Parts for your 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer-Throttle position sensors

2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) — Purpose, Service Advice, and FAQs

For the 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer (CE series with 4G15 and 4G93 petrol engines), a throttle position sensor is absolutely fitted and used. This is documented in the Mitsubishi Motors CE Lancer Workshop Manual (Engine Electrical – Fuel/Emission Control), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and widely noted in service data such as Gregory’s and Haynes manuals. Those sources specify a TPS mounted on the throttle body, with related OBD-II fault codes including P0120–P0123 and P0221.

The TPS on a 2000 Lancer tells the engine control unit exactly how far the throttle plate is open. That little signal drives a lot of decisions: fuelling, ignition timing, idle control, and even auto trans shift feel on applicable models. When the driver toes into the pedal, the ECU sees the TPS voltage rise smoothly, back off, and it drops to a steady closed-throttle value. It’s a simple part doing a big job, and when it goes out of whack, the car can feel doughy, surgey, or just plain unhappy.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for a TPS on this Lancer. It’s more of a “replace when faulty” item. Good service practice is to keep the throttle body clean and make sure the TPS connector and wiring are tidy and free of corrosion. If symptoms pop up—flat spots, hunting idle, a stubborn check engine light—scan for codes and look at live data. A healthy TPS typically sweeps smoothly from about 0.4–0.6 V at closed throttle to roughly 4.0–4.5 V wide open, with a solid 5 V reference and a good ground.

• Common symptoms: hesitant take-off, poor fuel economy, intermittent stalling, erratic auto shifts, and codes like P0120–P0123.
• Basic checks: inspect the plug and loom, confirm 5 V reference, and verify a clean voltage sweep with a multimeter or scan tool.

Replacement is straightforward: disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the two screws, swap the unit, and refit. Some CE Lancer variants use a slotted (adjustable) TPS. If so, lightly rotate the sensor to set closed-throttle voltage within spec or perform the factory procedure using a scan tool. Others are fixed and need no adjustment. After replacement, it’s smart to do an idle relearn—let it idle with all loads off until warm, then take a short drive so the ECU can settle. Use quality parts, don’t overtighten the small screws, and keep the connector clipped firmly. Done right, the Lancer idles cleanly, responds crisply, and keeps fuel use in check across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions about 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer throttle position sensors

Where is the TPS on a 2000 Lancer, and how do you test it?
It’s bolted to the side of the throttle body opposite the throttle cable linkage. Testing can be done with a scan tool (watching throttle angle) or a multimeter on the signal wire. You should see a smooth rise in voltage from roughly 0.4–0.6 V closed to around 4.0–4.5 V wide open, with no dead spots or spikes.

Do you need to calibrate the TPS after replacement?
Many CE Lancers use a slotted, adjustable TPS. If yours is adjustable, set the closed-throttle voltage to spec and complete an idle relearn. If it’s a fixed, non-adjustable type, simply install it and perform the idle relearn so the ECU adapts.

What fault codes point to a bad TPS on this model?
Typical codes include P0120, P0121, P0122, P0123, and sometimes P0221. Before condemning the sensor, check the 5 V reference, ground, and wiring continuity, as loom faults and poor connectors can mimic a failed TPS.