3-Pin 160073-3106 / 160073-3102 Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Connector – Buick & Chevrolet

Direct-fit replacement for GM OEM part numbers 160073-3106 (female) and 160073-3102 (male), the 3-pin waterproof 1.5mm connector used for throttle position sensor (TPS) harness connections on Buick and Chevrolet engines. A failed TPS connector is one of the most misdiagnosed causes of throttle-related fault codes – always inspect the connector before replacing the sensor.

Key Specifications

• OEM Part Numbers: 160073-3106 (female) / 160073-3102 (male)
• Pin Count: 3
• Terminal Pitch: 1.5mm
• Wire Gauge: 18 AWG (0.5 mm²)
• Wire Length: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
• Waterproof Rating: IP68
• Housing Material: PA66 glass-filled nylon
• Terminal Material: Copper alloy, tin-plated
• Voltage Rating: 5V reference / 12V supply

Compatible Vehicles

• Buick: LeSabre, Century, Regal, Park Avenue – 3.8L V6 engines
• Chevrolet: Malibu, Impala, Monte Carlo – 3.1L and 3.4L V6 engines
• Pontiac: Grand Prix, Grand Am – shared GM platform
• Cross-reference: Verify OEM part number 160073-3106 or 160073-3102 before ordering

TPS Connector Pin Assignment

Fault Codes Caused by Failed TPS Connector

• P0120 – Throttle Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
• P0121 – TPS Range/Performance (signal out of expected range)
• P0122 – TPS Circuit Low Input (open circuit or corroded pin A/C)
• P0123 – TPS Circuit High Input (short to voltage)
• P1120 – GM-specific TPS out of range low

Diagnosis Before Replacement

1. With ignition ON (engine off), measure Pin C voltage – should read 0.5V at closed throttle, rising to 4.5V at WOT
2. Wiggle the connector while monitoring voltage – any dropout indicates a failing connector, not the sensor
3. Measure Pin A – should read 5.0V ±0.1V. Low reference voltage indicates ECM wiring or connector fault
4. Inspect connector for green corrosion, bent pins, or cracked housing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between 160073-3106 and 160073-3102?
A: 160073-3106 is the female (sensor side) housing; 160073-3102 is the male (harness side) housing. For a complete repair, you typically need the female connector (160073-3106) which connects directly to the TPS sensor body.

Q: Can a bad TPS connector cause stalling?
A: Yes. An intermittent open circuit at the TPS connector causes the ECM to lose throttle position data momentarily. The ECM defaults to a limp-home strategy, which can cause sudden deceleration or stalling at idle.

Q: What crimping tool fits 1.5mm GM terminals?
A: Use the Kent-Moore J-38125-8 or Delphi 12085271 ratchet crimper for 1.5mm Micro-Pack terminals. Ensure the crimp height is within spec – an under-crimped terminal will cause intermittent signal loss.

Package Contents

1 × 3-Pin Female Connector (160073-3106) with 18 AWG wire and terminal insert