A Pedal Position Sensor (PPS, also called Accelerator Pedal Position sensor or APP) is an electronic sensor mounted on the accelerator pedal assembly. It detects how far the driver has pressed the pedal and sends a voltage signal (typically 0 to 5V) to the engine control module (ECM). The ECM then uses that signal to command the throttle body actuator and meter the appropriate amount of air and fuel to the engine. This electronic linkage between pedal and throttle is called 'drive by wire' or electronic throttle control (ETC). Drive by wire was not widely used in US production vehicles until the early 2000s. Earlier vehicles, including the entire Mercury Cougar production run (1967 through 2002), used a mechanical cable directly linking the accelerator pedal to a throttle body lever. The throttle body had a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) mounted on it, which detected the throttle blade position (not the pedal position) and sent that information to the engine control module for fuel and ignition timing decisions.
If you have a 1989 Mercury Cougar and you are looking at this Pedal Position Sensor listing, there is a strong possibility you are looking at the wrong part category. The 1989 Cougar (MN12 generation chassis) used a mechanical throttle cable system with a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the throttle body. It did not have a pedal position sensor. If you are searching for a 'Pedal Position Sensor' for your 1989 Cougar because of a check engine light code, throttle response issue, or rough idle, the correct replacement part is almost certainly a Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). We carry TPS units for the 1989 to 1997 Cougar 3.8L V6 and 5.0L V8 engines, please call (240) 301-0095 and we will point you to the right part. If your vehicle is actually a different year or different make that uses an electronic throttle pedal sensor (drive by wire), this PPS may be the right part for you, but the listing's '1989 Mercury Cougar' compatibility may be inaccurate. Call us with your actual VIN and we will verify fitment together.
If you are confident you need a Pedal Position Sensor and not a Throttle Position Sensor, this used PPS unit features a heat resistant plastic housing, 5V signal output, and a potentiometric or Hall effect sensor design. Each unit is electrically continuity tested before shipping. The connector pins are inspected for corrosion and the housing is checked for crack damage.
| Part Type | Pedal Position Sensor (PPS), Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Application | Per live page: Mercury Cougar |
| Year Stated | 1989 |
| Year Reality Check | 1989 Cougar uses mechanical throttle plus TPS, not PPS |
| Drive By Wire Era | Generally early 2000s onwards in US vehicles |
| Material | Heat resistant plastic housing |
| Signal Output | Linear or digital |
| Sensor Type | Potentiometric or Hall effect |
| Voltage | 5V signal output |
| Sku | vaz596 |
To make a claim, contact us within 15 days at (240) 301-0095 or support@vazautosolutions.com.
