Parts for your 2003 Daihatsu Yrv-Throttle position sensors

2003 Daihatsu YRV Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)

Referencing Daihatsu’s YRV (M200/M201) workshop literature for the K3-VE/VET engines, Denso EFI system notes, and common diagnostic code lists (P0120–P0124, P0220 series), the 2003 Daihatsu YRV is fitted with a throttle position sensor on the throttle body. Parts catalogues and service data for the period also list a dedicated TPS sub-sensor on the Denso throttle body assembly, confirming it’s a relevant, used component on this model.

For the 2003 Daihatsu YRV, the throttle position sensor (TPS) is a small but crucial bit of kit mounted on the throttle body. Its job is to tell the engine control unit (ECU) exactly how far the throttle plate is opened, so fuelling, ignition timing, and (where applicable) automatic transmission shift logic can be dialled in correctly. Put simply, it translates the driver’s right foot into clean, responsive power without overusing petrol.

When a TPS starts to wear or drifts out of spec, the YRV may show rough idle, flat spots off the line, hunting revs, harsh shifts on autos, or a lit check-engine lamp. The ECU will often store codes such as P0120–P0123 for circuit range/performance. Because the YRV’s system relies heavily on that position signal, a lazy TPS can feel like a bigger engine fault under the bonnet, even when the fix is relatively straightforward.

Replacement on the YRV is usually a driveway job for a competent home mechanic. The sensor lives on the side of the throttle body opposite the cable lever, secured by two small screws and a three-pin connector. With the battery disconnected, the connector can be unclipped and the sensor swapped over. New O-rings or seals should be used if specified in Daihatsu data. Some Denso units are “set and forget”, while others have slotted holes allowing a fine alignment so the closed-throttle voltage lands around the factory spec (typically about 0.5–0.7 V closed, ~4 V wide open). A scan tool helps confirm the TPS percentage rises smoothly with no dead spots. After refit, an idle relearn or a short drive cycle lets the ECU tidy things up.

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth cleaning the throttle body bore and ensuring the TPS connector is clean and tight. On higher-kilometre YRVs, preventative replacement of a clearly worn TPS can restore crisp throttle response and save petrol, especially for city cars doing lots of stop–start work. Genuine or high-quality aftermarket sensors matched to the K3-VE/VET throttle body are recommended for long-term reliability.

• Typical symptoms: hesitation, surging, erratic idle, harsh auto shifts, CEL on.
• Good practice: inspect connector pins, check live data for smooth TPS sweep, perform idle relearn.
• Tools: basic spanners/screwdrivers, multimeter or scan tool, contact cleaner.

Popular questions

Where is the TPS on a 2003 Daihatsu YRV?
The TPS sits on the throttle body, usually on the side opposite the throttle cable lever. It’s a small Denso-style unit held by two screws with a three-pin plug. Access is under the bonnet, intake snorkel off makes the job simpler.

Can the TPS on a YRV be adjusted or does it need programming?
Most YRV TPS units are non-programmable. Some have slotted mounting holes for minor alignment so the closed-throttle signal is within spec. After fitting, a basic idle relearn or brief drive cycle lets the ECU settle, a scan tool helps verify the TPS reads smoothly from closed to wide open.

What fault codes point to a bad TPS on a YRV?
Common codes include P0120, P0121, P0122, P0123, and occasionally P0220 series codes. These indicate circuit range/performance or signal issues. If these appear with drivability symptoms, testing the TPS signal and connector integrity is the next step.