Throttle Position Sensor
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Throttle Position Sensor
My car has gone into the "limp" mode and I'm getting throttle position sensor codes from the DIC. So, I buy a new TPS, but I'm still getting the codes. I give up and take it to the Chevy dealer and they tell me that the TPS is not a serviceable item and that the entire throttle body needs to be replaced - to the tune of $1,000. GM, however, sells a TPS over the counter at the parts department 
So, is the dealer just trying to hose me over or do I really need a new throttle body? (NAPA sells the throttle body for $500.)
So, is the dealer just trying to hose me over or do I really need a new throttle body? (NAPA sells the throttle body for $500.)
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
From: Shawnee Kansas
But my question to you is? You already replaced the sensor once and it did not correct the problem (code) Why do they/you think it needs a second sensor?
If you don’t know why it need the work that is recommended call the Service Writer and ask him.
Why does it need a second sensor?
Why the throttle body is needed if the sensor is sold by GM separately.
He may have a good reason or find out he made a mistake
My car has gone into the "limp" mode and I'm getting throttle position sensor codes from the DIC. So, I buy a new TPS, but I'm still getting the codes. I give up and take it to the Chevy dealer and they tell me that the TPS is not a serviceable item and that the entire throttle body needs to be replaced - to the tune of $1,000. GM, however, sells a TPS over the counter at the parts department
So, is the dealer just trying to hose me over or do I really need a new throttle body? (NAPA sells the throttle body for $500.)
So, is the dealer just trying to hose me over or do I really need a new throttle body? (NAPA sells the throttle body for $500.)
If you don’t know why it need the work that is recommended call the Service Writer and ask him.
Why does it need a second sensor?
Why the throttle body is needed if the sensor is sold by GM separately.
He may have a good reason or find out he made a mistake
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Kevin.......Good questions. As stated before, I replaced the TPS with a new one, but that did not solve the problem. So, I put the original TPS back on and brought it to the dealer. Dealer tells me that the TPS is not a serviceable item and that the entire throttle body needs to be replaced. Well, the BS flag went up when the service guy told me the cost to replace the throttle body was $1,300. Basically, I'm trying to find out if the dealer is just trying to scam me or not. If the TPS is a non-servicable item, why does GM sell it as a seperate part??
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 262
Likes: 2
From: Shawnee Kansas
Call the Service Writer and ask him.
Why the throttle body is needed if the sensor is sold by GM separately.
He may have a good reason or find out he made a mistake!
Also ask! If replacing the TPS doesn’t correct the code then what?
Why the throttle body is needed if the sensor is sold by GM separately.
He may have a good reason or find out he made a mistake!
Also ask! If replacing the TPS doesn’t correct the code then what?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
I did ask the service manager (and parts manager) why GM sells the TPS when it's a non-serviceable part. They both looked at me, shrugged their shoulders and said: "I don't know." Also, if the new throttle body does not fix the problem, there may be additional parts that need to be replaced. They will not refund the cost of the throttle body if that is not the problem.
I've taken the car to a performance racing shop nearby. When I told them the story they chuckled. The Tech knew exactly what I was talking about and showed me a printout on how to re-calibrate the TPS. Apparently, the TPS "forgets" its calibration if you move the throttle butterfly manually. The car should be ready later today. I'll report back.
I've taken the car to a performance racing shop nearby. When I told them the story they chuckled. The Tech knew exactly what I was talking about and showed me a printout on how to re-calibrate the TPS. Apparently, the TPS "forgets" its calibration if you move the throttle butterfly manually. The car should be ready later today. I'll report back.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
All fixed. The shop did a TPS re-set for $50. (the same price GM charged me just to have the mechanic look at my car.) Funny how a non-Chevrolet garage knows more about Corvettes than a GM Corvette certified mechanic does.
If possible, I will never take my car to the Chevrolet dealer for service again. Clearly, they are not interested in helping the consumer. Rather, they are only interested in generating revenue for the Stealership.
If possible, I will never take my car to the Chevrolet dealer for service again. Clearly, they are not interested in helping the consumer. Rather, they are only interested in generating revenue for the Stealership.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 9
Then what VALUE do they add to the process since all the ones I've ever talked to were CLUELESS. All they are is another cost the customer has to pay for that adds no value.