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Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001: How to Replace Throttle Position Sensor

The throttle position sensor (TPS) senses when you're pushing on the gas. When it stops working, your Jeep will have a hard time throttling. This guide will show you how to replace a bad TPS.

By Jared Hammond - September 3, 2015
Contributors: tjwalker

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001).

The throttle position sensor (TPS) adjusts how much fuel flows into the engine according to how much pressure is put on the accelerator. A bad TPS can cause all sorts of idling problems, such as too much fuel while idling or a slow response during acceleration. To really check if it's working or not, you can connect an electrical meter like an analog meter with a needle, so you can confirm visually whether it's adjusting voltage correctly. If the meter indicates any sudden spikes or drops while the throttle is going from idle to open, then the TPS is almost certainly bad and needs to be replaced.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement TPS
  • Ratchet with T20 Torx bit

Step 1 – Remove old TPS

Start by disconnecting the negative (black) terminal on your battery. This is necessary to clear any error codes caused by the TPS. You'll find the TPS connected to the throttle body on the side of the engine. It's just a small module that's connected to an electrical harness. To remove it, you'll need to push in the clips on the harness and unplug it. Then you'll need to remove the two screws holding it to the throttle body. There's not much room to fit a screwdriver in there, so you'll want to use a ratchet instead.

Figure 1. TPS is on the right side of this throttle body.

Step 2 – Install new TPS

To install a new TPS, attach it to the throttle body and then tighten down the two Torx screws so that it's securely attached to the throttle body. Reconnect the electrical harness so that it clicks into place. Then you're all done. With the new TPS installed, your Jeep should be performing and throttling much better.

Pro Tip

If you have an older Cherokee with the 4.0L engine that uses the Renix system, the TPS will need some manual adjustments after installation. Moving the TPS position will change how the engine idles, so adjust it until the engine starts idling smoothly.

Featured Video: TPS on Jeep Cherokee XJ

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