Throttle problem, possible TPS?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Winder, GA
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L l6
I have a 92 Cherokee, I6 auto. Lately I've been having to give it some gas to crank, and then keep my foot on the throttle, keeping the revs up to a little under 1k to keep it running. The second I take my foot off, the revs drop to 0 and the engine shuts off (electronics are fine though). I had my uncle look at it, and he thinks it's the throttle position sensor, or some other problem around that area. I can drive it around fine, but I have to brake with my left foot and use my right to keep the revs up at a stoplight. So it makes it pretty much undriveable. If I'm going under 30ish and take my foot off the gas, the engine will just cut off (again electronics working fine), but if I'm doing over that, the engine will stay on.
I'm taking it to the shop soon when I have some money, but I was wondering if anyone else had any similar issues. Hoping there might be an easy (free) fix, but if mine and my uncles suspicions are right and it is the TPS, it's only a $35 part.
I'm taking it to the shop soon when I have some money, but I was wondering if anyone else had any similar issues. Hoping there might be an easy (free) fix, but if mine and my uncles suspicions are right and it is the TPS, it's only a $35 part.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,489
Likes: 24
From: Nor-Cal Coast
Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Any black smoke? Like it's all clogged up? Make sure the little tube from the inside of the throttle body up to the MAP sensor back on the firewall is free and hooked up right. Important, that!
try codes?
The "Key Tricks"
Older (OBDI) models - Start with the ignition off. Within five seconds, switch the key on, off, on, off, on. ("On" is NOT "Start" and "Off" is NOT "Lock"). The "check engine" light will flash. Count the flashes. Each code is a two digit code, so a (for example) 23 would be FLASH FLASH (pause) FLASH FLASH FLASH (long pause). It will never flash more than 9 times, so watch for those pauses!
try codes?
The "Key Tricks"
Older (OBDI) models - Start with the ignition off. Within five seconds, switch the key on, off, on, off, on. ("On" is NOT "Start" and "Off" is NOT "Lock"). The "check engine" light will flash. Count the flashes. Each code is a two digit code, so a (for example) 23 would be FLASH FLASH (pause) FLASH FLASH FLASH (long pause). It will never flash more than 9 times, so watch for those pauses!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Winder, GA
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L l6
Any black smoke? Like it's all clogged up? Make sure the little tube from the inside of the throttle body up to the MAP sensor back on the firewall is free and hooked up right. Important, that!
try codes?
The "Key Tricks"
Older (OBDI) models - Start with the ignition off. Within five seconds, switch the key on, off, on, off, on. ("On" is NOT "Start" and "Off" is NOT "Lock"). The "check engine" light will flash. Count the flashes. Each code is a two digit code, so a (for example) 23 would be FLASH FLASH (pause) FLASH FLASH FLASH (long pause). It will never flash more than 9 times, so watch for those pauses!
try codes?
The "Key Tricks"
Older (OBDI) models - Start with the ignition off. Within five seconds, switch the key on, off, on, off, on. ("On" is NOT "Start" and "Off" is NOT "Lock"). The "check engine" light will flash. Count the flashes. Each code is a two digit code, so a (for example) 23 would be FLASH FLASH (pause) FLASH FLASH FLASH (long pause). It will never flash more than 9 times, so watch for those pauses!
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Don't forget about the possibility of a "marginal battery". It is the #1 cause of stalling.
And yes, you can have a battery that is plenty strong enough to start the engine, but marginal enough to give the engine management system fits.
Have your battery "load tested". Any parts store will do so for free. If battery checks out, then I agree with your uncle that the throttle position sensor is suspect. And yes, always check for stored codes.
And yes, you can have a battery that is plenty strong enough to start the engine, but marginal enough to give the engine management system fits.
Have your battery "load tested". Any parts store will do so for free. If battery checks out, then I agree with your uncle that the throttle position sensor is suspect. And yes, always check for stored codes.
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