09-03-2024, 02:30 PM
Hey everyone! So, if your Corolla has been running a bit rough lately—like maybe it's hesitating when you accelerate or the idle is a little off—it might be time to clean your throttle position sensor (TPS). I tackled this job last weekend on my 2012 Corolla, and it was surprisingly straightforward.
First, pop the hood and locate the throttle position sensor. It’s usually attached to the throttle body, right where the intake manifold meets the air intake. You might need to remove the air intake hose to get a better look at it. For safety, it’s a good idea to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before you start. This prevents any accidental shorts while you’re working on the sensor.
Using your ratchet and the right socket, carefully remove the bolts holding the sensor in place. Be gentle—these bolts can be a bit tricky if they haven’t been moved in a while. Once the bolts are out, gently pull the sensor away from the throttle body. Now, grab your sensor-safe cleaner and give the sensor a good spray, making sure to get into all the little nooks and crannies. Be careful not to use anything too harsh that could damage the sensor. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth or paper towels, and let it dry completely before moving on.
Once the sensor is dry, carefully put it back in place on the throttle body. Reinstall the bolts and make sure they’re snug but not overly tight—you don’t want to strip them. Reconnect the electrical connector and make sure everything is secure. After that, reconnect the battery terminal and start the car. You should notice an immediate improvement in how it runs. If everything went well, your Corolla should idle smoothly and respond better to acceleration.
Finally, take your Corolla for a spin around the block to make sure everything feels right. If the rough running is gone, congratulations—you’ve successfully cleaned your throttle position sensor! This made a huge difference in how my Corolla runs, and I hope it helps you too. If anyone has tips on how to make this process even smoother, feel free to chime in!
First, pop the hood and locate the throttle position sensor. It’s usually attached to the throttle body, right where the intake manifold meets the air intake. You might need to remove the air intake hose to get a better look at it. For safety, it’s a good idea to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery before you start. This prevents any accidental shorts while you’re working on the sensor.
Using your ratchet and the right socket, carefully remove the bolts holding the sensor in place. Be gentle—these bolts can be a bit tricky if they haven’t been moved in a while. Once the bolts are out, gently pull the sensor away from the throttle body. Now, grab your sensor-safe cleaner and give the sensor a good spray, making sure to get into all the little nooks and crannies. Be careful not to use anything too harsh that could damage the sensor. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth or paper towels, and let it dry completely before moving on.
Once the sensor is dry, carefully put it back in place on the throttle body. Reinstall the bolts and make sure they’re snug but not overly tight—you don’t want to strip them. Reconnect the electrical connector and make sure everything is secure. After that, reconnect the battery terminal and start the car. You should notice an immediate improvement in how it runs. If everything went well, your Corolla should idle smoothly and respond better to acceleration.
Finally, take your Corolla for a spin around the block to make sure everything feels right. If the rough running is gone, congratulations—you’ve successfully cleaned your throttle position sensor! This made a huge difference in how my Corolla runs, and I hope it helps you too. If anyone has tips on how to make this process even smoother, feel free to chime in!