Hi Folks,

Hopefully I can get some help here regarding my Durango's TPS issue. I decided to clean the engine using a high pressure sprayer (I know, bad move). As soon as I started the truck I noticed the RPM's going up and down every couple of seconds. I do the system check and get the errors 0121 and 0123 which is the Throttle Positioning Sensor.

I replaced the sensor and the check engine light is still on which tells me that I still have the problem. When I started the D', I gave it a little bit of gas because she hadn't been started in a couple of days..and when I did that, she cut out on me (it did this a couple of times with rough idling). I checked the errors codes and of course I still have the same issue.

I checked the wiring and see that the middle wire is frayed/cracked and exposed alot. The mechanic who 'fixed' it last year just taped it around a few times. Do you think that the wiring is preventing the sensor from working properly because its not getting the right voltage? Can I cut the old sensor harness and wires off and buy a new one?

Hopefully someone can help.

Its a 2001 D if anyone is curious with a 4.7.

Thanks a bunch

 

That is a good thing to have notice. Yes that very well can be the prob, but Why should he have even cut the wire at all if he used a factory part. Get dis connect the plug from the TPS and try to mend the broken. let us know how it goes

 

Well, last year the 'mechanic' said he repaired the TPS Sensor and cleared the codes from the computer. He said he took the sensor out, cleaned it up and retaped the frayed wires..not actually fixing it. My question is, will re taping the wires possibly fix it even if it got wet. The sprayer loosened up the electrical tape that was used to fix it last time.

Can I go and purchase a new sensor harness with the wires attached so that I can splice them together?

thanks

Mewfie

 

P0121 Throttle/Petal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance Problem

P0123 Throttle/Petal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit High Input

Sounds like he taped it but the moisture blew past the sheathing and into the sensor via the high pressure. This can cause this problem in particular because of grounding effects. I would replace the sensor and the pig tail harness. Dealer should have the harness and if not a junk yard.

I prefer a OEM TPS and then if you want a great running one fine tune it. Instructions are located here.
http://www.v8performance.com/tipsandtricks.htm#TPS_Mod

 

Dude I just want to say one thing don't use just tape. Get some butt connectors/ connectors that have two female ends, they have to be crimped. these will provide decades of great solid connection. then if you feel like extra protection wrap it up with tape

 

Well, I just checked the dealership and a bunch of Auto Recyclers here in Ottawa, Ontario...and they carry nothing. Called NAPA and a few other parts stores...nothing.

Can I just cut the Pigtail/Harness off and re crimp the wires without screwing it up? If I need a special tool, then I will bring it somewhere to be done. Thanks for all the input by the way, this is the first problem I've ever had with the D' that I couldn't really fix..I'm just not cool with cutting electrical wires on something I drive..

thanks

Mewf

 

Just keep the wire colors the same and you'll be great. now if you notice that tow diff colored wires are touching that may have cause a prob with the TPS

 

I'll check it out tonight and get back to you.

thanks!

 

Your welcome

 

OK...so here is what I did. I disconnected the battery and left it off for 1 minute. Reconnected it so that I could clear the codes that were flashing previously. Taped up the wires with electrical tape to prevent any debris from going back inside the TPS and voila, started it up and she runs fine. NOW, when I started it back up the 4WD service light came on. I've never had a problem with this before, but I tried to engage the 4WD and was waiting for the 'click' when it engages (its a 2001 D, so the 4WD switch is a dial on the lower dashboard) and nothing..

Did I hit a wire or something? I check the fuses under the hood where is says '4WD' but the fuse was fine. By reconnecting the battery (disconnected the Negative terminal)..did I fry something?

God, I wish I was a mechanic of sorts...I'm an I.T guy and I see frustrating crap..but this takes the cake