dwag

Can you take a TPS apart and clean it? If so how?

My truck died... and after exhaustive testing I'm finding that with TPS plugged in I can't get it to ever catch and start when cranking. With it unplugged it will start and rough idle but die when i applay and kind of gas pedal.

My thoughts are faulty TPS obviously....Any other suggestions?

Thanks

thook

Did you search on cleaning?
Did you test it with an ohm meter?
With it unplugged, the vehicle will initially run poorly, but the ECM should revert to default and the vehicle should run without dying. You might have something else going on..

dwag

Thanks for the great response yota4runna . I'll be pulling it and trying to clean mine later today.

thook

Hate to be the one to say it, but that's a potentially excellent way to damage the internal circuitry of the TPS. No spray solvents should be used on the TPS. They can seep in and break down the silicone on the circuit board.

TNRabbit

Agreed; that is the most common way to render your TPS useless. Wipe it out with a damp cloth, but no solvets, ESPECIALLY WD-40...it's properties cause it to follow air channels (such as between the TPS internal circuitry and the shaft) and you could end up with it inside the TPS.

Your problem sounds more like there is a hole in the intake tube or possibly the VAFM wiring is disconnected.

thook

Okay.

Yes, I saw the pictures. I've seen the inside of a TPS in hand. I thought there was silicone...I suppose that was glazing?

If the strips are not what conducts the signal, I suppose it's the wipers then?

thook

Well, what I'm driving at is that it is a circuit....rather, it has circuitry....those resistive strips are conductive. Otherwise, you could not test for voltage going to it. It conducts voltage, therefore it is circuitry. That "stuff"....whatever it is....will dissolve in contact with solvent....in fact, quite easily. As far as penetrating through the spring a the back, that can happen. It's never happened to me, but I've been cautioned before myself as it has happened to others. I'm running an expirament overnight. I'll post my results tomorrow.....just so all is scientific and everything.

My TPS on my '86 died from wear at appr. 218k miles. I pulled it apart and could sure enough see the tracks worn into the strips. The "stuff" is not baked on. I can scatch it off with my fingernail....not easily, but still.

thook

Okay, I stand corrected. I sprayed some WD-40....ALOT!...on the back of my old TPS and let it sit overnight turned upside so it would definitely soak in. IT DIDN'T! So, I pulled it apart this morning...broke the inner turning piece off....to find to my surprise....SEALANT!....all around the post on the inside. You're right.... it's a well sealed unit. I'm guessing the real danger is when one decides to soak the whole TB and not pull the TPS off. The only way I could see anything getting in there is through the terminal end.

So, yes it is circuitry...yes, the "stuff" will dissolve...but, cleaning it the way you're suggesting should pose no harm at all.

Actually, this is nice to know.

GregStevens

Sounds to me like you've been using the wrong cover sheet for your TPS. Did you know there is a new cover sheet for these? Didn't you get that memo??

thook

Would that be the Kevlar one or the stainless steel?

thook

I wouldn't use WD-40 for cleaning or even lubing it anyway. I was only using it to test our debate here. It was there, conveniently the first thing to grab out of the shop sorta thing. Besides, that TPS was shot....so no harm done.