On a 2016 Chevy Malibu, the throttle position sensor is mounted on the throttle body, which is attached to the intake manifold. The sensor plugs into a multi-pin connector on the side of the throttle body.
In practical terms, the Malibu's 2.5L I4 and 2.0L turbo engines share the same general layout: the throttle body sits at the end of the intake, just behind the air intake boot. Access typically requires removing or loosening the air duct to reveal the throttle body and the sensor fastened to its side with two small screws.
Location and how to recognize it
Understanding the exact location can help you identify the TPS during inspection or when replacing it.
By engine variant
The throttle body and sensor arrangement is similar across the 2016 Malibu engines (2.5L I4 and 2.0L turbo). The TPS is mounted near the top side of the throttle body, facing outward toward the engine bay, with a small harness plugged into it.
How to visually identify the sensor
Look for a small rectangular module with 3–4 electrical pins, secured by a couple of screws to the side of a metallic throttle body. A wiring harness leads to a plug that clips into the sensor.
To locate it, first locate the air intake boot running to the throttle body. The sensor is immediately adjacent to the throttle plate inside the body.
Once you locate it, you can inspect for loose connectors, corrosion, or damaged wires that can mimic TPS fault symptoms.
Before attempting removal, ensure the ignition is off and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Steps to locate and inspect the TPS
Here are the basic steps to locate and inspect the TPS on a 2016 Malibu:
- Disconnect the negative battery cable to avoid short circuits.
- Loosen or remove the air intake hose to expose the throttle body.
- Find the throttle body, mounted to the intake manifold; the TPS sits on the side with a multi-pin connector.
- Inspect the connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or loose fit. Re-seat the connector if needed.
- If symptoms persist, test the sensor signal with a multimeter (refer to service manual for the correct reference voltage and output range).
These steps help you verify that the TPS is in the expected location and that it is properly connected before you consider replacement.
Common signs of a failing throttle position sensor
If the sensor is failing, you may notice a variety of engine performance issues that can be traced to the TPS signal feeding the engine computer.
- Erratic idle or stalling at stops
- Unresponsive or delayed throttle input
- Poor acceleration or surging during acceleration
- Check Engine Light or codes related to throttle position or idle
If you observe these symptoms, verify the TPS wiring, connectors, and the throttle body for sticking or binding, and consider testing the sensor voltage against factory specifications. If the readings are out of spec, replacement is usually necessary.
What to do next
Replacement of a faulty TPS should be performed with the battery disconnected, and you should follow the vehicle's service manual for torque specs and steps. In many cases, GM recommends replacing the throttle body assembly if the sensor cannot be resolved by re-seating or cleaning the connector.
Summary
The throttle position sensor on a 2016 Chevy Malibu is mounted to the side of the throttle body on the intake manifold. Access is gained by removing the air intake duct, and the sensor provides essential position data to the engine control module. Regular checks of the sensor wiring and connector can prevent misreadings and driveability problems.