Testing the TPS for Dead Spots using Resistance

This is not meant to be a sure fire way of resolving TPS issues, it’s merely a home grown way of seeing if a dead spot could exist within the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).

Always be sure to test for proper voltages and resistances according to the service manual. 

When testing for the beginning resistance point (closed throttle) the service manual states it should be 0.6 ohms but this value is wrong, you will not be able to achieve this low value when the TPS is mounted onto the throttle body. I’ve tested 3 TPS’s and all beginning resistance values for each varied between the 1.4-1.8 ohms with an ending value being 4.8 ohms (full open throttle). Your input voltage will be 5 volts, this is what the ECM gives to both TPS’s, 

If you have been performing your online research to troubleshoot TPS issues you may have run across some postings on the forums regarding making your own 5 volt testing power supply unit to provide the TPS while testing using a 9v battery and a small 5 voltage regulator. One key note here before proceeding with this. Be sure to test the output lead of the voltage regulator to insure it is putting out the correct voltage, these things tend to be off in values sometimes and you may need to buy more than one voltage regulator to get the proper 5v output.

If you’re wondering if the TPS and STPS are the same, yes they are. You could swap them and have the bike run exactly the same after proper alignment of both. On the harness side of things, the TPS and STPS connectors as exactly the same except for one is black and the other is gray. Signal wire for the TPS is Pink while the STPS signal wire color is Yellow, both have an input voltage of 5 volts.

My question is since they are the same part then why does the Suzuki dealership charge you two different prices for each, TPS $110/ STPS $120… don’t believe me, test the resistance and voltages on both for yourself then give the dealership a call and ask for pricing for each.

In any case, replacing the TPS did not solve my issue but the readjustment did my bike idle a lot smoother.

Testing the TPS for Dead Spots using Resistance