I wanted to share this DIY adjustment video for anyone with an `82 (+ `84). I had replaced my TPS last summer as a preemptive measure, easy to do, but I simply matched it's re-placement with the exact position of the OE one that i replaced by locating the correct position using a silver paint pen outline on the side of the throttle body where the TPS mounts. But, even though the new one was installed in the exact position as the old one, and with a Delco TPS, and it ran well I still noticed a flat spot on initial acceleration (mainly when cold), and the idle didn't seem smooth. So, after watching this video I was able to easily adjust the TPS to the correct voltage with only three `5" wires I had laying around and a cheap, Harbor Freight voltmeter that I had never even turned on before, nor knew how to use. I didn't need to add the male/female connector ends. I just cut the insulation off of the ends of each wire and in the middle of two of the wires (for the red and black alligator clips to touch bare wire)' then, I just friction-fit them into their respective connector ends. The red alligator clip from the multimeter goes on the bottom (or the three TPS wires) wire, and the black alligator clip goes on the middle wire. Then, after loosening the two TPS screws so that they can slide up and down a bit (the actual adjustment method), and turning the key to "run" (not actually starting the car) and turning the voltmeter to "Volts", just move the TPS up and down until it hits .525. Then, retighten the 2 TPS screws, reconnect the TPS wire connector, and go have fun. Mine was at .320 using the scientific eyeball method and I am surprised how much it immediately smoothened out the idle, eliminated a flat spot around 1200 RPM, and smoothened-out what I didn't know was a jerky throttle response.


I just ask that you do the same for someone else in our awesome hobby someday when you discover a helpful approach to a slightly intimidating procedure....

 

Pretty decent vid, but you don't have to do that, just back probe the connector with your meter leads if you want to and just crack the screws on the TPS just enough that it barely moves which is much easier to adjust than loosening them up so far. OR you could use the harness adapter that I have which makes life much easier again. Anyway, nice that someone took the time to make the vid. The other suggestion would be that you get a GM service manual and it tells you how to do the replacement and that you need to adjust it after installation and which wires. The reason you have to adjust it is important to the ECM so it knows where idle is in relation to the throttle blade angle. Wrong TPS setting makes for an unhappy running motor and yours was way off. The closer you can get it to .525v, the better and it will have a tendency to wonder as you tighten it down. You MUST adjust the TPS sensor ANY time you make ANY adjustment on the TBs like in a balance procedure. Knowledge is power!

 

Hi,
I have been playing with the TPS and have run across odd behavior. As I started my adjustment I was at .493. I slid the TPS up slowly and got to .514. I continued to raise it the voltage started to go back down. I assumed that the voltage would continue to rise. Do you know if this indicates a bad sensor?
Thanks for any help!
Ryan

 

This was a 5 yr old thread. You might have better luck starting a new one of your own. And welcome to the FORUM!