As I wander through the 22RE idle surge wasteland, I've come up with a few questions about the TPS(Throttle Position Sensor). Any information or insight would be greatly appreciated.

1. Can you clean a TPS? You clean a sticky throttle plate and may have gotten some goo into the TPS. Can you take it off and clean it?

2. I read somewhere that, with the engine running, if the engine RPM drops when you jump the TE1 and E1 diagnostic connections, the TPS is not faulty. Is that true?

3. With a manual transmission, aside from poor gas mileage, can you damage anything by running the truck with the TPS unplugged? If the problem is poor gas mileage and unplugging the TPS has no effect, that means the TPS is shot?

I know these questions have been asked before because I've searched for days, but there seems to be different answers and opinions, I'd like to double check to see if there are any definitive answers at this time.

 

in theory, if you run too rich, you can damage both your O2 sensor and the catalytic converter, as well as wash the cylinder walls with unburned fuel.

if your TPS isn't working, you'll have nothing to lose in trying to clean it. however, cleaning it is not recommended if it is working, as the cleaning chemicals will damage it.

 

I've never heard of cleaning a tps. With engine at operating temp jump te1 and e1. If idle drops its "probably" a good tps. If you're gonna clean when you take it off the back side rotates and is spring loaded. Turn it and let it go, if it goes back slowly its shot. If it springs back its "probably" good.

 

I did try that and the idle dropped. However, I still think something is not quite right causing too much fuel to be used. Maybe one of the temperature or O2 sensors. I might Seafoam the engine to clean out any crap caused by the rich fuel mixture.

 

Look for a vacuum leak.

 

Yeah, I had a couple of them.