Parts for your 2006 Nissan Pulsar-Throttle position sensors

2006 Nissan Pulsar throttle position sensor (TPS)

Yes, a throttle position sensor is used on the 2006 Nissan Pulsar. On late N16 Pulsar/Almera models (common in NZ and some AU-delivered runout stock), the QG-series engines use a cable throttle with a separate TPS mounted on the throttle body. On vehicles badged Tiida/Latio (which replaced Pulsar here around that time), the throttle is drive-by-wire and the TPS function is built into the electronic throttle body. This is confirmed by Nissan’s factory service manuals — N16 Pulsar/Almera EC section (TPS testing/adjustment) and Tiida/Latio C11 EC section (Electronic Throttle Control with dual throttle position sensors) — and by Nissan FAST/EPC listings that show a separate TPS for N16 and a complete throttle body assembly for C11.

On a 2006 Pulsar, the TPS tells the engine control module exactly how far the throttle is open, so fuelling and ignition timing can be spot-on. Get it right and the car feels crisp off the line, idles cleanly and uses less fuel. Get it wrong and it’ll feel doughy, surge, or kick up a Check Engine light.

Servicing-wise, the approach depends on which setup the car has:

• N16 cable throttle: the TPS is a separate sensor that can be tested and, if needed, replaced and adjusted on the throttle body.
• C11 drive-by-wire: the TPS is integrated into the throttle actuator, it’s non-serviceable. If the sensor fails, the throttle body is replaced as an assembly, followed by a throttle/idle relearn.

Common clues the TPS/throttle body needs attention include erratic idle, flat spots on take-off, hunting at steady speeds, higher fuel use, or auto shift flare. Fault codes to watch for include P0120–P0123 (TPS circuit), and on DBW setups, correlation codes like P2135.

Handy maintenance tips:

• Keep the throttle body clean with sensor-safe cleaner. On DBW units, don’t force the butterfly by hand.
• Inspect the TPS connector for green crusties or broken pins — wiring gremlins are common under the bonnet.
• After replacing a TPS (N16) or throttle body (C11), perform the throttle closed-position/idle air volume learning using a scan tool or the approved pedal procedure from the Nissan manual.
• If adjusting an N16 TPS, use a multimeter or scan data to set closed-throttle voltage/angle to spec from the service manual.

Sourcing quality parts and doing the relearn properly saves headaches, fuel, and time. It’s a small job that makes the Pulsar feel brand new again.

Popular questions about 2006 Nissan Pulsar TPS

Does a 2006 Pulsar have a separate TPS or is it part of the throttle body?
Both exist in this model year depending on variant. N16 Pulsar/Almera has a separate TPS on the side of the throttle body. Tiida/Latio (the Pulsar’s successor in AU/NZ around 2006) uses an electronic throttle body with the TPS built-in. A quick look at the throttle: cable and external sensor means N16, no cable and an all-in-one motorised unit means DBW.

Can a faulty TPS be cleaned or must it be replaced?
The sensor itself isn’t cleanable. On N16, clean the throttle bore and replace the TPS if the readings are off. On DBW units (C11), clean the bore only, if the position sensors are faulty, replace the entire throttle body.

Do I need a relearn after TPS or throttle body work?
Yes. After TPS adjustment/replacement (N16) or throttle body replacement (C11), perform throttle closed position, accelerator pedal released position, and idle air volume learning. A scan tool makes it painless, the manual pedal procedure also works if followed to the letter.