I have replaced my TPS in my 95 XJ I think 6 times now. I have had every symptom bad TPS will do. From not shifting to high idle to the whole motor shutting off. Every time I replace the sensor it fixes the issues. For a while... Then new symptoms come up. Right now it will not down shift and will not lock the torque converter. Any ideas why I keep going through these sensors? Or if there are any "upgrade" sensors out there.

Thanks,

 

I would very carefully check the TPS wiring and contacts in the connector. Also, what brand of TPS are you using? Is it a chain-store, made-in-China special?

 

Ground connection too. Bad ground forces the output voltage too high.

 

Good point. Isn't there something strange about the TPS ground, like it goes through the clockspring, or am I thinking of something else?

 

Nope, it does.

Solid connection and ground quality is an absolute must. Scrub away corrosion with a small brass wire brush, clean with electrical contact cleaner (heptane or hexane, brake cleaner works) and use a conductive promoter/electrical grease on the pins. I like Sanchem NO-OX-ID Special A, but Ideal NOALOX and Gardner Bender OX-GARD can be found at Lowes and Home Depot. Keep dielectric grease out of the connectors. Inspect all wiring for cracks and corrosion.

Do you own a multimeter?

 

I have replaced the wiring back about 2.5 feet. Put a new connector on the end. I had heard that water kills these sensors so I keep dielectric grease in the harness connector.

That is interesting about the ground going through the clock spring. I will try that next.

My next thought was heat... I replaced the sensor yesterday morning with another advanced auto one. It worked great. Then I went wheeling and my engine tep. got a little higher that normal. Still didn't red line or anything but I have been reading about heat soak and what it will so to sensors and injectors. Just a thought.

 

Good information about grounds, wiring, connectors, etc.

I have had extremely poor luck with aftermarket throttle position sensors. Therefore, I buy and highly recommend MOPAR units purchased directly from Jeep.

 

I have been using advanced auto sensors. I don't want to put a mopar one in there if my system might burn it up.

 

Mine was eating auto zone tps's. No issues since springing for a Mopar.

 

That was my point with recommending a Mopar sensor.....

 

Exactly. Replaced too many autozone ones under warranty. After my last warranty swap I tossed it under the rear seat for a trail spare and ordered a Mopar from the dealer.

 

i cheaped out and have been having issues with my non mopar TPS. difference of $80 to $180 mopar... thinking next i'll have to go mopar... sucks

 

Good lord... Where are you buying parts??