GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 50793  Size: SF
Engine Controls Components
Engine Data Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Engine Controls Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The PCM supplies a 5V reference signal and a ground to the sensor. The TP sensor sends a voltage signal back to the PCM relative to the throttle plate opening. The voltage will vary from approximately 0.45Vat closed throttle, to over 4.5V at wide open throttle.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The engine is running
    • The TP sensor voltage is greater than 3.9V for 5 seconds
    • The MAP is less than 60 kPa
    • The engine speed is less than 1500 RPM
    • DTCs P0107 or P0108 not set
        OR
    • The TP sensor voltage is greater than 4.8V.
    • DTCs P0107 or P0108 do not set.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
    • The PCM will record the operating conditions at the time that the diagnostic fails. This information will store in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.
    • A history DTC stores.
    • The coolant fan turns ON.
    • The TP angle will default to 0 percent when the vehicle speed is less than 3 km/h (2 mph) and 10 percent when the vehicle speed is greater than 3 km/h (2 mph) (The scan tool will display the defaulted value).

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
    • The MIL/DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

If a DTC P0123 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful. Use the scan tool DTC information data to determine the status of the DTC. If the DTC occurs intermittently, use the DTC P0121 Diagnostic table in order to help isolate the problem.

    • With the ignition ON and the throttle at closed position, the voltage should read between 0.20V and 0.90V and increase steadily to over 4.5V at wide open throttle.
    • DTCs P0123 and P0113 stored at the same time could be the result of an open sensor ground circuit.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

  2. With the throttle closed, the TP sensor voltage should read less than 0.90V. If the TP sensor voltage does not read less than 0.90 V check for a binding or sticking throttle cable.

  3. With the TP sensor disconnected, the TP sensor voltage should be less than 0.2V if the PCM and wiring are OK.

  4. Probing the ground circuit with a test light checks the circuit for high resistance which will cause a DTC P0123 to set.

  5. A shorted 5.0 volt reference circuit will also set additional DTCs.

  6. The replacement PCM must be reprogrammed and the crankshaft position system variation procedure must be performed. Refer to the latest Techline procedures for PCM reprogramming and Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

DTC P0123-Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit-High Voltage

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF, throttle closed.
  2. Install a scan tool.

Is the TP sensor voltage greater than the specified value?

1V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF.
  2. Review the Freeze Frame data and note the parameters.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions and Conditions For Setting The DTC as noted.

Is the TP sensor voltage greater than the specified value?

3.9V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 12

4

Disconnect the TP sensor electrical connector.

Is the TP sensor voltage less than the specified value?

0.3V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Probe the TP sensor ground circuit at the TP sensor harness connector with a test light connected to B+.

Does the test light illuminate?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 9

6

Check the TP sensor signal circuit for a short to voltage and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

7

Check the TP sensor 5V reference circuit for a short to B+ and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Check the TP sensor electrical connector for poor connection and replace the terminals as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

9

Check the TP sensor ground circuit for a open and repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the TP sensor.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Check for poor connectionsat the PCM. If OK, replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that the diagnostic ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 2

13

Check if any additional DTCs are set.

Are any additional DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to applicable DTC table

System OK