TPS issues

[RareGMFan]

Ok, if you've seen this thread,

http://www.netavalanche.com/tgp/viewtopic.php?t=2229

you noticed how I mention the TPS as one of the things I've changed recently (even though it didn't need it). You'll also notice I say that it's having some rough, high idling issues. Well, I finally got my first SES light yesterday, and checked it out today. It's giving me a code 22: TPS sensor voltage low.  

Did I install this wrong? Is that even possible? I have a TPS issue after I replace it?? I was worried something wasn't right, because when I first installed the new one and started her up, the RPMs jumped to 3K!! I had to manually tune it down, as waiting for the computer to feel out the new sensor wasn't working. What could be wrong?

[TGPilot]

You may want to refer to this thread. Sounds like a common issue? http://www.netavalanche.com/tgp/viewtopic.php?t=2154

Ha! Found it!

http://www.lukez34.com/hostedpics/DSC02202.JPG

There's a few more bad wires in there too. The wires get warm and rub against the wire loom which causes them to do that.. I guess that's what happened.
Now to fix it. If I remove the water pump, it will be much easier, but I'm not so sure I want to go through all of that work.

[RareGMFan]

Hmmmm....that's interesting.  Although what has me puzzled in my case is that it had no idleing issues before I replaced the TPS, and it started immediately after installation (as in right when I installed it, and started the car up a few seconds later).  Also, I just tried unplugging it today, and it is still idling WAY too high.  I drove it over to a buddies, and it was doing 2K RPM.  I unplug it, and start her up, and she goes to 3K RPM!!!!!  I plugged it back in, but it stayed at 3K RPM!!!  I tried unplugging it again, and it was still at 3K RPM.  I tried to manual adjust it to turn it down, but it wouldn't drop below 3K.  Needless to say, I was freaking out.  I mainly went over there to do the fuel filter, but I was to much of a pissed off wreck to worry about it after that.  I went to drive it home, and it went back to 2K RPM.  Never thought I'd be glad to see that.   :shock:  On the way home, I noticed the idle had returned to semi normal again (rough, but correct RPMs, just as it's always been since I bought it).  However, it was bucking every time I took my foot off of the pedal (decelerating).  It's always done this, but not this harshly.  It also had a major hesitation every time I stepped on the pedal from a stand still, and when I was pulling into the street my apartments are on, it died all together when I tried to go.  I got home, tried swapping computers with the TGP, and started her up again.  It started fine, then the idle nearly dropped too low, and then it shot up to 3K RPM and stayed there.  WHAT'S SHE DOING!?!?!?  Now I know how Luke felt  :cry:

[Jeff M]

Put the old TPS back in and test?  Also, the chip has some features (one of many that makes it so much better than an aftermarket!!!) one is when the battery volts drop too low, the chip will up the idle rpm in hopes of compensating, the lower the volts the more it will bump up the IAC/idle speed, just something else to check.  Also the wires at the IAC might have been iffy before you moved them, now they are not making full contact maybe.  The thing is if you have any access to a scan too, you can check the IAC to see if it is what is adding numbers that are increasing your idle!

Jeff M

[RareGMFan]

Put the old TPS back in and test?

Trust me, I would have if I could, but I *think* I may have thrown it out already.   :oops:  I looked everywhere it should have been if I kept it, and I don't see it.  I'll have to take a closer look, though.  If not, I always have the one off the spare motor to try.

Also, the chip has some features (one of many that makes it so much better than an aftermarket!!!) one is when the battery volts drop too low, the chip will up the idle rpm in hopes of compensating, the lower the volts the more it will bump up the IAC/idle speed, just something else to check.

Well, the battery and alternator are both about 8 months old, so hopefully it isn't that.  I remember how goofy the car acted when I first got it about a year ago, and the alternator was going out.  As for the chip, when I swapped computers, the other one had the stock chip in it (vs. the orginal one which has the TG 160 chip).  So far, it's done this with either computer, regardless of stock chip, or TG chip, regardless of weather the TPS is plugged in or not.  

Also the wires at the IAC might have been iffy before you moved them, now they are not making full contact maybe.

That's what I was thinking.  So, I take it I'll have to remove the upper plenum to get a good look at these?  And if the wire looms are in good shape, is it still possible that the wires are shot/borken inside of them?

The thing is if you have any access to a scan too, you can check the IAC to see if it is what is adding numbers that are increasing your idle!

Yeah, this is the big deal right here.  I've needed to get this car scanned from day one to attack all the immediate problem areas, first, before worrying about full restoration.  Unfortanetly, I don't have access to one.  I'm more than likely going to take it to a mechanic (got a connection at NAPA, who has connections with mechanics, some of which I'm sure will even scan for free), and just let him have at it for the day, and tell me what the results are/what it needs.  Now, if I could just find the time for all this....

[LukeZ34]

Now I know how Luke felt  :cry:

Yea, it sucks.. I was pretty close to giving up, but thanks to a friend in KC, he was able to read my scans and pinpoint that the TPS was topped out at 100%, which lead me to those wires. Here's some more pics of them..

http://www.lukez34.com/hostedpics/wires/DSC02203.JPG
http://www.lukez34.com/hostedpics/wires/DSC02210.JPG
http://www.lukez34.com/hostedpics/wires/DSC02214.JPG