Lately my d16y7 has been running strange. It jerks bad when the throttle is touched, and when I disconect the tps it runs and idles great. I have checked for vacuum leaks and have also checked various other sensors. Could this be a bad tps or some other problem I am overlooking?

 

You can see if it is your TPS with a multi meter. Just measure the output voltage with the key in the on position. At closed throttle it should be .5 voltes, at wide open throttle it should be 4.5 volts.

 

you should have a cel (check engine light) ON

 

Not necissarily, i don't think that the PCM is programmed to detect that error. The computer thinks the signal is OK even though what the signal is representing is physically impossible. If you have access to a scan tool that shows live data check the TPS sensor readings although marty's idea is a bit easier.

 

wish they would not give d16y7.
my thought process goes by years.
i am pretty sure there is a code for 1988.
will look if someone wants

 

I agree, it alot easier to look stuff up by year/make/model/trim then engine code. I don't think that the TPS problem will set a code or check engine light. Check engine lights only come on if the emissions is affected by a certain percentage as per OBDII spec.