What does this sensor do?

[GooeyGus]

Hey guys, I was reading another thread and noticed this picture. It perfectly shows something I've always wondered about.

The single-wire sensor (I think it's just a switch to ground when the TB closes) that is right above the ISC, what does it do?

I mean, I know that it tells *something* that the throttle is closed, but what does the car do in response to this switch being triggered?

I measured mine the other day, just for shits and giggles, and it still has pretty high resistance to ground when it's triggered. I'm guessing it's corroded inside because it looks like crap. Before I took it apart and cleaned it all up, I wanted to find out what exactly it controls to see if it was even worth my time.

Thanks!

Here's the picture:

 

[cardot33]

that's your idle switch
http://members.shaw.ca/dsm.1000q/Engineprimer/1G/idleswitch.htm

 

[GooeyGus]

Sweet! That makes perfect sense.

99% of the time I have a perfect idle... the best I've seen out of all the 1GA's in my area. Rock solid 750rpm.

BUT sometimes, for no apparent reason, it will idle at 1100rpm, tapping the gas a couple times always fixes it.

After testing the switch and seeing that it does not ground out perfectly every time, I think I've found my little idle gremlin.

Thanks!

 

[cardot33]

no problem, nice car by the way, looks familiar. haha