Harley Davidson Throttle Position Sensor Reset Guide; By Sensor Guides

In 2008 Harley-Davidson unveiled a brand-new throttle system called Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), which substitutes an electronic connection for the throttle cables that once connected the throttle and the throttle body. All touring models from the years 2008 and 2009, including CVO touring models, come standard with ETC. 

In this short and sweet content, we bring you how to reset the Throttle Position sensor in the Harley Davidson. So stick around until the end to find out what you’ve been looking for. 

What does the throttle position sensor do?

The accelerator pedal’s position in relation to the throttle position sensor determines how far open the throttle valve (or blade) is. 

The throttle position determines how much air enters an engine’s intake manifold; when it is wide open, more air enters; when it is nearly closed, less air enters. 

The position of the throttle and how quickly it opens and closes are transmitted to the engine control module, and the computer uses this information, among other things, to determine the timing of the spark plugs and the amount of fuel injected into the engine. The throttle body is typically where the TPS is mounted.

What are the symptoms of a failing throttle position sensor?

Because the engine control module is unable to properly set the fuel mixture or ignition timing when a TPS is malfunctioning, the engine may surge, hesitate, stall, or cause a “check engine” warning light to illuminate.

1. Problems with the Throttle Position Sensor
2. The check engine light intermittently flashes for no apparent reason.
3. Abrupt idle surges
4. , and sudden increases in speed while on the road.
5. Unexpectedly, an engine stalls out suddenly.
6. Unexpected jerking and bucking in the car.
7. Acceleration with hesitation.

Harley Davidson throttle position sensor problems.

If your Harley Davidson doesn’t idle steadily, you can tell if your TPS is bad. Your TPS probably isn’t reporting that your engine isn’t getting enough fuel. That will make the bike unsteady while it is idle. Perhaps constant movement and throttle twisting have worn down your TPS. Lack of fuel will make the motorcycle unsafe for the rider and other road users, causing it to turn off while idling or experience jerky or slow idling.

• Excessively high idle.
• Mad crazily accelerating
• It occasionally disappears after five key switches on/off cycles but always reappears.

How to reset the Throttle Position Sensor in Harley Davidson?

The system has a reset feature built in. The system wants to use a higher rpm as the new idle speed the next time the engine is started if the ignition is turned off while the throttle is not at zero percent throttle. 

When you turn off the motorcycle at 1,800 rpm, the engine’s new idle speed will be somewhere around 1,400. By turning on the ignition switch until the fuel pump cycles on and off, then turning off the ignition, you can reset the idle to prevent this from happening. The idle speed will be reset to normal, or 1,000 rpm, after three repetitions of this.

The steps are below. 

1. Do not touch the throttle as you turn the RUN switch to RUN.
2. Turn on the ignition switch when the CEL (Yellow engine light) turns OFF.
3. only turn off IGN Repeat this process three more times after waiting 10 seconds.
4. After this, go to your dealer to install the NEW ECM Flash in the bike.
5. It serves as a Warrantable and free ECM Flash, keeping the ECM awake for an additional 10 seconds and giving the TGS time to enter a ZERO state.

Can you replace just the throttle position sensor?

Throttle position sensor is out of the way. When necessary, use an electrical contact cleaner or spray to clean the sensor connector. Place the fresh throttle position sensor in place. Connect the electrical connector after tightening the mounting screws.

Some related FAQs.