throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

Hi,

I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
trouble code for the throttle position sensor. I was going to replace
this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.

I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the value
of the car:
- Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?
There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it seems
like it's easy to get wrong.
- What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
- The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?

Thanks in advance,
Derek

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

dex3703 wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor. I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the value
> of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?
> There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it seems
> like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Derek
>
===================================

Draw sketches before you tear it off, get a gasket from the dealer, try
to get a TB off a lower-mileage car. _Well worth it_ .

Did you inspect the connectors VERY carefully? The computer gets the
signal via three wires and two or three connectors.

'Curly'

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

dex3703 wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor. I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the value
> of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?
> There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it seems
> like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Derek
>
===================================

Draw sketches before you tear it off, get a gasket from the dealer, try
to get a TB off a lower-mileage car. _Well worth it_ .

Did you inspect the connectors VERY carefully? The computer gets the
signal via three wires and two or three connectors.

'Curly'

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

dex3703 wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor. I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the value
> of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?
> There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it seems
> like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Derek
>
===================================

Draw sketches before you tear it off, get a gasket from the dealer, try
to get a TB off a lower-mileage car. _Well worth it_ .

Did you inspect the connectors VERY carefully? The computer gets the
signal via three wires and two or three connectors.

'Curly'

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

dex3703 wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor. I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the value
> of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?
> There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it seems
> like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Derek
>
===================================

Draw sketches before you tear it off, get a gasket from the dealer, try
to get a TB off a lower-mileage car. _Well worth it_ .

Did you inspect the connectors VERY carefully? The computer gets the
signal via three wires and two or three connectors.

'Curly'

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

dex3703 wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor. I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the value
> of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?
> There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it seems
> like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?

yes it's worth fixing. registering /any/ replacement vehicle is going
to cost you more than $40. you can buy just the sensor from a junkyard
or the whole throttle body. google these honda groups on how to replace
just the sensor. you can even do it with the throttle in place if
you're careful - minimal plumbing that way and no gaskets. if you
remove the sensor yourself from a junker, it'll be practice for how to
replace it on your own vehicle. get a sensor from an automatic -
significantly less wear. write back if you get stuck.

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

dex3703 wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor. I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the value
> of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?
> There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it seems
> like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?

yes it's worth fixing. registering /any/ replacement vehicle is going
to cost you more than $40. you can buy just the sensor from a junkyard
or the whole throttle body. google these honda groups on how to replace
just the sensor. you can even do it with the throttle in place if
you're careful - minimal plumbing that way and no gaskets. if you
remove the sensor yourself from a junker, it'll be practice for how to
replace it on your own vehicle. get a sensor from an automatic -
significantly less wear. write back if you get stuck.

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

dex3703 wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor. I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the value
> of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?
> There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it seems
> like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?

yes it's worth fixing. registering /any/ replacement vehicle is going
to cost you more than $40. you can buy just the sensor from a junkyard
or the whole throttle body. google these honda groups on how to replace
just the sensor. you can even do it with the throttle in place if
you're careful - minimal plumbing that way and no gaskets. if you
remove the sensor yourself from a junker, it'll be practice for how to
replace it on your own vehicle. get a sensor from an automatic -
significantly less wear. write back if you get stuck.

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

dex3703 wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor. I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the value
> of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do it?
> There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it seems
> like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?

yes it's worth fixing. registering /any/ replacement vehicle is going
to cost you more than $40. you can buy just the sensor from a junkyard
or the whole throttle body. google these honda groups on how to replace
just the sensor. you can even do it with the throttle in place if
you're careful - minimal plumbing that way and no gaskets. if you
remove the sensor yourself from a junker, it'll be practice for how to
replace it on your own vehicle. get a sensor from an automatic -
significantly less wear. write back if you get stuck.

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

"dex3703" <dex3703@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1169399309.107217.210430@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com:

> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor.



A code 7, right?



> I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the
> value of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do
> it? There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it
> seems like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?
>



Check the TPS with an ANALOG multimeter (the kind with a needle) before
condemning it.

Use a straightened paper clip to backprobe the TPS connector wires.
Leave the TPS plugged in.
Turn the ignition to "II" (all dash lights will come on).
Set the multimeter to 25V DC.
Connect the multimeter to one of the wires and a ground.
Open and close the throttle by hand.

You will find that one wire will give a steady 5V all the time. One will
give no reading. The third wire's voltage will increase and decrease as
the throttle is opened and closed.

If there are no hitches in the multimeter's needle travel all the way
from open to closed, and the voltage rises from roughly 0.1V to 0.45V,
then the TPS is OK and your problem lies elsewhere.

At your car's age, the problem may well be a broken (or intermittent)
wire connection somewhere.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

"dex3703" <dex3703@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1169399309.107217.210430@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com:

> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor.



A code 7, right?



> I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the
> value of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do
> it? There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it
> seems like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?
>



Check the TPS with an ANALOG multimeter (the kind with a needle) before
condemning it.

Use a straightened paper clip to backprobe the TPS connector wires.
Leave the TPS plugged in.
Turn the ignition to "II" (all dash lights will come on).
Set the multimeter to 25V DC.
Connect the multimeter to one of the wires and a ground.
Open and close the throttle by hand.

You will find that one wire will give a steady 5V all the time. One will
give no reading. The third wire's voltage will increase and decrease as
the throttle is opened and closed.

If there are no hitches in the multimeter's needle travel all the way
from open to closed, and the voltage rises from roughly 0.1V to 0.45V,
then the TPS is OK and your problem lies elsewhere.

At your car's age, the problem may well be a broken (or intermittent)
wire connection somewhere.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

"dex3703" <dex3703@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1169399309.107217.210430@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com:

> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor.



A code 7, right?



> I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the
> value of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do
> it? There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it
> seems like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?
>



Check the TPS with an ANALOG multimeter (the kind with a needle) before
condemning it.

Use a straightened paper clip to backprobe the TPS connector wires.
Leave the TPS plugged in.
Turn the ignition to "II" (all dash lights will come on).
Set the multimeter to 25V DC.
Connect the multimeter to one of the wires and a ground.
Open and close the throttle by hand.

You will find that one wire will give a steady 5V all the time. One will
give no reading. The third wire's voltage will increase and decrease as
the throttle is opened and closed.

If there are no hitches in the multimeter's needle travel all the way
from open to closed, and the voltage rises from roughly 0.1V to 0.45V,
then the TPS is OK and your problem lies elsewhere.

At your car's age, the problem may well be a broken (or intermittent)
wire connection somewhere.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

"dex3703" <dex3703@gmail.com> wrote in
news:1169399309.107217.210430@38g2000cwa.googlegro ups.com:

> Hi,
>
> I have a question about my 1990 Civic. It has had problems recently
> with bogging down, stumbling, and seeming to stall. It just set the
> trouble code for the throttle position sensor.



A code 7, right?



> I was going to replace
> this, but found out the sensor isn't sold separately, only as part of
> the throttle body. A new part is $450 or so, a junkyard part is $40.
>
> I have some questions about doing this, that mostly relate to the
> value of the car:
> - Is this something I can do myself, or should I have a mechanic do
> it? There's lots of hoses and so forth on the throttle body and it
> seems like it's easy to get wrong.
> - What's the reliability of a junkyard part?
> - The bigger question is the car is approaching 17 years old and has
> 263K on it. Is this really worth fixing?
>



Check the TPS with an ANALOG multimeter (the kind with a needle) before
condemning it.

Use a straightened paper clip to backprobe the TPS connector wires.
Leave the TPS plugged in.
Turn the ignition to "II" (all dash lights will come on).
Set the multimeter to 25V DC.
Connect the multimeter to one of the wires and a ground.
Open and close the throttle by hand.

You will find that one wire will give a steady 5V all the time. One will
give no reading. The third wire's voltage will increase and decrease as
the throttle is opened and closed.

If there are no hitches in the multimeter's needle travel all the way
from open to closed, and the voltage rises from roughly 0.1V to 0.45V,
then the TPS is OK and your problem lies elsewhere.

At your car's age, the problem may well be a broken (or intermittent)
wire connection somewhere.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

Tegger <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in
news:Xns98BFBF8CDEB49tegger@207.14.116.130:


>
> If there are no hitches in the multimeter's needle travel all the way
> from open to closed, and the voltage rises from roughly 0.1V to 0.45V,


Corrections:

From about 0.1V to about 4.5V.

Set the multimeter to 5V DC for the variable wire. Any higher and you won't
be able to see the needle's movement.

(I really should proofread better before I post...)



--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Re: throttle position sensor 1990 Civic - junkyard part?
 

Tegger <tegger@tegger.c0m> wrote in
news:Xns98BFBF8CDEB49tegger@207.14.116.130:


>
> If there are no hitches in the multimeter's needle travel all the way
> from open to closed, and the voltage rises from roughly 0.1V to 0.45V,


Corrections:

From about 0.1V to about 4.5V.

Set the multimeter to 5V DC for the variable wire. Any higher and you won't
be able to see the needle's movement.

(I really should proofread better before I post...)



--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/