The actual function of a throttle position sensor in a car is to transport information to the car’s computer about the working and positioning of the car’s throttle. Modern-day throttle position sensors are composed of no-contact types electro-mechanical parts like two magnets and a half effect sensor that is prone to wear, tear and withering.

A throttle position sensor determines the degree of heat, light, and moisture that is present inside and outside the car. It gauges all the necessary aspect and sends a full report to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The major drawback with these throttle sensors is that they are extremely small in size and exceptionally intricate. So doing any sort of repairing work on them is simply next to impossible. That is why understanding early signs of failure is viable to avoid the complete failure.

Here are 3 Signs of a Bad Throttle Position Sensor put together by the experts of the acclaimed Mahindra Spare Parts dealers.

Difficult Acceleration: When the throttle sensor of a vehicle is nearing its end the car won’t accelerate as it should, it may lack power and force when accelerating and sometimes it accelerates on its own, that is the car will suddenly speed up while you driving neutrally, without even stepping on or pressing the accelerator. If you encounter any of the above symptoms, the chances are fairly high that you are encountering problems with the throttle sensor.

Problems Switching Gears: If the throttle position sensor inside your car is not reporting the accurate accelerator position to the Electronic Control Unit, you’ll definitely going to witness problems switching gears as you speed up or gradually slow down. Alone this could mean that car might be giving issues with the transmission which can put a huge burden on your pockets. But if you have already ticked the acceleration issues mentioned above, trust us it a throttle position sensor problem.

The “Check Engine” Light is On: Another blatant indication of a faulty throttle position sensor is the blinking of the check engine light which is pretty hard to ignore. The “on” check engine light is meant to alert the driver that something is obviously not well with either an internal component of a car or with a sensor. So it is advisable to have your car checked by a professional mechanic whenever the light comes on.