How to Replace the Throttle Position Sensor on a 1988 Chevrolet 5.7L Pickup

The 1988 Chevrolet full-size truck lineup included the C1500, C2500, C3500,. K1500, K2500 and K3500. The C-series trucks were all two-wheel drive, while the K-series 1988 Chevrolet trucks were all four-wheel drive. All of these 1998 Chevrolet trucks were available with a 5.7-liter V-8 engine. The throttle position sensor, or TPS, senses the throttle valve body position and relays that position to the engine control module or ECM. The throttle position sensor on the 1988 Chevrolet 5.7-liter truck engines is not an adjustable part. Replacement is necessary if the part is bad.

Instructions

1

Open the hood of the truck. Locate the throttle body, then the throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor is located on the opposite side of the throttle cable assembly. Remove the TPS electrical connector by hand or use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the locking tabs free.

2

Remove the TPS mounting screws from the throttle body using your ratchet and a Torx socket. Remove the retainers, if equipped, using a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the retainers free. Remove the throttle position sensor horizontally from the throttle body.

3

Align the throttle valve shaft with the new TPS. Insert the TPS onto the throttle valve shaft and the throttle body. Insert your retainers, and press them in place with your screwdriver if needed. Install the Torx screws into the new TPS by hand to ensure proper threading. Tighten the screws to 18 inch-pounds using a 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench and your Torx bit socket.