1994 Q45 occasional stumbling was probably TCS actuator

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myf16
Posts: 63
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:17 pm
Car: 1994 Q45

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My seeming indestructible 1994 Q45 began very occasionally hiccuping at highway speeds about a year ago. The problem got more and more frequent until it was losing power for a fraction of a second every few miles. I was stumped.

I pulled the error codes and saw one for engine knock (could have many causes) and two for traction control. I expected the TCS errors because I pulled the TCS fuse and fusible link years ago due to a run-on TCS pump. But one of the codes was new, for the secondary throttle position sensor.

I got out the service manual to see what the secondary throttle was and where it was. It is the business end of the TCS, the device that cuts the air to the engine when slippage is detected. A check of the system wiring diagram revealed that it that the secondary throttle, which is controlled by a small motor and a return spring, could conceivably close even with the TCS fuse pulled. According to the manual, the return spring should keep that valve open unless the motor is pulling it closed.

I unplugged the secondary throttle motor and sensor. Both connectors are right on top of the air intake, so you don't even have to get dirty and it takes a few seconds. I've now driven about 200 flawless miles. So this was probably the correct fix.

Rather than leave the connector sockets open, today I cut two fingers off a disposable rubber glove and made connector condoms. :chuckle: With the condoms installed over the sockets, and the excess stuffed into each socket, I partially mated the male ends so they won't collect dirt either.


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94Q45Beast
Posts: 578
Joined: Mon Dec 01, 2014 9:07 am
Car: 1994 INFINITI Q45t w/HICAS
1992 INFINITI Q45
2017 INFINITI Q70S AWD BLACK ON BLACK
Location: ATL GA

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I'd be worried/freaking out about the engine knock and go on a crusade to find and solve the issue... but as for your secondary TPS sensor....why not just change it and get it over with for the next several thousands of miles?

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myf16
Posts: 63
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:17 pm
Car: 1994 Q45

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The secondary TPS is, as far as I know, only useful for TCS. My TCS already didn't work because its pump could never reach the correct pressure. Since I can't fix the TCS at reasonable cost, there's no point in fixing the secondary TPS. At 240k miles, the vehicle has earned its purchase cost of about $3k six years ago. It's allowed to have a few things that don't work anymore.

I believe the knock sensor code will clear now that the stumbling problem is gone.


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