Thread: Throttle Position Sensor and Purge Solenoid

Hello everyone,

I have bit of a problem with my 97 Grand Prix SE, when I bought the car back in September and took it through inspection it gave a code saying that I need a Throttle Position Sensor. However; I have had three diagnostics done at my local parts store and it is only throwing a P0441 code. As for that code I replaced the Purge Solenoid and had it retested and it gave the same code. I see that the rubber ends are pretty raggedy, so I bought some vaccum rubber and put it on, but haven't had it retested yet. The car drags when accelarating and doesn't change gear as it should unless I really "put the pedal to the metal" and the transmission fluid is at the right level, but gas is consumed badly. I have bought the TPS, but have not changed it out, so my questions are: should I change the TPS even though it's not showing up, and what tool would I need to remove these two screws? The screws are circular with something that looks like a pin in its center(or my glasses deceived me), it's hard to describe... I tried the torx bit that I have to no avail.

Thanks In Advance

You probably have a evap leak.. Or your engine is not producing enough vacuum. But that would not cause your acceleration problem it's just a emissions system to keep raw fuel from escaping the fuel system. Your acceleration problem sounds like a bad or very dirty mass air flow sensor or a restricted catalytic converter very common on w bodys. The tps sensor bolts are tamper proof torx bits which have a hole in the middle of the torx socket it's unlikely that's your problem.

If your evap system is leaking yes you could be getting fumes from it... As far as performance a bad or dirty mass air flow will not necessarily set a code nor if you have a bad converter... There are many drivability issues that will affect performance and not set codes for that specific thing but can and will set codes for other components even tho there is nothing wrong with the components it's setting codes for.. A code is just a direction to go not necessarily the problem the PCM sees incorrect values from those components and sets codes because the PCM don't know any better but the values it sees. I have seen maf sensors read correctly through data but still be bad causing drivability concerns many times.

This Throttle Position Sensor has given me a headache, I can't access the bottom screw because the engine mount and upper hose is in the way. I am afraid to move the hose because I don't know if it will split or if the clamp will break... because I attempted to move my fuel line out of the way, so I went to take the T -Connector of of the throttle bottle that goes to the fuel pressure regulator and the vacum hose was dry rotted and broke in pieces. Just my luck I could not get one from Auto Zone, nor O'Reilley... However, I lucked up and found one that was split, but not as bad at the junkyard. Now, I need to know where can I find new T-Connectors and if there is some kind of mini torx screwdriver I can use to get between there? Not able to upload photos on here...don't know why.

Thanks