Q: Throttle position sensor needs resetting

asked by on February 24, 2016

The ESP light is coming on in my car and I am getting no throttle response. It appears to be the throttle position sensor. I've tried resetting to the original specifications. but have not had much luck.

Throttle Position Sensor Replacement $144.21 - $717.44 Get a Quote

The ESP system may have a bad ground on the left hand shock tower causing the problem to happen intermittently. I recommend seeking a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to come and test your vehicle for you and remove, clean, and re-connect the ground. They should then clear the codes and check the ESP for operation. If needed, they can replace your throttle position sensor for you.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does the loose fuel cap warning mean?
If you see the loose fuel cap warning shown in the vehicle information display, it usually means that the gas cap isn’t screwed down all the way. If the gas cap’s seal doesn’t lock in, the system will detect a...
Trunk latch not catching
Hello, since the hatch won't latch closed, take a look inside the latch and see that it didn't latch close on it's own. If you can see that the tongue has rotated and you can see the circle in the...
Losing coolant via the water pump
The symptoms you describe for your Audi lead me to believe that not only is your water pump failing, but coolant is finding its way into the exhaust system. This can happen a few different ways such as a blown...
Rough idling during cold starts
The vehicle will have to have the throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-throttle-body) and idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-clean-an-idle-air-control-valve-by-joyce-morse) checked to see if it needs to be cleaned. Also, the engine will need to be checked for any vacuum leaks (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-vacuum-leak) when the...
2 coil packs not working
You only need to replace the two bad ones, but be prepared to replace one or more in the near future. The coils are all the same age and all have the same amount of use and seem to fail...
Car runs rough - 1995 Cadillac Fleetwood
Hi! Sometimes a bad spark plug wire (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement) can result in what you are experiencing. If your vehicle is due for any scheduled maintenance (based on mileage), such as a tune up (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/tune-up) (new spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor...
Error code 171
Hello. If you are referring to trouble code P0171, then there may be a few different potential causes. P0171 is the trouble code for a lean condition at bank 1 of the vehicle's engine. A lean condition occurs when the...
how much does it cost to replace ignition switch?
Hi there: In most cases, you'll want to replace the ignition lock cylinder (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-an-ignition-lock-cylinder-by-timothy-charlet) for your Volkswagen. We'll have one of our service professionals send you a price quote as soon as possible.
Cadillac CTS OnStar disconnection
Hello. The OnStar system is wired to receive a wide variety of inputs so that immediate assistance can be provided in the event of an accident. For this reason it may very well be possible that the system is tied...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor
A failing brake booster vacuum sensor will cause the brake pedal to be stiff or turn on the Check Engine Light.
How Long Does an Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Fluid Level Sensor Last?
Your Your ABS system works both by means of electricity and hydraulic pressure. Fluid levels need to be monitored at all times, and that is the job of the ABS fluid level sensor. Located in the master cylinder, the ABS...
How to Replace the Oil Temperature Sensor on Most Cars
Oil, as well as the oil temperature sensor, is crucial to the engine lubrication system. A bad sensor can lead to leaks and poor vehicle performance.