i got an error code for my throttle control sensor.... autozone wants 84 bucks and napa wants 109 bucks for a new one....... which one should i get?

 

i know where the sensor is on the engine, i just replace it with a new one thats it right? hoping there isn't something that would have caused it to fail, just a worn out sensor. the O2 sensor needed replaced almost a year ago..

 

thanks

don't buy either, i would just replace it with a used one. that is a very rare failure, not worth putting money into a new part. you can post here in the parts wanted or get one from a yard and save some cash.

I typically swap the whole throttle body - I find that easier.

 

You don't say in your profile where you are located.

 

I sell a few per year.

 

Others probably have some as well.

 

Read the procedure for setting a new one. That's why I install a whole throttle body assy.

yep that's what i was afraid of. i was told it was just a simple R&R of the sensor.. didn't know you have to set the new one. its a real pain huh?

 

i am in west NC just north of asheville.

 

i will go with a used one. so you are saying its simpler to swap in a new throttle body, but how much more expensive is it? assuming used?

 

thanks for the replies

it's not *that* bad to set a TPS, if you don't follow the FSM! basically turn it until it starts to cut off, then back it off just a hair - a millimeter. the FSM procedure looks grueling. it's not that exact like milling a head or anything, pretty easy to get right though seems ambiguous the first time. you can also view the previous and replacement position (prior to removing) and start there, you'll be within a few millimeters. they've gotten QC down pretty good that they're rather simple to interchange, it's not like old 70's cars.

 

good point on swapping the entire throttle body, very easy.

 

throttle bodies never fail on subarus so the only reason someone would want one is the sensor - so a throttle body itself won't be any more expensive than a sensor. you'll just need a new gasket for it - a couple bucks. folks won't want to separate one from a good engine, but otherwise they're easy to find.

 

i've said it once - post in the Parts Wanted Forum and see who comes up with one - looks like Dave just made an offer that he has some. you could also try Subarus website to see which ones are interchangeable (years and engines).

Probably not much more. Most places I've been to charge about $40 for a throttle body, and in the neighborhood of $15 - $20 for a TPS.

 

It's not difficult to swap, but you need to use a volt meter, and you have to pull up the carpet on the passenger floor to get access to the ecu.

i'm going to have to go with gary on this one.

 

any chance the the throttle body of a DEAD 2.5L engine will bolt on to a 2.2L engine. lots of 2.5s sitting around.

 

i just checked, they are the same.

Edited November 4, 200916 yr by johnceggleston

They are the same. But sometimes the plumbing for the little EVAP hoses is different. I don't remember more than that.

 

I usually ask for a pic of what they have (on the top - while it's still on their engine) to match up to. I probably have 10 or so left on 2.2 and 2.5's.

 

I've had one return spring break on a throttle body on a 97 Outback, one TPS go bad, and sold a few throttle bodies due to TPS issues.

forgot to mention, on older ones you can pry the plastic apart and clean the contacts inside as well. haven't heard of that on newer ones but can't imagine they're set up that much differently.

thanks for all the replies...

 

so to replace just the TPS i need to set the new one, and to swap the whole throttle body i need to "use a voltmeter and get access to the ecu".... which one is simpler?

 

being honest about my abilities i dont really know where to start with either.

 

what exactly is the procedure for swapping the whole throttle body?

 

dave i would probably be interested if you have one for my 97 impreza outback with the 2.2

 

thanks a lot

so to replace just the TPS i need to set the new one, and to swap the whole throttle body i need to "use a voltmeter and get access to the ecu".... which one is simpler?

No. To replace the TPS you need a volt meter, because the voltage signal at the ECM needs to be adjusted to within a certain specification. I apologize, I should have made that more clear.

thanks for all the replies...

 

so to replace just the TPS i need to set the new one, and to swap the whole throttle body i need to "use a voltmeter and get access to the ecu".... which one is simpler?

 

being honest about my abilities i dont really know where to start with either.

 

what exactly is the procedure for swapping the whole throttle body?

 

dave i would probably be interested if you have one for my 97 impreza outback with the 2.2

 

thanks a lot

Send me a pic of the top of your throttle body - so that I can see the little vacuum lines.

 

I'm home today but leaving town again. I can possobly get it off before I leave. I'll be back wednesday (buying a Freddie Mac foreclosure) then back to VA for thu and fri. I believe I have 3 97 2.2's here - and one already dug out that I was getting parts off of.

thanks dave.. i am actually going out of town too.. wont be back till next weekend. i will get you that pic when i can.. you wouldn't happen to have cruise control parts off a 2.2 would you?

 

if yall are telling me it will be easier to just swap the throttle body, that is what i'll do.

I may have some CC stuff off a 95 2.2 or a 97 2.5.

 

Don't recall if the 95 has cruise - and I was never able to drive that car (tranny). The 97 2.5 cruise did work. I'll have to see what it takes to pull. What may you need?

 

I don't usually pull CC parts - so I don't know what they all are or how difficult to remove.

thanks anyway dave decided to R&R TPS....

I still have some if you end up needing one. Actually the whole throttle body.

thanks anyway dave decided to R&R TPS....

what did you do? did you get a new one, how did it go?

 

did you repair yours, how did that go?

 

glad to hear it sounds like it worked out somehow.