Parts for your 2003 Honda Stream-Throttle position sensors

2003 Honda Stream throttle-position-sensors: what they do and how to look after them

Based on Honda’s factory service literature for the RN1–RN5 Stream (2001–2005), the 2003 Honda Stream is fitted with throttle-position-sensors (TPS). The D17A cable-throttle variants use a TPS mounted on the throttle body, and the K20A i‑VTEC variants use an electronic throttle body that contains position sensors for the throttle plate. Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for these models lists a TPS as part of the throttle assembly, and the service manual includes TPS inspection and adjustment procedures, with related OBD‑II codes (such as P0121–P0123) confirming the system’s presence.

On this model, the throttle-position-sensors tell the engine control module how far the throttle plate is open. That data is key for fuelling, ignition timing, idle control, and—on autos—shift quality. In day-to-day driving it translates to crisp throttle response, smooth take-offs, and decent fuel economy. On K20A variants with drive‑by‑wire, the ECM uses both pedal and throttle-body position sensors to manage throttle angle safely and smoothly.

When the throttle-position-sensors start playing up, owners may notice flat spots on acceleration, hunting idle, a check‑engine light, poor fuel economy, or harsh/late gear changes. Typical fault codes include P0121, P0122, P0123 and, on DBW cars, correlation faults.

As part of servicing a 2003 Honda Stream, it’s worth:

• Cleaning the throttle body and making sure the throttle plate moves freely.
• Inspecting the TPS connector for corrosion, broken locks, or chafed wiring.
• Scanning live data to confirm smooth throttle-angle change from closed to wide‑open.

If replacement is needed on D17A cable‑throttle cars, the TPS is mounted on the side of the throttle body. After fitting a quality OEM‑spec sensor, align and set it to the closed‑throttle value using a scan tool or multimeter as per the Honda service manual, then clear codes and verify with a road test. On K20A electronic‑throttle cars, the TPS is integrated into the throttle body and isn’t serviced separately—fit a complete throttle body assembly, then carry out the ECM idle/ETCS learn procedure. In both cases, don’t force the sensor shaft, use the correct screws, and avoid cheap copies that drift out of spec. A quick check each service interval helps keep the Stream running sweet as and saves headaches down the track.

Popular questions about 2003 Honda Stream throttle-position-sensors

Where is the throttle-position-sensors located on a 2003 Honda Stream?
On D17A models it’s bolted to the side of the throttle body near the throttle cable linkage. On K20A electronic‑throttle models, the position sensors are built into the electronic throttle body housing, under the bonnet on the intake manifold.

Do throttle-position-sensors need calibration after replacement?
Yes. Cable‑throttle D17A cars require alignment to the closed‑throttle value using a scan tool or multimeter. Electronic‑throttle K20A cars need an idle/ETCS learn procedure after fitting a replacement throttle body so the ECM relearns throttle angles.

What fault codes point to a bad throttle-position-sensors?
Common TPS‑related codes on the Stream include P0121 (range/performance), P0122 (low input) and P0123 (high input). Drive‑by‑wire cars may also log throttle correlation or learn‑value errors if the sensor signal is erratic.