C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

throttle positioning sensor adjustment

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 28, 2004 | 02:16 PM
  #1  
Da Mail Man's Avatar
Da Mail Man
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 30
Default throttle positioning sensor adjustment

Greetings,
A While Back I Saw And Printed A Copy Of The Adjustment For The Throttle Positioning Sensor In A 1988 Vete. This Mod Was To Adjust The Voltage Of The Sensor Close To But, Not Exceeding .54 Volts Dc.

I Can Neither Find My Printed Copy Nor The Thread Anywhere In The Forum. Anyone Have A Copy That They Can Re-post?....thanks!
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2004 | 02:33 PM
  #2  
65Z01's Avatar
65Z01
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

My method of adjusting for high performance is on my site, but you can also use it to adjust to the stock .54Vdc.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2004 | 04:46 PM
  #3  
_twisted_'s Avatar
_twisted_
Safety Car
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 5
From: The Pines South Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by Da Mail Man

I Can Neither Find My Printed Copy Nor The Thread Anywhere In The Forum. Anyone Have A Copy That They Can Re-post?....thanks!
here
I think this is the one you had
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2004 | 05:02 PM
  #4  
85blkrose's Avatar
85blkrose
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
From: berwick pennsylvania
Default

How to Adjust your Early C4 TPS and Idle Speed
by Lars Grimsrud
SVE Automotive Restoration
Musclecar, Collector & Exotic Auto Repair & Restoration
Broomfield, CO Rev. New 6-15-00

This tech paper will discuss the procedure for correct adjustment of the Minimum Idle Speed and for adjustment of the Throttle Position Switch (TPS) on the early C4 Corvette TPI systems. These steps apply specifically to the 1985 model year, and in general to other years. Later model years do not have adjustable TPS's.

General
Idle speed and off-idle throttle response on the early TPI systems is determined by correct adjustment of the minimum idle speed screw combined with a correct setting of the TPS. I've seen many of these cars that have had their idle speed "corrected" by well-intentioned mechanics and owners by simply screwing the minimum idle speed screw in a few turns. This really messes up the settings, and will not make your car perform properly. Doing a correct setup of the TPS is one of the easiest ways to make your car feel and respond better. To maximize the benefit of this procedure, I recommend that you first remove your Throttle Body (TB), disassemble it (it's incredible easy - there are a total of about 5 pieces in it…), clean the TB up really good with some spray carb cleaner, and put it back together. A nice clean TB will really put an edge on the performance improvement you will get by doing this procedure.

The Service Manual has instructions for doing these operations, but the directions are scattered through several sections of the Manual. Here is the complete, step-by-step process for doing this (not including TB rebuild). All specs and steps are taken directly from the Manual (all 3 different sections), and this process is absolutely correct.

Tools & Equipment
You will need the following tools and equipment:

1. A set of Torx wrenches. You can buy a complete set in a nice, genuine plastic pouch at Sears.
2. A good digital voltmeter that will read voltages less than 1 volt.
3. A paper clip.
4. A small screwdriver.

Procedure
There are two electrical components on the TB that you will be working with: The TPS and the Idle Air Control Valve (IAC). Make sure that the connectors for these two components are easily accessible and that you can easily disconnect the IAC.

You will also be playing with the diagnostic connector under the dash. Remove the cover (if it's still in place). Bend your paper clip into a "U" shape. You will be playing with the two top right hand terminals ("A" and "B") in the connector.

First step is to set the minimum idle speed. If nobody has messed with this on your car before, the set screw will be covered by a pressed-in plug. It's located on the driver's side of the TB. Remove this plug if it's there.
With the IAC connected and the ignition "OFF," stick the paper clip into the diagnostic connector from "A" to "B." This grounds the diagnostic lead.
Turn the ignition to the "ON" position without starting the engine. Wait 30 seconds.
Now, with the ignition still in the "ON" position, disconnect the IAC connector at the IAC.
Remove the paper clip from the diagnostic connector.
Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. The idle speed will probably be really low, and you may have to coax the engine a bit with the gas pedal to keep it running for a while.
If your car is an automatic, set the parking brake and put the transmission in "DRIVE." If your car is a manual, leave it in neutral.
Adjust the idle speed screw to obtain 400 rpm in drive or 450 in neutral.
Shut off the engine and re-connect the IAC.
That's it for idle speed. Now on to the TPS.

There are 3 wires stacked vertically on the TPS. You will need to be able to measure the voltage between the two top wires. You can either buy a special harness connector that breaks these wires out (from Mid America), or gently pierce the insulation of the wires with the pointy prongs on your volt meter. You can also stick a paper clip into each of the two top locations of the connector and clamp onto the paper clips to measure the voltage. Whatever is easiest for you.

Turn the ignition to the "ON" position without starting the engine.
Loosen the TPS Torx adjustment screws.
Set your volt meter to a low scale DC volt setting that will accurately read less than 1 volt.
Measure the voltage between the two top TPS wires.
Adjust the TPS by rotating its position until you get a reading of .54 volts.
Tighten the Torx screws and recheck the voltage. Re-adjust if necessary to make sure voltage is right at .54.
Turn the ignition "OFF."
You are now in perfect adjustment on idle speed and TPS output. Start the engine. It may take a few seconds for the car to "catch on" to its new settings.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2004 | 05:06 PM
  #5  
Da Mail Man's Avatar
Da Mail Man
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 30
Default

Greetings All!,

Thanks A Lot For The Info! As Far As The Initial Adjustment Of The Tps, I Just Have To Loosen The Screws A Bit And Rotate The Sensor To The Appropriate Voltage? The Article Seems To Indicate That The Procedure Is Strictly For A 1985 Car. Are You Guys Sure This Is Correct For An 88?.....thanks Again!!
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2004 | 05:09 PM
  #6  
85blkrose's Avatar
85blkrose
Racer
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
From: berwick pennsylvania
Default tps adj

Originally Posted by Da Mail Man
Greetings All!,

Thanks A Lot For The Info! As Far As The Initial Adjustment Of The Tps, I Just Have To Loosen The Screws A Bit And Rotate The Sensor To The Appropriate Voltage? The Article Seems To Indicate That The Procedure Is Strictly For A 1985 Car. Are You Guys Sure This Is Correct For An 88?.....thanks Again!!

This tech paper will discuss the procedure for correct adjustment of the Minimum Idle Speed and for adjustment of the Throttle Position Switch (TPS) on the early C4 Corvette TPI systems. These steps apply specifically to the 1985 model year, and in general to other years. Later model years do not have adjustable TPS's.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2004 | 05:45 PM
  #7  
65Z01's Avatar
65Z01
Team Owner
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Indeed '85-'89 L98 has an adjustable TPS with slotted mounting bolt holes; later L98 TPS had round mounting bolt holes and were not adjustable.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2004 | 07:47 AM
  #8  
Da Mail Man's Avatar
Da Mail Man
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 30
Default

Greetings All,

Thanks, I Was Just Trying To Be Sure In Case I Damaged Anything For A Repair That Might Nt Have Applied To My Car Anyway. Thanks Again All!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To throttle positioning sensor adjustment

Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:25 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE