Cannondale ATV Owner's Manual - page 127

125

Throttle position sensor (TPS)

The TPS is a small, black plastic sensor attached to the 

throttle plate shaft and located on the right side of the 

throttle body. The TPS is a potentiometer that gives a 

reading in the fully-closed position and all other throttle-

plate opening angles are calculated using the fully-closed 

position as a base. Throttle-plate angle is used by the ECM 

to determine fueling requirements for all throttle positions. 

The signals that the TPS sends, informs the ECM of not 

only the position of the throttle plate, but the speed with 

which it is being opened or closed. The engine load is 

determined from the TPS and engine speed (rpm). The 

voltage output from the TPS increases proportionately as 

the throttle is opened.

Whenever the throttle body is serviced the fully closed 

and fully open throttle plate openings must be recorded in 

the ECU (MC500 or MC1000). For MC500 models, this 

procedure is accomplished with a special diagnostic tool. 

For MC1000 models, a special Windows-based software 

The flywheel cover has been removed for this photo to show the

sensor tip.

1. Crankshaft position sensor

2. Flywheel tooth

a. Gap

See “2002 Model Specifications” on page 161

1

2

a