Throttle position sensor?

[jiho]

1980, only California model had TPS (and computer). 1981, all US models. So it depends on where you are.

I don't think Canada ever did get the computer.

 

[I-AM-JD]

1980, only California model had TPS (with computer). 1981, all models.

So this Buick was made in Fremont, and if I am understanding you correctly It should have TPS correct? Here's a pic

 

[jiho]

Definitely. That's the empty slot where the connector for the TPS ought to be. On the other side you do have the Mixture Control Solenoid, so it's definitely the computer-controlled model.

 

[pontiacgp]

1980, only California model had TPS (and computer). 1981, all US models. So it depends on where you are.

I don't think Canada ever did get the computer.

yes we did...... we got computers up here in 2003 with Windows 3.1 and Lotus word and the dial up internet in 2009....................

 

[I-AM-JD]

Definitely. That's the empty slot where the connector for the TPS ought to be. On the other side you do have the Mixture Control Solenoid, so it's definitely the computer-controlled model.

So a TPS is not required on this model?

 

[jiho]

A TPS is required.

 

[I-AM-JD]

So the car runs and and can be driven but on cold starts and idles rough and 80% of the time stalls but I noticed when I have the heater on and idles a lot better don't know why that is but it does.just weird that the car drives without a throttle position sensor.

 

[jiho]

Is the computer installed, and plugged in everywhere else it's supposed to be plugged in?

 

[I-AM-JD]

Is the computer installed, and plugged in everywhere else it's supposed to be plugged in?

I can't even find the three wires that would plug into a TPS. Is it possible for a car to be drivable without one?

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

As stated before, only CA cars had CCC in 1980. It wasn't until 1981 when the other 49 states got CCC. Trucks used a oddball version of CCC that lack a TPS. There are several thingsthat could be going on. If the Regal really is a 1980, 49 state car, then it has a incorrect carb installed. It may be either that someone swapped on a truck Djet or someone swapped on a later car CCC Djet that was crudely converted to non CCC. POs do strange and bizarre things to G bodies, and a prospective buyer must be able to detect Jerry rigging and other makeshift repairs of any and all kinds.

If its a 1980 CA car, then it should have a TPS and again somebody did weird ad hoc repairs that are so common with these cars. The seller could also be mistaken, (which is often), and its a 81 or later car with bizarre Jerry rigging. Most POs were quite clueless how these cars worked and played cowboy in their engine bays, then ended up selling the basket cases of their own making to often clueless buyers.