Actually, no. Your ECU needs it to detect when your throttle is opened, or the gas foot is hit. If you leave your vehicle running after removing its batteries, it might chastise you. It may be difficult to start since it may function normally while idling, yet malfunction when the gas pedal is applied. Furthermore, your engine may stall or splutter because the cylinders are confused by the sudden influx of air. If the diagnostic issue code for your throttle position sensor displays and the warning engine signal comes up, the driver might experience a change in the vehicle's airflow.  In the worst case, a few automobiles won't even start if the throttle position sensor is removed.