Parts for your 2006 Honda Stream-Throttle position sensors

2006 Honda Stream Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): What It Does and How to Look After It

The 2006 Honda Stream is fitted with throttle position sensing. Technical sources confirm it’s part of Honda’s PGM‑FI engine management: first‑generation Stream (RN1–RN5, up to 2006, cable throttle on D17A/K20A) uses a separate TP sensor on the throttle body, second‑generation Stream (RN6–RN9, launched 2006 with R18A/R20A) uses Electronic Throttle Control with twin throttle position sensors built into the throttle body assembly. References: Honda Stream Workshop Manuals (RN1–RN5 and RN6–RN9), Fuel & Emissions/ETCS sections, Honda Civic 2006 R18A Service Manual (architecture shared with RN6 Stream), OBD‑II diagnostics listing for P0121–P0123, P2135.

On this model, the TPS tells the ECU exactly how far the throttle plate is open. That signal is critical for fuelling, ignition timing, idle control, emissions, and—on autos—shift timing. On drive‑by‑wire Streams (RN6+), the ECU also compares two independent TP signals for safety while commanding the throttle motor. If the readings don’t agree, it throws a fault and may go into limp mode.

Typical TPS or throttle body issues show up as a check engine light, rough or high idle, hesitation off the mark, surging at cruise, poor fuel economy, or DTCs such as P0121–P0123 or P2135 (correlation). Regular servicing won’t usually replace a TPS, but sensible upkeep keeps it sweet:

• Inspect the throttle body and wiring at service intervals, clean the throttle bore and plate every 60–100,000 kilometres with sensor‑safe cleaner (don’t drown the TPS).
• On RN1–RN5 (cable throttle), the TP sensor can be replaced on its own, set the sensor correctly and clear codes.
• On RN6–RN9 (ETCS), the twin TP sensors are integral to the throttle body, replacement is typically the whole assembly. Perform idle/throttle relearn with a scan tool after refit.
• Check the gasket, connector pins and harness routing under the bonnet, poor earths and cracked looms cause intermittent faults that mimic a bad sensor.

Handy servicing tips: use a scan tool to watch TP% for smooth, linear movement, any dead spots or jumps suggest replacement. After cleaning or replacing, carry out an idle learn (warm engine, all loads off, let it idle 5–10 minutes) or follow the Honda HDS procedure so it doesn’t hunt at idle. Parts quality matters—on ETCS units, stick with OEM or reputable brands so the dual‑sensor tracking stays within spec.

• Technical sources cited: Honda Stream RN1–RN5 Workshop Manual (Fuel & Emissions—Throttle Body/TP Sensor), Honda Stream RN6–RN9 Workshop Manual (Electronic Throttle Control System—dual TP sensors), Honda Civic 2006 R18A Service Manual, OBD‑II DTC documentation for P0121–P0123, P2135.

Does a 2006 Honda Stream have a TPS?

Yes. Early 2006 (RN1–RN5) uses a cable throttle with a standalone TP sensor on the throttle body. Late 2006 onward (RN6–RN9) uses drive‑by‑wire with twin TPS elements integrated into the throttle body assembly.

What does replacement typically involve and what might it cost?

On RN1–RN5, the sensor can be swapped and calibrated, parts often run AU/NZ$120–$220 plus 0.7–1.0 hours labour. On RN6–RN9, the throttle body assembly is replaced, expect roughly AU/NZ$450–$900 for the unit plus 1.0–1.5 hours labour, then an idle/throttle relearn. Prices vary by brand and region.

Can owners reset the throttle without special tools?

Basic idle learn is possible after cleaning or battery disconnect: warm the engine, switch all loads off, and let it idle 5–10 minutes. For precise ETCS calibration or if fault codes persist, a scan tool (HDS or equivalent) is recommended to complete the throttle/idle learn and clear DTCs properly.