Chat with us, powered by LiveChat How To Replace a Throttle Position Sensor on your Jeep Wrangler TJ | Quadratec Skip to main content
How-tos
Photography By: 
Michael Volk

My 2003 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0L Automatic was throwing a P0122 trouble code. Commonly the TPS just needs replaced. The Jeep since it was an automatic transmission relies on the TPS to run properly so the Wrangler actually stalled out a few times while driving.

What You Will Need

  • MOPAR® Throttle Position Sensor
  • 5/16" Nut Driver or Socket & Ratchet (intake removal)
  • 13mm or 1/2" Socket (battery terminal removal)
  • 10mm Shallow Socket (throttle body removal)
  • T-25 Torx Socket (TPS sensor removal)

Instructions

1. Remove the negative side battery terminal using a 13mm or 1/2" socket.

Step 1 - Disconnect negative battery terminal

2. Disconnect the TPS Sensor and IAC Motor connectors.

Step 2 - Disconnect the TPS Sensor and IAC Motor connections

3. Disconnect the MAP Sensor connector.

Step 3 - Disconnect the MAP Sensor connection

4. Disconnect the intake tube using a 5/16" socket or nut driver.

Step 4 - Disconnect the intake tube using a 5/16

5. Disconnect the throttle body cable by twisting off the ball socket as shown. Early models with automatic transmissions with have a "kick down" cable that will also need removed in similar fashion. Models with cruise control will have an extra cable that will also need disconnected.

Step 5 - disconnect throttle cables

6. Remove the four throttle body bolts using a 10mm socket.

Step 6 - remove throttle body bolts

7. Locate the TPS sensor and mounting hardware.

Step 7 - tps sensor

8. Remove the TPS Sensor bolts using a T-25 Torx socket.

Step 8 - removed tps sensor

9. New updated sensor on the left, old sensor style on the right. They are actually difference part numbers now too.

Step 9 - TPS comparison

10. Mount the new sensor on throttle body using the included hardware.

Step 10 - new tps installed

11. Mount your throttle body on the intake manifold making sure the inlet hole is lined up properly. Also take notice to gasket condition and replace if necessary. Hook up all electrical connections and cables. Attach the negative terminal to the battery.

Step 11 - throttle body installed

Top Jeep Articles

Jeep wheel showing its bolt pattern on a Wrangler.
  • November 13, 2025
  • 5 min read
Jeep Wheel Bolt Patterns & Lug Nut Torque: Complete Guide for Wrangler & Gladiator Owners
Whether you are getting new wheels, or you just want to know the size of your current ones, we've constructed a handy reference guide to help out.
READ MORE
Jeep wheels spacers and hardware on a white background
  • November 12, 2025
  • 4 min read
What are Wheel Spacers and Adapters
Demystifying wheel spacers and adapters: what they are, how they work, legal considerations and when they make sense for your Jeep.
READ MORE
Purple four-door Jeep Wrangler with a white background.
  • November 12, 2025
  • 3 min read
Jeep Launching 12 Limited-Edition Wranglers in 12 Months with ‘Twelve 4 Twelve’ Campaign
From the Moab 392 debut to future surprise drops, Jeep’s ‘Operation Airdrop’ delivers a yearlong celebration of off-road heritage.
READ MORE
Red Jeep Wrangler with bronze Jeep wheels
  • November 11, 2025
  • 6 min read
What is Wheel Offset and Backspacing?
Understanding Jeep Wheel Offset and Backspacing: The Key to Proper Fitment and Performance
READ MORE
  • November 6, 2025
  • 4 min read
The SEMA Three 2.0: Day Two In Las Vegas
Top three things from our second day at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas
READ MORE
  • November 5, 2025
  • 3 min read
The SEMA Three 2.0: Day One In Las Vegas
Top three things from our first day at the SEMA Show.
READ MORE
  • November 4, 2025
  • 4 min read
Annual SEMA Show Just One Face Of Organization's Industry Dedication
From education, to product knowledge, to rights lobbying, SEMA is ingrained throughout the automotive world.
READ MORE
  • October 27, 2025
  • 6 min read
Top Five Jeep Interior Products
You spend plenty of time inside your Jeep, so here are some extremely popular interior items you should consider this holiday season.
READ MORE