GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 475490  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The throttle position (TP) sensor circuit provides a voltage signal that changes relative to the throttle blade angle. The signal voltage will vary from less than 1.0 volt at closed throttle to more than 4.0 volts at Wide Open Throttle (WOT). The PCM monitors the throttle position and compares the actual throttle position from the TP sensor to a predicted TP value that is calculated from the engine speed. If the PCM detects an excessively low TP sensor signal voltage, DTC P0122 will be set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The TP sensor signal voltage is less than 0.1 volt.
    • The above conditions are present for longer than 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will illuminate the MIL during the first trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn the MIL OFF during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.
    • The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect for the following conditions:
       - Poor connection at PCM and the TP sensor
       - Backed out terminals
       - Improper mating
       - Broken locks
       - Improperly formed or damaged terminals
       - Poor terminal to wire connection--Use a corresponding mating terminal to check for proper terminal tension.
       - Damaged harness--If the harness appears to be OK, observe the display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the display will indicate the location of the malfunction. Refer to Wiring Repairs .
    • If DTC P0122 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Failure Records data can be useful in determining the vehicle mileage since the DTC was last set. If the DTC occurs intermittently, reviewing the DTC P1122 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit Intermittent Low Voltage diagnostic table may isolate the cause of the malfunction.

Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table:

  1. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed. Refer to PCM Replacement and Programming Procedures in powertrain control module (PCM) and Sensors.

DTC P0122 - TP Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Important: If DTC P1635 5 Volt Reference Circuit is set, perform that diagnostic first.

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Use a scan tool in order to observe the TP voltage parameter in the PCM data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the TP voltage parameter is less than the specified value?

0.16 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  2. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
  3. Operate the vehicle within Fail Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0122.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0122 failed?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the TP sensor harness connector.
  3. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference circuit of the TP sensor and the signal circuit of the TP sensor.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Use a scan tool in order to observe the TP voltage parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the TP voltage parameter is equal to the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Disconnect the fused jumper wire.
  2. Using a DMM measure the voltage between the 5-volt reference circuit of the TP sensor and the ground circuit of the TP sensor.

Does the voltage measure equal to the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the TP sensor for high resistance or an open and all 5-volt reference A circuits and connected components for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

7

Test the signal circuit of the TP sensor for a short to ground, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the TP sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

Replace the TP sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Review and record the scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear the DTCs
  3. Operate the vehicle within Failure Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor the Specific DTC info for DTC P0122.

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0122 failed?

--

Go to Step 4

System OK