Parts for your 2009 Holden Colorado-Throttle position sensors

2009 Holden Colorado throttle position sensor (TPS): what it does and how to look after it

Based on the Holden Colorado RC Service Manual (Engine Controls), the Isuzu 4JJ1‑TC Engine Workshop Manual, and GM Global Service Information for the period, the 2009 Holden Colorado does use throttle‑position sensing. Petrol variants have a TPS on or within the throttle body (cable or electronic), while the 3.0‑litre 4JJ1 diesel uses an electronically controlled intake throttle valve for EGR and shutdown that incorporates a position sensor. The ECM/PCM monitors these sensors to track commanded versus actual throttle angle.

On this Colorado, the TPS tells the engine computer how much air the engine should be getting, so fuelling, spark (petrol), EGR flow (diesel) and idle control can all stay on the money. Autos also lean on the TPS signal for shift timing and line pressure, so a flaky TPS can make a gearbox feel grumpy. Typical fault codes you might see include P0120–P0124 and P0220–P0229, plus correlation or performance codes if the throttle angle doesn’t match what’s commanded.

Common symptoms of a crook TPS include:

• Hesitation, flat spots, or hunting idle
• Harsh or late shifts (autos), limp‑home mode
• Poor fuel economy and an illuminated MIL

Servicing tips for TPS and the throttle body on a 2009 Colorado:

• Inspect the connector and wiring for corrosion, oil wicking, and rub‑through (common near the intake pipe and EGR on diesels).
• Clean the throttle body bore and plate with throttle‑safe cleaner, don’t drown the sensor or force the plate on electronic units.
• Check live data: throttle command vs. throttle actual and APP (accelerator pedal) should track smoothly without dropouts.

Replacement advice: use quality parts that match the OE spec. On petrol models with a separate bolt‑on TPS, align it per the manual and tighten to spec, on electronic throttle bodies (petrol V6) and the diesel intake throttle, the position sensor is integrated—replace the assembly if the sensor has failed. After replacement or cleaning, perform a throttle/idle learn with a scan tool if available. Many RC Colorados will relearn after key‑on (no start) for ~30 seconds followed by a steady idle, but a proper scan‑tool routine is best. Avoid back‑probing with sharp pins on sealed connectors, and don’t pressure‑wash the area—water ingress kills sensors fast. Plan to check this system during major services (around 60,000 km), especially if the ute sees dusty or wet conditions.

Does the 2009 Colorado diesel actually have a throttle and TPS?

Yes. While diesels don’t meter air with a traditional throttle for power, the 4JJ1 uses an intake throttle valve to help EGR flow and for smooth shutdown. That valve has an internal position sensor the ECM monitors, functionally the same idea as a TPS.

Do I need a relearn after replacing or cleaning the TPS/throttle body?

It’s a good idea. Many will self‑learn after a key‑on and stable idle period, but using a scan tool to run the throttle/idle learn gives a cleaner result and helps avoid a high or unstable idle and spurious fault codes.

Where is the TPS on a 2009 Colorado?

Petrol models: on or integrated into the throttle body at the intake plenum. Diesel 4JJ1: integral to the intake throttle valve assembly near the EGR pipe on the intake tract. Follow the big intake hose to find it.