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2006 Kia Optima TPS Code

Tiny
MOMMYTO2
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 KIA OPTIMA
  • 2.7L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 102,000 MILES
I have a 2006.5 Kia Optima EX V6. My check engine light came on recently and I took it to my local Advanced Auto Parts store & they told me it brought up the TPS (throttle position sensor) code. When first starting the car, it would not take any gas whatsoever, push the pedal to the floor and the engine still would not rev up. After turning the car off and back on, the check engine light would disappear and you could drive as if nothing was wrong. The check engine light has been off for few weeks now, but you can still feel a hesitation and sluggishness. We have tried to find the correct part everywhere. Bought one that was supposed to be a direct fit for our 2006.5 Optima, but it wasn't. We were told by AAP & Kia that we will have to replace the entire throttle body assembly to just replace the sensor we need. Is this true? We have looked everywhere online and in town for a matching sensor. None of them match. Is there anywhere you know of that sells the TPS we need?
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Monday, June 2nd, 2014 AT 7:53 PM

20 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
The dealer is the only place to get a direct fit OEM sensor. However, I find it hard to believe the entire TB assembly needs replaced. Have you tried contacting a different Kia dealer?
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 AT 5:00 AM
Tiny
MOMMYTO2
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I didn't think it made much sense that we were going to have to spend over 500 dollars just to get the 150 dollar part we actually need. I will try contacting another Kia dealer. Thanks for your help.
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Let me know what you find. If you have no luck, I will do more research for you and see what I can uncover.
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Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 AT 5:26 PM
Tiny
MOMMYTO2
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Ok. Thanks so much! I am waiting for a return phone call from another Kia dealership. As soon as I hear from them, I will let you know what they say. Hopefully, they say they can sell just the sensor.
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Wednesday, June 4th, 2014 AT 4:20 PM
Tiny
MOMMYTO2
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The other Kia dealership said they had a TPS for $33. If this is the correct part, this is great news. They said this part will fit all 2.7 L engines. Does this sound correct to you?
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Thursday, June 5th, 2014 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Yes, that sounds right to me and it makes more sense than replacing the entire TB.

Let me know how you make out with the part.
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Thursday, June 5th, 2014 AT 7:01 PM
Tiny
MOMMYTO2
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I called one more dealership just to verify that was the right price. They said they had replaced three TPS's yesterday and keep them in stock. It will be $33 and some change, so looks like I'm not going to have to pay hundreds of dollars. So relieved! I do have one more question. Will the computer need to be updated? I read online that they have to be re-programmed once you replace the TPS.
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Friday, June 6th, 2014 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It shouldn't have to be. Actually, it should go through a relearn process by itself. Try it first.
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Friday, June 6th, 2014 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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You know, since we now have a dealer that is being honest, ask their opinion on having the computer flashed when replacing the part. I still don't think it is necessary, but with today's cars, it's hard to keep up with everything.

Let me know how things work out for you.

Joe
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Friday, June 6th, 2014 AT 8:09 PM
Tiny
OVERCASHR
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Mommyto2, I am REALLY hoping you can help me. I am experiencing the very same problem you are/did. I am also getting the run around on just purchasing the sensor it's self. Can you please tell me where you found the replacement sensor and where is it located so I can replace mine? Thank you very much in advance! R. Overcash
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Saturday, June 28th, 2014 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
MOMMYTO2
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  • 11 POSTS
I found mine at my local Kia dealership. That's pretty much the only place you will find a new one. The part isn't available at Advance Auto or any other big-name parts store. We had to call three different dealers and finally found one for just under $35. But, the part is sold by itself, there is no need to buy an entire TB, that's just a scheme to get more money. Good luck finding the part you need.
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Friday, July 4th, 2014 AT 11:49 AM
Tiny
MOMMYTO2
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Hi Joe. Just wanted to give you an update. I got the TPS installed and everything is running great. The ECU did relearn itself. The horsepower is back and I'm not fueling up every few days. Just wanted to thank you for your advice. It really helped us.
I am going to have to replace the rear control arm bushing, but I guess that is common with over 100,000 miles. Good news is the bushing is $26 from KIA, so it's not going to hurt the wallet too bad. We just put on new brakes in the back, and the bad bushing ruined that set. I'm just hoping that I don't have to keep replacing parts every month.
Thanks Joe for all your help. :)
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Friday, July 4th, 2014 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Glad to help. Let me know if you need anything in the future.

Joe
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+1
Friday, July 4th, 2014 AT 9:48 PM
Tiny
MOMMYTO2
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hi Joe. I have another problem with my Optima. I am getting the check engine light, and the code P0444 (Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit Open). Can you tell me more about this code? The car is running fine, I don't notice anything wrong.
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Sunday, July 6th, 2014 AT 11:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Basically, the EVAP purge control system is designed to allow vacuum in the EVAP system to enter the engine to be burned. The EVAP system is part of the fuel system and is an emissions control system designed to eliminate evaporation of fuel / fumes from entering the atmosphere. What has set your check engine light is this. The computer is not receiving a signal from the purge control circuit. This circuit is what opens and allows the vacuum to enter the engine. Basically, it's like someone has disconnected the wiring. The first thing you need to do is to make sure nothing is disconnected or damaged. I was able to find the information below online to help you go through a test. I hope it helps. NOTE: You will not notice any difference in the performance of the vehicle with this code set. The engine will continue to run normally. However, it will not pass an emissions test.

DTC P0444 - EVAP Purge Control Circuit No Signal

1
Perform EOBD System Check.
Task Done?
Look up Step 2
Look up "On-Board Diagnostic System Check"
2
De-link the evaporative emission (EVAP) canister purge valve connector.
Link up a test light between the EVAP canister purge valve connector terminal 2 and battery positive.
Can you see the test light ON?
Look up Step 3
Look up Step 5
3
Dissociate the ECM connector.
Attach a test light between the ECM connector terminal 65 and ground.
Can you see the test light ON?
Look up Step 4
Look up Step 6
4
Repair the line break in the wire between the EVAP canister purge valve connector 1 and the ECM connector terminal 65.
Clear any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from the ECM.
Perform the diagnostic system check.

5
Repair the line break in the wire between the EVAP canister purge valve connector 2 and the main relay connector terminal 87.
Clear any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from the ECM.
Perform the diagnostic system check.

6
Change the ECM.
Carry out the diagnostic system check.
Task Accomplished?
Look up Step 7

7
1) Unset all DTCs taking a Scan Tool.
2) Start the engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
3) Operate the vehicle within the specified conditions for setting this DTC
Do you see the scan tool confirming that this diagnostic has been operated and the test passed?
Look up Step 8
Look up Step 2
8
Check if any additional DTCs are set.
Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?
Look up Applicable DTC table
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Sunday, July 6th, 2014 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
TWOY83
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Can you provide me the contact information for the Kia you ordered just the sensor from because I have been calling around and they have all told me that don't sell it separately. Thank you
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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2014 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
MOMMYTO2
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Sorry it took a long time for a reply.I bought it from Southeast KIA in Somerset, KY. The guy in the parts dept. Is really nice and he will try to help you if possible. Good luck finding the part, it is available separate from the entire throttle body.
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Monday, March 9th, 2015 AT 2:30 PM
Tiny
MOMMYTO2
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Hi, Joe. You have helped me tremendously in the past with problems I've had, so I was hoping you could help me with these also. Thank You in advance! -Ashley-

I have a 2006.5 (2007 for all intents and purposes) Kia Optima EX V6 with an automatic transmission. It has just over 110,000 miles on it. I have a couple concerns that I would like to address. I have labeled them A and B to make it a little easier for anyone who might be able to help. Here they are;

A.) First, when driving at highway speeds - anywhere between 50 and 70 - the transmission will shift almost constantly, like it's going in and out of last gear and overdrive. To my knowledge, the transmission fluid has never been changed. I have bought the fluid to change it. My questions are; Will changing the fluid fix this shifting in and out problem? Since I have to drop the transmission pan, should I change the filter, also? And if so, could you give me some info on how to do that?

B.)The second issue I am concerned with is the suspension. I have noticed a 'knock' coming from the front passengers side whenever I hit a bump or go over a rough spot in the road. I am thinking it is the lower control arm bushings. I have heard other cars do this. Would changing the lower control arm bushings fix this? Or am I wrong in thinking this is the root of the problem? Also, since I have owned the car (just over a year) I have had to change the rear passenger brake pads three times, also, the tire wears slightly faster on the inside. And, when going around curves or when I hit an uneven place in the road I can feel the rear end of the car shift/sway from side to side. What could be causing this? Could upper control arm bushing fix this?
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Sunday, March 29th, 2015 AT 1:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi:

As far as the transmission, I question if it is the fluid. Tell me, is the check engine light coming on? And by the way, yes, replace the filter.

Let me know about the light first. I will direct you with the transmission service after hearing about the light.

As far as the noise, it could be control arm bushings, but usually they like to make noise when braking or accelerating. Have you checked the sway bar bushings? Have you checked the struts and strut plates?
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Monday, March 30th, 2015 AT 8:48 AM
Tiny
MOWASINGTON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Can you PLEASE tell me what dealership you called, I'm having the same issue & no where close to $500 for a new throttle body.
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Monday, August 17th, 2015 AT 8:58 PM

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