Hi,

I have to go on a business trip this weekend and I just recently got the code 7 for the throttle sensor. I was wondering if this is something that needs to addressed IMMEDIATELY or if I can still drive the car normally?

 

Oh and I've recently been having trouble with my tach bouncing around in 4th gear. Could the TPS be the cause of this?

 

The throttle position sensor (TPS) is located on the end of the throttle shaft on the throttle body. By monitoring the output voltage from the TPS, the engine computer or PCM (Power Train Control Module) can determine fuel delivery based on throttle valve angle (driver demand). A broken or loose or loose TPS can cause intermittent bursts of fuel from the injectors and cause an unstable idle because the PCM thinks the throttle is moving.
I don't think you have to worry about damaging your motor. You will probably only notice a rough idle or possibly high fuel consumption.
The TPS sensor is simply a "potentiometer" that picks up voltage readings depending on the position of the throttle. Since it is a potentiometer it can be easily checked with a good multimeter. Check whether the TPS is receiving proper "bias" voltage before you do anything. Tell the mechanic this as well.
The connector body for the TPC has three pins. The outside 2 pins should have 5vdc with the key on. The center pin is the "signal" input to the PCM.
If everything is ok with the sensor wiring then next check the TPS with the power on and car running. Pierce the insulation of the connector wires and connect a multimeter to GND and to the center pin (signal). At idle the voltage output from the TPS should be about +0.5 to +1.5V referenced to GND. As the throttle is increased to full open this voltage should increase to around +4.5V.
Sorry but to replace the TPS you have to change the throttle body as the TPS is permenantly attached to the throttle body.
Hope I helped.

skiier