Parts for your 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander-Throttle position sensors

2007 Mitsubishi Outlander throttle position sensors (TPS): what they do and how to look after them

Technical sources for the CW-series 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander confirm it does use throttle position sensors. The Mitsubishi Motors Factory Service Manual for this model year (Group 13A: Multi‑Point Injection and Electronic Throttle Control) specifies dual “Throttle Position Sensor (Main/Sub)” built into the electronic throttle body. The Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS parts catalogue lists the TPS as integral to the throttle body assembly rather than a separate bolt‑on part. The official DTC set for this Outlander also includes TP‑related codes (e.g., P0121–P0123 and P0221–P0223), which only appear when a throttle position circuit is present.

On the 2007 Outlander, the TPS lives inside the drive‑by‑wire throttle body and works in tandem with the accelerator pedal position sensors. Its job is to tell the engine control unit exactly how far the throttle plate is open. With two TPS tracks (main and sub) for redundancy, the ECU cross‑checks signals constantly to keep throttle behaviour smooth and safe. That crisp tip‑in, consistent idle, and tidy fuel economy all lean on an accurate TPS signal.

Because the sensors are integrated, replacement typically means swapping the entire throttle body. That sounds a bit full‑on, but it also restores the throttle plate motor, gears and both sensor tracks in one go—handy if the unit’s done plenty of kilometres or shows wear.

As part of regular servicing, they’ll want to:

• Inspect the throttle body for carbon build‑up and clean the bore and plate with throttle‑safe cleaner. Avoid flooding the motor housing and don’t force the blade.
• Check for vacuum leaks and brittle intake hoses, which can mimic TPS issues.
• Scan for pending TP‑related codes and compare live data for TPS Main vs Sub, they should track closely.
• Verify good grounds and stable 5V reference at the connector if chasing intermittent faults.

If the throttle body is replaced or removed for cleaning, a throttle/idle relearn is smart practice. Many scan tools can run the ETC initialisation, otherwise, a basic procedure (key‑on wait, key‑off wait, warm idle without loads) generally gets the ECU to settle the new positions. After any work, confirm idle speed, check for TP‑range codes, and take a gentle road test to ensure smooth take‑off and steady cruising.

Common signs it’s time to act include erratic idle, flat spots off the line, cruise control dropping out, and the MIL paired with codes like P0121 or P0222. When in doubt, testing beats guessing—proper scan data and a few simple electrical checks will save time and coin.

Popular questions

Does the 2007 Outlander have a separate TPS I can replace on its own?
No—on this model the TPS is built into the electronic throttle body. If the sensor signal is faulty and cleaning or wiring checks don’t fix it, the usual repair is to replace the throttle body assembly, which also refreshes the throttle motor and gears.

Do I need to program or relearn anything after throttle body work?
Yes. After removal, cleaning or replacement, a throttle/idle relearn helps the ECU set accurate blade positions. A scan tool procedure is best, but a key‑on/key‑off and warm‑idle relearn often does the trick. Always clear codes and verify stable idle and smooth tip‑in afterwards.

What symptoms or codes point to a TPS problem on this Outlander?
Expect erratic idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy, and the MIL. Typical codes include P0121–P0123 or P0221–P0223 for range/performance or circuit faults. Before condemning the throttle body, check the 5V reference, grounds, connectors, and for intake leaks.