Throttle Position Switch

The latest version of our Throttle Position Switch uses a sandblasted stainless plate for excellent epoxy adhesion characteristics. The microswitch is epoxied to the plate, eliminating the possibility of loose hardware affecting switch adjustment. The stranded teflon insulated wire at the terminal block is an upgrade from the original heat shrink insulation on the original assemblies. The locator hole has been redimensioned to allow for a more precise fit, and an additional hole was added under the terminal block to improve epoxy adhesion.

The photo below shows the original version installed on an air throttle assembly. The hardware has been replaced, and the plate now has a sandblasted finish.

TPS-1 THROTTLE POSITION SWITCH KIT (for Air Throttle VW# 025 133 067)

Our Vanagons are not getting any younger. Even though it seems as if they will last nearly forever (I just had my 91 Westy engine rebuilt with close to 300K miles on the Van), some parts will not. Your Throttle Position Switch is one component that gets a lot of useage. Every time you step on and then release the accelerator pedal, the switch is activated twice. Even on a relatively short drive close to home, you can turn this switch on and off hundreds of times. Multiply that by days, and then years, and it adds up to genuine wear. At this point in their lives (my Vanagons are 25 and 18 years old) electrical components are nearing the end of their useful / reliable life. Of course you can choose to wait and see, and replace parts as they fail, or replace them at a point where you can do so without the component causing a failure. If you have a need, or decide to be proactive in replacing old parts, you might find the TPS-1 Throttle Position Switch Kit a desirable option. NOTE: VW no longer sells this component.

We have designed a thin stainless steel plate on which we mount a CHERRY tm brand Mil Spec Microswitch. The switch is aligned and adjusted so that when you install it, the normal switch adjustment on your throttle housing is used to set the location of the microswitch roller on your throttle shaft cam. You have the option of using epoxy to glue the stainless plate to your old plastic mounting plate, but this is not required, as the holes in the stainless plate are located to provide a positive position relative to the throttle shaft and the adjustment screw retainer nut, and the plate fits very snugly in place. You also utilize your existing electrical cable and connector with your replacement switch. No frills or extras, simply exactly what you need for a simple, relatively fast (the most effort will be removing your throttle housing), and reliable replacement Throttle Switch.

TPS-1 Throttle Position Switch Kit, including mounted, adjusted, & tested microswitch/plate assembly, epoxy "kit" (your option), solder (also optional, but nice if you can, to tin your two old wire leads), SERB (single edge razor blade), Sandpaper (to prepare plastic plate), Alcohol Swab, and complete detailed instructions. This kit is now supplied with a SCRUBS Hand Cleaner Towel, as are ALL Shoebox Kits packed after July 1, 2010. $74.95

IMPORTANT: We have recently learned from our customers that their Digifant Vanagons (86-91) occasionally are fitted with Digijet (83-85) air throttle bodies. These can be identified as having a much smaller diameter throttle cam than the stock 86-91 air throttle bodies (14.25 mm vs 17.30 mm). Our TPS Switch Kit WILL work to replace a switch on an older version throttle body, however, the throttle cam MUST be replaced with the newer, larger style. These are currently available from the Van Cafe. Our TPS Switch Kit will NOT work on an old version throttle body unless the cam is replaced.