Also known as the throttle position sensor, the Integra TPS Sensor is an integral part of your B series throttle body. Whether you are swapping a B series into your Civic or you own an Integra, there’s a lot of reasons why you would need to test your TPS. If you have imported a JDM B series and need a replacement throttle sensor, or your Integra TPS sensor has gone out in your Acura, this guide is here to help you.
Today I’ll be showing you how to test your Integra TPS sensor in a 1997 Acura with the 1.8 liter non VTEC engine in it. Of course to test your Acura throttle sensor, you will need to use a digital multimeter. You will also use this tool to calibrate your new TPS sensor. When your Acura Integra TPS sensor goes bad, you’ll notice quite a few problems with your B series engine.
One of the more obvious issues with your Integra is that your VTEC isn’t working, or your Integra check engine light being on. If your OBDII Integra has a check engine light related to your throttle, you’ll need a OBDII scan tool to erase your Integra check engine light.
If you have some Integra problems with your DOHC B series engine not running right, here’s some other common symptoms of a bad TPS.
- Inconsistent throttle response
- Integra won’t start
- Poor idle
- Idle surge
- Engine revving on it’s own
When your Integra won’t start make sure that your TPS is connected properly. Now would be a good time to double check and make sure you haven’t accidentally swapped the MAP sensor and TPS sensor harnesses.
What does my Integra TPS sensor do?
The TPS is also the throttle position sensor, and as it’s name would imply the sole purpose of this sensor is to relay the angle of your throttle opening to your ECU. Whether you are using a P72, P28 or other Honda ECU, it needs a signal from your TPS to properly ramp up and deliver the right amount of fuel.
The Integra TPS sensor is basically just a potentiometer. It’s mounted to your B series throttle shaft, and as you apply pressure to your accelerator pedal this sensor reads how far the throttle is opened. This movement is translated into a voltage range that your Honda ECU will recognize and utilize it to operate your B series engine.
Where is my Integra TPS sensor located?
As you open the hood of your Integra, the throttle position sensor is mounted to your throttle body, near the firewall. This sensor is connected to a three pin weatherproof connector, and it’s here that we’ll be testing for power, ground and signal circuits.
Make sure you do not confuse the Integra MAP sensor for the TPS. The manifold absolute pressure sensor is mounted to the TOP of your throttle body.
Your throttle position sensor is mounted opposite of the throttle butterfly. To find this sensor, simply follow your intake pipe back to your intake manifold, and look on the firewall side of your B series throttle body.
To test this unit properly, you will need to insert your Integra key and turn it to the “ON” position. This powers up the sensors in your B series engine bay and allows you to test the components without turning the engine on.
In order to test your Integra TPS sensor, we’ll be using the multimeter to check for power at the throttle harness first. Locate and unplug your throttle sensor to begin our DIY testing guide.
Testing your Integra TPS sensor for power
To begin testing your throttle sensor, you’ll need to refer to our Integra TPS wiring diagram below. Remember that you are testing on the HARNESS side of the TPS, not the sensor itself. With the key turned to the “ON” position, put the black lead of your multimeter to the negative battery terminal.
Now gently probe the front of the wire leading to PIN C of your Integra TPS sensor. This is usually a solid yellow wire, or a yellow wire with a black stripe for Integra TPS wiring.
With the key turned to the ON position, you should have a power signal here. Now you will be checking for a ground circuit. This is located at the wire leading to PIN A of our Integra TPS wiring schematic.
This is usually a green wire or a green wire with a white stripe in it. To test this put the red lead of your multimeter to the positive terminal of your battery, and GENTLY probe the front of terminal A. You should see close to 12 volts of power here, which means you’ve got the right ground signal.
If your Integra TPS sensor checks out for power and ground, it’s now time to check the TPS signal. To test the signal of your B series throttle sensor, you’ll need to reconnect the engine harness.
Cut away at the harness shielding or strip away the electrical tape to expose the wiring that usually leads under the intake pipe. The wire that leads to PIN B of the TPS should be red, or red with a black stripe in it. With the Integra TPS sensor connected, you will be measuring the signal your throttle sensor is sending out.
Testing your Integra TPS sensor signal
The last part of this throttle position sensor How To is testing the signal for your B series TPS. In order to read the signal coming from your throttle, you will need to pierce the wire that leads to PIN B. Pierce the wire or expose just a bit using wire strippers.
In the closed position you should see between .4-.6 volts of signal. Now manually deflect your B series throttle body until it’s fully open. At this position it should read between 4.4 
and 4.8 volts of signal. Slowly close and open the throttle body using your hand, and monitor your multimeter for any missing gaps of signal or spikes in signal.
If your Integra TPS sensor does not respond in the following manner, chances are it’s gone bad. You can install a replacement OEM unit, or choose a BLOX Racing B series TPS sensor, or a BlackWorks B series throttle sensor. Either one will be an excellent choice for your Integra TPS sensor replacement.
In order to do this you will need a cutoff wheel or dremel to drill out the rivets that Honda chose to install from the factory. Most aftermarket TPS sensors like the ones outlined above come with all the hardware needed for a complete install.
Have any questions about this Integra TPS sensor guide? Want to learn more about the B series or how to build a LS VTEC engine swap? Subscribe to My Pro Street to get all the latest in tech tips and automotive news.
