QuestionWell, it seems changing the TPS was about as successful as the Sox have been lately. No change. I made sure I installed it correctly so the throttle actually makes the lever in the switch move and checked and double checked my connections (this TPS has two connectors). I also tried adjusting it (it has slotted holes that attach it to the throttle body to allow some minor adjusting). That didn't make any difference. Luckily this part from AutoZone was only $67 (not $250). It was the same exact make/number that I took out (Hitachi brand sold by Wells).
The CEL came back on within a minute of starting the van (I did clear the codes before starting like you said). It still starts & idles rough and stalls when not in gear (same as before). It also still doesn't downshift with full pedal and automatic shifting is really hard (slams into gear). If the codes come back the same (which I'm pretty sure they will) what would you suggest?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Followup To
Question -
Hello Dinger,
I had the codes checked and it came up with a P0120 (TPS Sensor A Circuit Malfunction) and a P1705 (Manufaturer Control Transmission). I'm hoping it's only the TPS and that is what cased the TCM code. I'll put in a new TPS tonight (if I can find a parts store with one in stock) and let you know if that is the fix.
Hey, what's happened to our Sox lately (yes I'm a frustrated fan too)? At least I have the Patriots to look forward too!!
Thanks,
Jeff
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Followup To
Question -
Thanks for the information (that was FAST!!). I will have the codes checked (I should have mentioned that the CEL is lit, but that was lit before this problem started). I have added dry gas and changed the fuel filter because this van was sitting a while before I bought it in hopes that would fix the problem (it didn't). It did drive great when I picked it up and was downshifting fine (lots of power and smooth shifts). It shifts hard now and doesn't have full throttle downshifting. Any thoughts on what could be causing the shifting problems?
Thanks again,
Jeff
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Followup To
Question -
I have a 97 Mercury Villager with the 3.0 and automatic tran that started running rough, stalling and not downshifting on full throttle. I found a hose coming from the top of the transmission that is disconnected. The rubber hose has metal fitting on the end that's in the shape of a loop. I can tell that it was connected "somewhere" by the color of the metal at the end of the loop, but can not find where it connects. It is routed near the throttle body area, but no open connections can be located.
Thanks for your help.
Jeff
Answer -
Hi Jeff,
That's the vent for the transmission. It doesn't hook to anything and you transmission is fully electronic, i.e. no vacuum. As far as it is running rough it could be something as simple as bad gas to having a bad sensor. I suggest having you take it down and have it scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. There are just too many sensors to try and guess. In earlier cars, we could make some adjustments, but in your car, there are no adjustments. All handled by the car's computer via dozens and dozens of sensors. Cottman Transmission will scan your van for free if you have one nearby.
Answer -
HI Jeff,
From my earlier post " I suggest having you take it down and have it scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. There are just too many sensors to try and guess." LOL That check engine light will tell us the whole story... or at least give us a direction to go in. Please don't ignore check engine lights. These are connected to the computer and the computer is monitoring everything that moves in that car. Even if it feels like it's running great, if that light is on, it's not running great.
Answer -
HI Jeff,
Yeah, I feel they have given up after the spanking by those damn yankees. So far in the pre-season the Pats look real good... Let's hope!
Ok, now we are on the right track, the code P0120 is a bad Throttle Position Sensor. This sensor replaces the "kick down" cable and tells the computer where your foot is on the accelerator. When it's not working your transmission will not know you want passing gear. That will need to be replaced part number 1F5Z9B989AA and a whopping $280.00 price tag. Sheesh...
The code P1705 is being caused by the TPS (throttle position sensor) also.
Once you replace these you will need to clear the codes by disconnecting both cables to the battery and then hold them together for about 10 seconds. This also resets the clock and radio just to give you a heads up.
Replacing this sensor will fix the problem. I calls for .6 of an hour or about 36 minutes to install. Let me know how this works out!
AnswerJeff,
That needs to be adjusted by using a VOM and setting it within specs. I was about to kill one of my techs because he said he adjusted one on a Toyota, but he set it like you did. We spent another 4 days trying to find a short but it wasn't. It was the TPS out of adjustment. It's a bit complicated to set it. You know why it gave us .6 of an hour now. There are three wires into it. One ground, one hot and one signal. Ground the negitive side of the VOM and find the signal wire, with the key on, adjust the TPS so there is zero volts at the signal wire. Just bearly zero. Then watch the meter as you have someone slowly press on the gas pedal. It should slowly climb in voltage. Reset the codes and drive away smiling!
