Throttle Control Sensor Repair Costs in 2025: What Drivers Should Expect

Expect to pay about $75–$450 to replace a standalone throttle position sensor (TPS) and roughly $300–$900 if your vehicle requires replacing the entire electronic throttle body (ETB) assembly that includes the sensor; luxury or high-performance models can run $500–$1,200+. Prices vary by vehicle, parts availability, and local labor rates, and may include added costs for diagnostics and throttle relearn procedures.

What the Throttle Control Sensor Does—and Why It Matters

The throttle control sensor (often called the TPS) tells your engine control module how far the throttle is open so the engine can meter fuel and air correctly. On many modern “drive‑by‑wire” cars, the sensor is integrated into the electronic throttle body along with an actuator motor. When it fails—or when wiring and connectors to the sensor degrade—you can get poor acceleration, erratic idle, stalling, limp mode, and warning lights. Addressing the fault promptly restores drivability and prevents cascading issues like fouled plugs or catalytic converter stress.

Typical Repair Scenarios and Price Ranges

Depending on your vehicle’s design, the fix could be a simple sensor swap or a full throttle body replacement. The following scenarios outline common outcomes and what they usually cost in parts and labor.

• Standalone TPS replacement (older or some budget models): Parts $25–$150 aftermarket ($75–$250 OEM), labor 0.5–1.0 hour; typical out-the-door $75–$450.
• Electronic throttle body (ETB) with integrated sensor and actuator: Parts $180–$500 aftermarket ($300–$800 OEM; $800–$1,200 for certain luxury/performance models), labor 0.8–1.5 hours; typical total $300–$900, with high-end cases $1,000+.
• Wiring/connector repair instead of sensor replacement: Parts $10–$60 for pigtails/connectors, labor 0.5–1.5 hours; typical total $90–$350.
• Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor replacement when codes implicate the pedal side (common on many drive-by-wire systems): Parts $60–$250, labor 0.5–1.0 hour; typical total $150–$450.

These ranges assume U.S. labor rates, which commonly span $90–$180/hour at independents and $150–$225/hour at dealerships in major metros, and they include typical shop fees. Regional taxes and premium OEM parts can push totals higher.

Itemized Costs You Might See on an Invoice

Not every job will include all of these line items, but they are representative of what shops often charge when addressing throttle control faults.

• Diagnostic scan and testing: $50–$150 (often credited toward the repair).
• TPS or ETB part: $25–$1,200+ depending on configuration and brand (aftermarket vs. OEM).
• Gasket or O-ring: $5–$25 (for throttle body removal).
• Throttle body cleaning: $10–$30 in materials; sometimes included in labor.
• Labor time: 0.5–1.5 hours in most cases; complex packaging or rust can add time.
• Throttle/idle relearn or calibration: 0.1–0.3 hours; may require a scan tool on some models.
• Shop supplies and fees: typically 5–12% of labor/parts subtotal.

A clear estimate should spell out these items; if it doesn’t, ask for a breakdown to avoid surprises and to compare quotes accurately.

Key Factors That Influence the Final Price

Several variables determine whether your repair lands on the low or high end of the range. Consider the following factors when budgeting.

• Vehicle make/model: Some brands integrate sensors into costly throttle bodies; others allow sensor-only replacement.
• Parts choice: OEM parts tend to cost more but may be recommended for drivability or warranty reasons; quality aftermarket parts can reduce costs.
• Labor rate and shop type: Independent shops are generally less expensive than dealerships; metro areas cost more than rural regions.
• Calibration needs: Certain vehicles require scan-tool relearns; others use key/idle procedures at no extra cost.
• Related faults: Damaged wiring, vacuum leaks, carbon buildup, or pedal sensors can add parts and labor.

Understanding these drivers helps explain quote differences between shops and can guide you toward the best value for your specific vehicle.

Symptoms, Codes, and When to Repair

Throttle sensor issues often trigger a check engine light or a “Reduced Power/ETC” warning and can put the car into limp mode. Typical OBD-II codes include P0120–P0124 (TPS circuit), P0220–P0229 (secondary TPS circuits), P2135 (correlation between sensors), and sometimes P2101–P2119 (throttle actuator range/performance). If you experience hesitation, surging, stalling, or erratic idle, schedule diagnostics promptly; continued driving can be unsafe in traffic and may worsen fuel economy and emissions.

How Long the Repair Takes

Most TPS or throttle body repairs take 30–120 minutes once parts are on hand. Add time for diagnostics, parts sourcing, and any required throttle relearn. Same-day service is common at many shops.

DIY vs. Professional Repair

Confident DIYers can sometimes replace a standalone TPS or even a throttle body with basic tools, saving on labor. However, tight engine bays, brittle connectors, and required scan-tool relearns can complicate the job. If you lack a scan tool or experience, professional service often yields faster, more reliable results and includes a warranty.

Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Reliability

The following strategies can help control costs while maintaining quality and safety.

• Get two to three written estimates and compare parts brands and warranty terms.
• Ask whether a sensor-only replacement is possible on your model; some shops default to full throttle body replacement.
• Consider reputable aftermarket parts when appropriate; insist on OE-level specs for electronic components.
• Address wiring or connector corrosion if present; fixing the root cause prevents repeat failures.
• Combine services (e.g., throttle cleaning or intake service) to reduce duplicate labor.

Balanced choices—quality parts, clear warranties, and proper diagnostics—generally deliver the best long-term value.

Warranty, Recalls, and Coverage

Newer vehicles may have emissions-related coverage that includes throttle components beyond the basic bumper-to-bumper warranty. Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or recalls by VIN; manufacturers occasionally update software or replace throttle bodies for known issues. Repaired parts typically carry 12 months/12,000 miles at independents; OEM parts installed at dealerships may offer longer coverage—verify in writing.

Bottom Line on Cost

For most cars, “fixing the throttle control sensor” means either replacing a standalone TPS ($75–$450 total) or installing a new electronic throttle body when the sensor is integrated ($300–$900, with premium vehicles higher). Accurate diagnostics—confirming whether the fault lies in the sensor, throttle body, pedal sensor, or wiring—are key to avoiding unnecessary parts and cost.

Summary

Expect $75–$450 for a standalone TPS repair and $300–$900 when the sensor is built into the throttle body, with luxury/performance models reaching $1,200+. Final price depends on parts design, brand choice, labor rates, calibration needs, and any wiring or related faults. A proper diagnostic scan and a clear, itemized estimate will help you choose the most cost-effective and reliable fix.

Can you drive with a bad throttle sensor?

Can I drive with a faulty throttle position sensor? While it’s possible to drive with a faulty throttle position sensor, it’s not recommended as it can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, stalling, and potential safety risks.

What are the symptoms of a bad throttle control sensor?

If the TPS S is faulty. It might send incorrect signals to the ECU.

Is electronic throttle control expensive to fix?

Some throttle bodies may be cheaper to replace, costing under $200. Others are more expensive, costing up to $1,000 or more. Ultimately, the price depends on your vehicle. If you drive a large or luxury car, you’ll pay more for a throttle body replacement.

Is it expensive to fix the throttle position sensor?

Overall, you may spend around $150 to $710 to replace the throttle position sensor (TPS), which includes: Parts cost: $100 to $540. Labor cost: $50 to $170.