operating temp and turn the sensor until the truck is idling at 750 RPMs tighten the two screws and you are done, simple.

 

When I said used ones. I should have clarified complete used throttle bodies.

 

I only got the Throttle Position Sensor off the 4Runner (not the complete throttle body) and installed it on my Tacoma Throttle Body. I have done this twice on two different trucks.

 

This makes sense. Thanks so much. The two screw holes have some play in them that would allow you to rotate the sensor slightly. I'm guessing there would be enough play in it to adjust the idle slightly. So good to know. If this is the only "calibration" necessary, that takes a load off my mind. Pull a part here I come.

 

That is all the calibration that is needed.
When you put the sensor on just snug the screws slightly and just bump the sensor to turn it until you reach 750 RPMs then tighten the screws.
There is more than enough room to adjust the sensor, just a millimeter of movement will change the RPMs over 100.

 

If you go to the scrap yards look for 89452-35030 on the sensor, they are usually on the models listed below.
4 Runner 2001,2002
Tacoma 2002, 2003, 2004
Tundra 2003,2004

 

Thanks!