Does this sound like a TPS problem?

[DorianJ]

My 2002 4Runner with 235,000+ miles (I'm the original owner) has started acting up on the freeway. The problem is most noticeable on cruise control, but it does happen on occasion when driving with the gas pedal. Basically the throttle will randomly cut out for any duration between 0-2 seconds, then kick in and reaccelerate to the set speed. This problem might happen once in 30 minutes or it can repeat itself 10 times in a minute. It's totally random.

There are no engine/OBDII codes being thrown. I've been reading here on the forums that people have had issues with the TPS and APPS, but nobody has described a scenario specifically like mine so I'd value any input from experienced owners.

I had the throttle body replaced by the dealer at around 40,000 miles and I remember the techs telling me how sucky that was because the throttle body seldom fails and it was one of the few things not covered by my extended warranty (almost $1600 repair). I really hope this isn't a throttle body problem again.

I've taken notes on this discussion in the event that people think the TPS is the problem: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-...1-02-t4r-throttle-position-sensor-info-2.html

 

[Smog-guy707]

I’ve seen tps do some funky things. Especially on these vehicles, and not throw codes. So you are not crazy

I’d be a little hesitant to just grow one on there. You can always try testing the voltage signal from the sensor if you are comfortable doing so. Should be a smooth waveform without dropouts it glitches


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[HiLife]

I've going through same thing for almost 2 months now, and not as frequent as yours.
The 4r would buck just for a split second by easing off a cruise throttle (at any speed) just a little to adjust speed 1-4 mph for slowing traffic.
I cannot replicate the problem at any speed, and happens at random maybe once every time I drive
Fuel trims look good while driving and no codes thrown.
Idles good. Part throttle and full throttle good.
I was thinking tps too. If the tps had a bad spot I should be able to recreate the problem. So idk.
Tps seems steady on the ultra gauge while driving. I'll throw on a new spare tps to see if any changes.

 

[DorianJ]

I've read about checking voltage/resistance on the TPS, but I've not tried it. I would need to see a picture/video of it being done to completely understand what I'm looking for.

Everything else with the driving experience is completely normal though. It starts up just fine. Idles very smooth at the correct RPM whether it's hot or cold. Accelerates quickly with no hesitation.

It's just these random occurrences of complete loss of power followed by 100% restoration of the power that has me completely stumped (and incredibly annoyed).