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Parts for your 2002 Honda Civic-Throttle position sensors
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2002 Honda Civic Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
Yes, the 2002 Honda Civic is fitted with a throttle position sensor. Technical references including the Honda Civic 2001–2005 Service Manual (Helm Inc., Fuel & Emissions section), Honda OBD‑II DTC listings (P0121, P0122, P0123 for TPS circuit faults), and Honda parts catalogues for D17A throttle bodies all specify a TPS mounted on the throttle body of cable‑throttle models. It feeds the ECU precise throttle angle data for fuelling, ignition timing, and automatic shift logic.
On a 2002 Civic, the TPS keeps the engine feeling crisp and predictable. It tells the ECU how far the driver has opened the throttle so the car can meter petrol correctly, smooth out take‑offs, and sharpen response under load. When the sensor wears or drifts out of spec, drivability suffers—think hesitations, uneven idle, flat spots, harsher auto shifts, and worse fuel economy. The check engine light commonly flags TPS‑related codes if it’s gone properly out of range.
- Common symptoms: erratic idle, surging, sluggish acceleration, sudden drop in power, harsh upshifts (auto), and CEL with P0121/P0122/P0123.
- Quick checks: live data on a scan tool should show a smooth TPS percentage sweep, with a multimeter, signal voltage should be ~0.5 V closed and ~4.5 V at wide open, rising smoothly with no dead spots.
Servicing advice for Aussie and Kiwi owners: the TPS on many D17 throttle bodies was originally riveted and sold by Honda as part of the complete throttle body. Aftermarket sensors are available, they require drilling out the rivets, aligning the new sensor, and setting the closed‑throttle voltage accurately. If you’re not keen on precision adjustments, replacing the whole throttle body or having a technician set it up with a scan tool is the tidy option.
- Before replacement, inspect the connector for corrosion, broken wires, or water ingress. Clean the throttle body gently—avoid soaking the sensor.
- If fitting an aftermarket TPS, align it so closed‑throttle reads about 0.48–0.52 V, then tighten evenly. Re‑check the sweep for smoothness.
- Perform an idle learn after battery disconnect or throttle work: warm the engine fully, switch all accessories off, and let it idle undisturbed so the ECU relearns.
There’s no fixed replacement interval for a TPS. A sensible approach is to check operation whenever servicing the throttle body or chasing drivability niggles, especially past 150,000–200,000 km.
Popular questions about 2002 Honda Civic throttle position sensors
Where is the TPS on a 2002 Honda Civic?
The TPS sits on the side of the throttle body, opposite the throttle cable pulley. It’s a small, black, three‑wire sensor. On many D17 engines it’s riveted from factory, replacements often use screws.
Access is under the bonnet at the intake side of the engine. Removing the intake ducting gives a clear look at the throttle body and the TPS connector.
Can the TPS be replaced separately, or does the whole throttle body need changing?
Honda originally supplied the TPS with the throttle body assembly. However, quality aftermarket TPS units allow separate replacement. This involves removing the factory rivets, fitting the new sensor, and setting the closed‑throttle voltage correctly.
If you’d rather avoid calibration, a complete throttle body swap (new or good used) is a straightforward alternative.
Will a dodgy TPS affect fuel economy and shifting?
It can, absolutely. Incorrect throttle angle data skews fuelling and timing, often causing higher consumption and rougher running. On automatics, the ECU uses TPS data for shift timing, so you may notice late or harsh shifts.
If these symptoms appear along with a TPS code, testing and correcting the TPS should be high on the list.
