It threw a code 21 , throttle position sensor bad code. i replaced it and the code went away but i still have no spark.

six monthes ago i replaced the cranshaft sensor because it just died and would not start. finally figured out it was the security key. fixed that ran no problem. 2 weeks ago it started to run bad again. i checked for codes and got a bad camshaft sensor and throttle postion sensor are bad codes because it would not stat again. i replaced them bothe. the codes went away but still noe spark. whats next

My car has 187000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. The problems that you are encountering with your vehicle, could be caused by the harness to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or the computer itself.

Check the harness to the TPS for any debris or any corrosion. Hook up a paperclip to the harness and turn on the key. Use a multimeter and check for voltage at the pins of the harness. Make sure that the ground on the sensor is grounded and has no resistance. If you find that the harness is having too much resistance, then I recommend having the main engine harness replaced. If you have replaced the harness and still have the same problems, then the computer will need to be flashed or replaced.

I recommend having a professional, like one from YourMechanic, come to your home to diagnose your car’s no start condition before replacing any parts.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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Quite rarely but surely enough a bad throttle position sensor can create a no-start condition where you may be able to just crank the engine and not turn it over.
Do you have to reset computer after replacing throttle position sensor? After replacing the throttle position sensor in your engine, if the engine light was on and has a pending code, the code should go away. If the code doesn`t, however, then the ECM (engine computer module) will need resetting.
Throttle Position Sensor Error (Signal High)

The Throttle Position sensor signals the Engine Control Module as to the current position of the engine throttle valve.

a faulty tps can set a trouble code in the computer if the voltage value is either not present, sporadic, slow or constant, and this can illuminate your check engine light.
The easiest way to reset your throttle position sensor is to unhook the negative cable from your battery for up to five minutes or to remove the fuse for your engine control module.
Sensors that fail to send information to the computer may cause the engine to run less efficiently, and they can sometimes be the cause of an engine that won`t start. One common culprit for this problem is the crankshaft position sensor, which measures the position and speed of the crankshaft.
Temporary glitches may be the reason why Windows is uninstalling this device. (Code 21) appears and a reboot of system may solve it. Just click on the Windows button, choose Power option, and select Restart from the menu. How to troubleshoot operating system not found during system startup.
Fault Code 21 indicates a problem with the Auto-Neutral Park Brake Switch circuit.
OBD-I vs. OBD-II. The central difference between first generation OBD systems and OBD-II is that OBD-II systems are now homogenized into the vehicle itself. Unlike OBD-I, wherein diagnostic systems were externally linked to a vehicle`s console.
A malfunctioning TPS will cause your engine to run poorly. Generally the engine will idle fine but will have difficulty accelerating. This is because the computer isn`t telling the engine to inject as much fuel as is required, while at the same time airflow is increasing.
Set your multimeter to the 10 DC voltage range, place the black negative probe on the ground terminal of the TPS, and place the red positive probe on the reference voltage terminal of the TPS. If the meter does not read 5 volts, the TPS is bad.
Hard start symptoms and starter failure may NOT be caused by the starter, but could actually be caused by the crankshaft position sensor. If your vehicle is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, the crankshaft sensor may be at fault.
Within a motorsport engine – or the engine of any vehicle, there is a throttle valve. The throttle valve opens when the accelerator pedal is compressed. A throttle position sensor is used to measure how open the throttle valve is and therefore controls the amount of air which can flow into the engines intake manifold.
To fix code P0122, you usually need to order a new throttle or pedal position sensor. However, both components are inexpensive and simple to change, making this a simple code to repair.
Once you have fitted a Throttle Position Sensor, or TPS, you will need to calibrate it from within MEITE. First, be sure you have correctly wired, and assigned the throttle sensor signal input to “TPS Raw” in the Analog Settings.
Step 1: After you finish cleaning your throttle body, start the car and let it idle for four minutes. The RPMs might be high at first but should gradually settle down as the ECU absorbs the data. Step 2: Turn off the car for 90 seconds. Then, turn it back on and allow it to idle for another four minutes.
There are a few repairs that can be done to resolve the error code. First, you can replace the accelerator position sensor. Then, you can see if installing new throttle position sensors fixes the error. If neither of these solutions works, then you can try checking for a fault in the circuits or connections.
21. Failure of left sidelight.
Exit code: 21 Payloads version is not supported by installed version of RIBS. Use the latest version of the installer.
Smart-Shift sets the industry standard for electronic shift applications and can be installed into any vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. Smart-Shift travels from Park to Drive in 1.3 seconds!
Easy to Use: OBD1 Scanner Adapter Cable is easy to use, its 12 pins allows you to connect a vehicle with a OBD1 12 pins socket with your existing OBD2 16 pins tool, which works perfectly with scanning software, stable transmission, antijamming.
OBD is the abbreviation for on-board diagnostics. OBD2 refers to the second generation of the onboard diagnostic system. OBD or onboard diagnostics is the system in a car that controls and monitors all the important control devices, offering data access with the appropriate hardware and software.
What is the Difference Between an OBD1 and OBD2 Scanner? An OBD1 scanner is a basic OEM-specific diagnostic tool that scans fault codes in cars made from 1988–1996. A more advanced system called OBD2 was mandated in lightweight vehicles like cars in 1996 and medium-weight vehicles (including trucks) in 2005.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

It threw a code 21 , throttle position sensor bad code. i replaced it and the code went away but i still have no spark.
ANSWER : Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. The problems that you are encountering with your vehicle, could be caused by the harness to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or the computer itself.

Check the harness to the TPS for any debris or any corrosion. Hook up a paperclip to the harness and turn on the key. Use a multimeter and check for voltage at the pins of the harness. Make sure that the ground on the sensor is grounded and has no resistance. If you find that the harness is having too much resistance, then I recommend having the main engine harness replaced. If you have replaced the harness and still have the same problems, then the computer will need to be flashed or replaced.

I recommend having a professional, like one from YourMechanic, come to your home to diagnose your car’s no start condition before replacing any parts.

Diagnostic code read o2 sensor bad, replaced o2 sensor, cleared code but engine light came back on, is it caused by bad air filter
ANSWER : Hello there. Typically jump starting a vehicle doesn’t trigger an OBD-II error code. However, one of the most common misdiagnosis issues with the P-2270 is replacing the O2 sensor before diagnosing if there are any exhaust leaks. Obviously, you’ll want to check for the exhaust leaks first, repair the damaged component, and then clear the codes before scanning the vehicle again. Sometimes the electrical harness attached to the O2 sensor is damaged or dirty which will also trigger this error code. The noise and vibration may be an indicator of a loose exhaust pipe, which may be the source of the error code staying on. If you need any help, have a technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to diagnose your Check Engine Light and make the necessary repairs.

check engine light O2 sensor already replaced same codes still popping up after replacing old O2 sensor
ANSWER : Hi there. What you received from the parts store was a code retrieval, not a diagnostic. The codes are set when a fault is detected against normal operating parameter. The computer does not know what caused the fault, only that the fault meets the criteria for this code to set. There could be a problem in the wire harness, converter, or the ECM. The code and data are needed to properly assess the direction that a diagnosis needs. I strongly suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.

Bad camshaft position sensor?
ANSWER : Hi there. You might find reading this article very helpful in trying to diagnose your P0016 OBD-II trouble code issue. It explains common causes, symptoms and solutions.

My code reader says I have a bad mass air flow sensor ans crank shat sensor test drive ran better shut off & engine Lt. Same code
ANSWER : Hi there. The problem you are describing, sounds like you may have a poor connection in the connector at the mass airflow sensor. Although, sometimes aftermarket parts do not perform as well as factory (OEM) parts. Check for corrosion and/or wide spacing in the terminal ends. Compare the terminal ends in the connector using a flashlight to see better. The terminals can be tightened. If you are not comfortable with doing that, a replacement pigtail (connector) is available. You vehicle may require further diagnosis performed with a scanner that provides parameters that can be viewed as the fault occurs. If that is the case, I recommend having your vehicle’s electrical circuits inspected in order to pinpoint the underlying fault.

I have a bad oxygen sensor, bad power steering sensor, and a bad cam shaft sensor? Should I replace any of them?
ANSWER : When you say you have three bad sensors I can only assume you have had them tested and the end result is three bad sensors. If they tested bad then they should be replaced. The power steering sensor senses the load of the steering on the engine so it can raise the idle during parking maneuvers. The O2 sensor is used for fuel control and it may effect engine power and fuel mileage. The camshaft sensor cay cause no starts, engine running problems and all three will turn on the check engine light.

I have a p0171 code on my ford ranger 2.5 and have replaced fuel filter maf sensor, iac sensor, fixed vacuum leaks, replaced fuel
ANSWER : Hello there. You might to read this article about the P0171 OBD-II trouble code; as it will give you ideas on causes and possible solutions.

I have changed the camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, spark plugs and plug wires and there still is no fire.
ANSWER : Hi there. If there was a spark around the speed sensor as the engine was starting, then there is a major short in the ignition system. Check all of the wiring grounds and make sure that they all are hooked up and clean. If you are referring that the coils are sparking on the outside, then the coil has a crack on them and they would need replaced. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you with your ignition system.