Circuit Description
The engine control module (ECM) sends throttle position data to the transmission control module (TCM). The TCM uses this data to modify shift speeds. The data is sent to the TCM through a communication network called the controller area network (CAN). Two circuits are used to communicate CAN data between the ECM and TCM. A fault in the CAN will not cause DTC P0120 to set by itself. If a CAN fault occurs, other DTCs will set before DTC P0120.
When the TCM receives invalid throttle position data from the ECM, then DTC P0120 will set. DTC P0120 is a type B DTC.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0120 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The ignition voltage is between 8-18 volts. |
| • | The engine speed is between 450 and 6,800 rpm for at least 5 seconds. |
| • | No other CAN errors are present. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The TCM receives no valid throttle position data from the ECM for 2 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. |
| • | The TCM uses the ECM default throttle position value for determining shift speeds. |
| • | The TCM commands maximum line pressure. |
| • | The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions. |
| • | The TCM inhibits the TCC. |
| • | At the time of the first failure, the TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as a Failure Record. |
| • | At the time of the second failure, the ECM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The ECM stores this information as a Freeze Frame. |
| • | The TCM stores DTC P0120 in TCM history. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | The ECM turns OFF the MIL after the sixth consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send a MIL illumination request. |
| • | A scan tool can clear the DTC. |
| • | The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non emission related diagnostic fault occurring. |
| • | The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM. |
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||
2 |
Important:
Did you record any ECM Failure Records? | -- | Go to Step 3 | |||||
3 |
Did DTC P0120 reset? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections | ||||
4 | Did any other DTCs set? | -- | Go to Step 5 | |||||
5 | Replace the TCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup and programming. Did you complete the operation? | -- | Go to Step 6 | -- | ||||
6 | Perform the following operation to verify the repair:
Has the test run and passed? | -- | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 2 | ||||
7 | With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | System OK |
