DTC P0122 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage. Buick Skylark 1997

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1997 🢒 Skylark 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0122 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit Low Voltage

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 is less than 0.16V for 5 seconds.

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 P0122 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful. Use the scan tool DTC information data in order 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.

Test Description

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

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.

The TP sensor has an auto zeroing feature. If the voltage reading is between 0.20 V and 0.90 V, the PCM will automatically assume this as closed throttle position (0 %).

Simulates a DTC P0123. If the PCM recognizes the high voltage signal, then the PCM and wiring are OK.

This simulates a high voltage signal which will identify an open in the signal circuit.

If additional DTCs are set, check the 5.0 V reference circuits for a short to ground.

If the test light illuminates while probing the TP signal circuit, then the TP signal circuit is shorted to ground.

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 P0122-Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit Low 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	Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF. Install a scan tool. Is the TP sensor voltage below the specified value?	0.2V	Go to Step 4	Go to Step 3
3	Turn the ignition switch ON, with the engine OFF. Review the Freeze Frame data and note the parameters. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions and Conditions For Setting The DTC as noted. Is the TP sensor voltage below the specified value?	0.2V	Go to Step 4	Go to Step 12
4	Disconnect the TP sensor electrical connector. Jumper the 5 volt reference circuit and the TP sensor signal circuit together at the TP sensor electrical connector. Is the TP sensor voltage greater than the specified value?	4V	Go to Step 10	Go to Step 5
5	Disconnect the jumper wire. Connect a test light between B+ and the TP sensor signal circuit at the TP sensor electrical connector. Is the TP sensor voltage greater than the specified value?	4V	Go to Step 6	Go to Step 8
6	Check the 5V reference circuit for an open or short to ground and repair as necessary. Was a repair necessary?	--	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 7
7	Check the 5V reference circuit for a poor connection at the PCM. Replace the terminal(s) as necessary. Was a repair necessary?	--	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 11
8	Check the TP sensor signal circuit for open, or a short to ground and repair as necessary. Was a repair necessary?	--	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 9
9	Check the TP sensor signal circuit for a poor connection at the PCM and repair as necessary. Is action complete?	--	Go to Step 12	Go to Step 11
10	Check the connections at the TP sensor. If OK, replace the TP sensor. Is the action complete?	--	Go to Step 12	--
11	Check for poor connections at the PCM. If OK, replace the PCM. Is the action complete?	--	Go to Step 12	--
12	Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs. Start the engine and idle at normal operating temperature. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text. Does the scan indicate that this diagnostic ran and passed?	--	Go to Step 13	Go to Step 2
13	Check if any additional DTCs are set. Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?	--	Go to applicable DTC table	System OK