checking a throttle position sensor

I cut and pasted this from my 07 M1000 manual. But it should be similar.

Thunder

Throttle Position
Sensor
(EFI Models)
NOTE: Ignition timing specifications are located
on the Electrical Specifications Chart in this section.
TESTING TPS
When checking ignition timing, it is important that the
timing light be connected to the number 1 spark plug
wire, which is the MAG-side cylinder. If the number 2
cylinder spark plug wire is used, the timing light may
show a 2° error in ignition timing when ignition timing
is actually correct.
For example, the correct ignition timing on the 500 cc
is 12° ± 2° BTDC at 2000 RPM.
To quickly check TPS operation, measure the timing
according to the chart; then disconnect the TPS wiring
and recheck the timing. A system with a functioning
TPS will show a change in the timing. This is known
as “Fail-Safe Ignition Timing” and is built into the system
to protect the engine should the TPS fail. If this
change is not seen, the TPS may have failed and must
be checked.
If the ignition timing isn’t 12° ± 2° at 2000 RPM, the
TPS should be checked for proper adjustment using
the Throttle Position Sensor Adjustment Tool Kit (p/n
3639-891) and a digital voltmeter.
VERIFYING TPS ADJUSTMENT
TOOL
Before using the TPS adjustment tool, verify its battery
condition. The battery used in the tool is a 9-volt
battery. To check battery condition, use a digital volt/
ohmmeter set on DC volt scale. Test between the
adjustment tool black and red jacks. Insert the red lead
of the digital voltmeter into the red jack of the adjustment
tool and the black lead of the digital voltmeter
into the black jack of the adjustment tool. The green
power light of the analyzer should now be illuminated.
If voltage is found below 4.9 volts, replace the battery.
NOTE: The battery used in the tool is a 9-volt battery;
also, the Test Harness (p/n 0686-999) must be
plugged into the analyzer for testing voltage.
CHECKING TPS
NOTE: If the snowmobile is in warranty, breaking
the seal on the idle screw jam nut or the Phillipshead
screws on the TPS will void warranty. If the
TPS is tested out of specification, the throttle
assembly must be replaced.
NOTE: Before using the TPS adjustment tool,
verify its battery condition.
1. Using Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Adjustment
Tool Kit (p/n 3639-891), connect its wiring harness
to the TPS. Connect the red and black digital
voltmeter leads to the white and black jacks of the
TPS adjustment tool.
2. Ensure that the throttle cable/control rod has the
proper amount of free-play.
3. With the throttle in the idle position, compare the
reading on the voltmeter to the chart. If the reading
is within prescribed specification, proceed to step 4.
4. Compress the throttle lever slowly to the full-open
position. The meter reading should show a smooth
rise in voltage all the way to the full-open throttle
position. If the voltage seems to be erratic or
doesn’t meet the prescribed specification, repeat
this procedure several times to confirm results.
5. If the full-open throttle voltage remains erratic or
out of specification; replace the throttle body
assembly.
6. If the TPS is within the prescribed specification,
disconnect the adjustment tool harness from the
TPS. Connect the snowmobile TPS harness to the
TPS.
NOTE: Before installing the TPS harness connector,
apply dielectric grease to the connector pins.
FAIL-SAFE IGNITION TIMING
Engines equipped with throttle position sensor have a
protective feature called “fail-safe” ignition timing
which prevents engine damage should the TPS fail. If
the TPS does fail, the engine will run normally at low
RPM but will run poorly at high RPM. This will allow
the operator to get the snowmobile to safety with little
or no engine damage.
NOTE: The engine will continue to operate this
way until the TPS is replaced.

Engine Idle Position Wide-Open Position
500 cc 0.714-0.814 3.507-4.014
600/800 cc 0.646-0.754V 3.472-4.0485V
1000 cc 0.595-0.695V 3.477-4.054V

That was nice of you Arctic Thunder.

Tps

If you put a timing light on your #1 PTO side and start your engine and then unplug your tps, ____if the timing doesn't change______ then your tps isn't working properly. Your local cat deaaler has a machine for testing the ohm readings.As all mchines have defferant reading at certain rpms

I had one go out on an 02 800, you can just get the TPS instead of replacing the entire TB. Depending on your expertise I would let an AC tech get her running right.

You can make a tester using a digatal ohm meter and a 5 volt power source. A 9 volt battery hooked to a 5 volt regulator will work. Radio shack used to carry the resistor to step down to 5 volts, it ran about $3. SLP has the cat set up, but its about $120 and it is basiclly the same thing other than theirs is put together and comes with the screw driver. The screw drivers are avalible at any auto parts store. If you have a dealer close he should be able to test it and set it for a minimal amount. Takes around 10 minutes.

Arctic thunder gave you the specs...watch for blips in the ohms as you ease the throttle though the range. If you have any sudden changes to the reading, you have a shorted tps. The chage should be smooth from idle to wide open. If you're by Albany, chubby (Joel) has a tester at his shop.

Did you ever check your timing?

Looks like the TPS is in spec.

Thunder