GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2004 🢒 Park Avenue 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L (L36 and L67) 🢒 DTC P1122

Circuit Description

The throttle position (TP) sensor is used by the powertrain control module (PCM) to determine the throttle plate angle for various engine management systems. The TP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with three circuits:

    • A 5-volt reference circuit
    • A low reference circuit
    • A TP sensor signal circuit

The PCM provides the TP sensor with 5 volts on the 5-volt reference circuit and a ground on the low reference circuit. Rotation of the TP sensor rotor from the closed throttle position to the wide open throttle (WOT) position provides the PCM with a signal voltage from below 1 volt to greater than 4 volts through the TP sensor signal circuit. If the PCM detects an intermittent excessively low signal voltage, DTC P1122 sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects that the TP sensor voltage is intermittently less than 0.1 volt.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the DTC with a scan tool.

Test Description

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

  1. This test will determine an intermittent faulty TP sensor utilizing the DMMs MIN MAX, 100 millisecond capture mode.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the throttle position (TP) sensor harness connector.
  3. Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit of the TP sensor to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Probing Electrical Connectors in Wiring Systems.
  4. Turn ON the ignition.
  5. Lightly touch and move the related engine wiring harnesses and connectors for all 5-volt reference circuits while observing the DMM. Any change in voltage indicates the area where an open, or a short to ground in the 5-volt reference circuit may be found. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents , Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Connect the TP sensor.
  2. Install a scan tool and observe the TP sensor voltage parameter.
  3. Lightly touch and move the related engine wiring harnesses and connectors for the TP sensor signal circuit while observing voltage. Any change in voltage indicates the area where an open, a high resistance, or a short to ground in the TP sensor signal circuit may be found. Refer to Testing for Electrical Intermittents and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 4

4

Test for poor connections at the TP sensor harness connector. 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 8

Go to Step 5

5

Test for poor connections at the harness connector of the powertrain control module (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 8

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Measure the resistance between the TP sensor signal terminal and the 5-volt reference terminal at the TP sensor using the MIN MAX function on the DMM.
  3. Slowly depress the accelerator pedal to the wide open throttle (WOT) position, then release the pedal back to the closed throttle position several times.

Did you observe a MAX value of infinite ohms or a MIN value of 0 ohms?

Go to Step 7

Go to Intermittent Conditions

7

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

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 8

--

8
  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 9

9

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK