Niterra presents new line of TPS sensors

Launches of the NTK brand with electronic sensor technology have excellent sealing and are fully compatible with resistive sensors, that allow its use in all vehicles - as long as it always has the correct application

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São Paulo, July 2023 - A Niterra, Japanese multinational owner of the NGK and NTK brands and specialist in components for ignition systems, expands its sensor portfolio with the new TPS model range - Also known as throttle position sensors - marketed by NTK.

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The TPS sensor is responsible for pointing out the angular position of the throttle by sharing the acceleration information with the injection module. On older vehicles, There is a cable that connects the accelerator pedal to the throttle throttle. Current models, on the other hand, have a fully electronic aperture control, Disregarding the throttle cable.

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Most sensors are manufactured with a technology known as a resistive track potentiometer, Moving on a runway of endurance. As a result of this movement, The model suffers wear and tear that causes malfunctions due to wear and tear on the sensor, Oxidation and poor contact. Some practices such as engine washing and, principally, The use of chemicals can speed up this process of sensor oxidation.

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Most Common Symptoms of Sensor Failures

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As a consequence of these wear and tear processes, check out the most common symptoms of possible TPS sensor failures:

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• Irregular slow gait;
• Idle too high (Accelerated engine);
• Idle too low (engine dying or very low rotation);
• Lack of income (Engine can't reach high revs);
• Acceleration failures.

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"Our TPS sensor uses a distinct technology in which the electronic circuit performs the reading without the need for physical contact, preventing common motion failures and providing a longer component life", afirma Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant. "NTK sensors have the benefit of excellent sealing, In addition, they are fully compatible with resistive sensors, that allow its use in all vehicles, as long as it is always applied correctly."

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For a good and safe replacement of the TPS sensor, The first step is to verify the correct supply of this component. If it is of the resistive type, There is a way to measure the resistance of the sensor. Nonetheless, If the resistance is failing at a specific point, It is often difficult to do this check with the multimeter. In this scenario, The use of the oscilloscope by a professional provides a more accurate diagnosis, since it measures the voltage signal sent by the sensor to the injection module. "In the case of NTK sensors, because they are electronic, It is only possible to make the measurement by means of voltage variation", Mori explains.

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Preventive maintenance

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According to the Niterra expert, In addition to the sensor, it is necessary to check:

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• Possible backlash in the throttle shaft, which may cause false air ingress and movements that may compromise the precise operation of the sensor;
• Correct power supply and grounding of the injection module;
• The reference voltage check sent by the injection module.

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