Expert: Roland Finston - 7/16/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello I have a 2004 Chrysler sebring and my throttle position sensor is bad and we need to replace it I was wondering where it is located and how to change the part.

Thank You,

Kari

ANSWER: Hi Kari,
The TPS is on the side of the throttle body, located where the intake air hose comes to the engine/intake manifold. If you have the 2.4L engine you can change the TPS without removing the throttle body from the engine, but the 2.7L throttle mounting gets in the way so you have to disconnect its cables and remove the throttle body to get at the TPS*. If you buy the replacement TPS you will be able to locate the old one more easily. It is on the side of the throttle body and is attached by 2 screws. It fits onto the end of the axis rod of the throttle plate so when you remove the old one you will expose the end of that rod. Remove the electrical connector which is probably held in place by a tab that you lift slightly to release. Try rotating the throttle plate before removal of the TPS to see its range and how much effort it takes. Then remove the old TPS.  Just fit the new one to the rod where there are 2 tabs to receive it. If it is positioned on the rod properly it should allow the throttle to close all the way and to rotate as well to the fully open position. So check that out and remount the sensor to the rod if you don't have that full range of motion. Tighten the mounting screws by judgement or to 45 inch-pounds which is a modest amount of torque.  
Roland
*Let me know if you have the 2.7 and I can tell you the steps for removing the body.
PS: Please 'rate' my answer by clicking on the Thank/Rate tab, and where you see the question about a nomination of me to be 'volunteer of the month' consider a 'yes' response. Thank you

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have a 2.7 L engine.

Answer
Hi Kari,
Start by disconnecting the electrical connectors from the throttle body (there are two, one on the tps one on the inlet air temp sensor). They may release via a small lift tab
Disconnect air hose from the body
Remove the shield that hides the throttle cables
Then open the throttle wide and remove the throttle cables from their attachments to the throttle arm
Remove the throttle cable bracket
Remove the throttle body support bracket from the bottom of the throttle body
Remove the remaining 2 throttle body bolts
Remove the body

The reverse will be the install procedure.
If at any point you see that you can gain access to remove and replace the TPS then do so.

Roland
PS Thanks for the rating and nomination