6.7 Cummins Throttle Position Sensor Problems And Solutions
At a Glance
Common problems you may find with your 6.7L Cummins TPS are engine overheating, harsh idling, or remaining idle while accelerating. However, mostly the CEL comes on with the symptoms. So you can easily inspect and fix the issue with your Cummins TPS.
What are the common problems with the 6.7 Cummins throttle position sensor? It means either the Cummins throttle is experiencing defective sensor issues. Or there might be something wrong with the throttle switch.
No worries, because in this article, we are going to explain the 6.7 Cummins throttle position sensor problems. Additionally, we have also come up with solutions so that you can easily fix this problem yourself.
Fixing the sensor problems is not a hard thing at all. All you need to do is just follow this article and fix it accordingly.
Here We Got 8 6.7 Cummins Throttle Position Sensor Problems
Some of the Cummins throttle problems include faulty sensor, low circuit problems, and so on. Starting with a table, we are going to briefly point out the most common problems concerning Cummins throttle sensors and the reasons behind such problems. Followed by the table, we will elaborately describe the symptoms and the solutions.
TPS Problems | Probable Reasons |
Sensor starts overheating | Sensor gets faulty |
Harsh idle- either gets too low or too high | The throttle switch turns faulty |
The slightest acceleration | Loose connections |
Engine keeps stalling | The throttle switch remains loose |
Rough accelerating | Faulty PCM |
Engine starts roughly | Circuit short |
Excessive AC noise | The alternator affects the APPS |
The engine remains idle while accelerating | Faulty APPS |
Sensor Starts Overheating
When your throttle position sensor starts overheating, and the engine starts to hesitate, inspect it properly. Because it might wear out or turn defective, in such cases, replacing it with a new one is the only option.
Note: Make sure to inspect the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APPS). In most cases, a failing APPS shows the same symptoms.
Harsh Idle Either Gets Too Low Or Too High
Sometimes the throttle position switch gets faulty. Thereby it either gets too high or remains unexpectedly low/idle.
If your throttle switch has defects, you need to take it to a professional to help you fix it; or you need a replacement.
The Slightest Acceleration
You might also notice that it gets harder to accelerate. That is, it hardly accelerates smoothly. This can happen due to loose connections.
You must carefully inspect all the wiring and connections to ensure they are secure and tight. If any of these wires go frayed, bent, or any other damage, you need to replace them as early as possible.
The Engine Keeps Stalling
Similarly, your engine will keep stalling when the throttle position switch gets loose. That is because a loosely mounted throttle switch results in a decrease in voltage. It gets lower than the average voltage value. Thereby, the engine keeps stalling.
In such cases, you need to inspect the switch as well as its connection. If the switch turns faulty, replace it. If the connection looks loose, unplug and replug it. Make sure it is tightly plugged.
Rough Accelerating
Apart from slightest acceleration, other sensor problems include rough/harsh acceleration. And this takes place due to a faulty PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
A defective PCM leads to rough acceleration of the engine. Thereby, you got to replace the faulty PCM with a new one.
Engine Starts Roughly
The engine will get harder to start because of a short circuit. The pedal position drops the required voltage (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor APPS) due to the electrical sensor short circuit.
To avoid this problem, you have to either repair it or look for replacement options.
Excessive AC Noise
Another common TPS problem includes extreme AC noises, which are pretty annoying. This happens when the alternator affects the APPS (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor) voltage. Thereby, the torque converter keeps locking and unlocking on repeat.
In such cases, there might be a problem with the rebuild itself, and you need to replace it.
Engine Remains Idle
The engine remains idle even if you set your foot on the accelerator and start it. This is due to a faulty APPS. This problem will come to an end instantly when you replace the APPS with a new one.
This Video Will Help You Too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section will cover some FAQs concerning the throttle position sensor. So if you are still confused and looking for further explanation, read on!
What are the symptoms of a defective throttle position sensor?
The most noticeable symptoms of a defective throttle position sensor are rough starting, and hesitation while accelerating. Sometimes the vehicle starts to jerk and there is sudden speed fluctuation while driving. The engine remains idle even after you start accelerating it.
Is there a way to reset the throttle position sensor?
Definitely! Start by disconnecting the batteries and wait for around 30 minutes. Reconnect them while turning the key ON. Now don’t start the engine. Just press the throttle pedal all the way down and gently release it. Finally, turn the key to OFF mode.
Will a throttle position sensor throw a code?
Yes! A bad throttle position sensor throws a code if the voltage turns low or remains constant. Moreover, it also might show codes when there is no voltage at all. These codes could be PO121, P0122 etc. and these are common codes for a faulty TPS. So, vehicle to vehicle, these codes may vary.
Conclusion
So here comes the end of the 6.7 Cummins throttle position sensor problems. We believe that after reading this article, you’ve been able to diagnose the sensor problems yourself. And fix the problems easily.
Still, if you find it difficult to diagnose and fix the issue, take your vehicle to a repair shop and seek professional help, which is always another option for you.
You Can Also Read:
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- We Made 6.7 Cummins Engine Replacement Cost Breakdown for You!
- 3 Most Reported 6.7 Cummins Years to Avoid Before You Pick!

Okolo is a mechanical engineer and a full-time employer in a renowned vehicle parts manufacturing company. Apart from her job, she likes to play with words. And whenever she gets time, she writes for us and shares her experience by adding value to car parts-related topics. Okolo is also a good cook sidestepping her engineering life.