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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2008 🢒 SLS 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P2122

Circuit Description

The accelerator pedal assembly contains two accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors. The APP sensors are mounted in the pedal assembly and are not serviceable. The APP sensors provide a signal voltage that changes relative to the position of the accelerator pedal. The engine control module (ECM) supplies a separate 5-volt reference and low reference circuit for each of the APP sensors.

The APP sensor 1 signal voltage increases as the pedal is depressed, from approximately 1.0 volt at rest to above 4 volts when fully depressed. The APP sensor 2 signal voltage increases as the pedal is depressed, from approximately 0.5 volt at rest to more than 2 volts with the accelerator pedal fully depressed.

If the ECM detects that the APP sensor 1 signal voltage is too low, this DTC sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P2122 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The ignition is ON or the engine is running.
    • The ignition 1 voltage is more than 7 volts.
    • DTC P2122 runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The APP sensor 1 voltage is less than 0.84 volt for more than 4 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 4 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • 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 emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids
    • Use the J 35616-A/BT-8637 Connector Test Adapter Kit for any test that requires probing the ECM harness connector or a component harness connector.
    • The lower connector of the ECM is connector C1 and the upper connector of the ECM is connector C2. Refer to Engine Controls Component Views .
    • If DTCs P0700, P2122, P2128, and P2138 are set together in various combinations, inspect the APP sensor 1 and 2 signal circuits for being shorted together.
    • For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests the internal circuits of the APP sensor 1 throughout its range of motion. If this DTC sets when slowly moving the pedal from the rest position to wide open throttle (WOT), replace the APP assembly for an internal fault.

    2.

  2. The ECM produces a measurable steady-state amperage that provides the 5-volt reference to the APP sensor 1. If the amperage on the 5-volt reference circuit is less than 80 mA, there is a condition with the 5-volt reference circuit or the ECM.

    3.

  3. This step tests for high resistance in the low reference circuit of the APP sensor 1. The ECM must be completely powered OFF to obtain an accurate resistance reading. It may take up to 30 minutes for the ECM to power down after the ignition key is removed. Removal of the ECM/transmission control module (TCM) fuse allows the ECM to power down completely.

DTC P2122 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

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

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON position, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the accelerator pedal position (APP) Sensor 1 voltage parameter with a scan tool.

Is the voltage less than the specified value?

0.49 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool.
  2. Slowly depress the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle (WOT), then slowly return the accelerator pedal to the closed position.
  3. Repeat this action several times.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 4

4
  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  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 5

Go to Diagnostic Aids

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the APP sensor harness connector. Refer to Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement .
  3. Turn the ignition switch to ON position, with the engine OFF.
  4. Set-up a DMM to test amperage on the 400 mA scale.
  5. Measure the amperage from the 5-volt reference circuit of APP sensor 1 to the low reference circuit of APP sensor 1, with a DMM.

Is the amperage more than the specified value?

80 mA

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 9

6
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference circuit of the APP sensor 1 and the signal circuit of the APP sensor 1.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to ON position, with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the APP sensor 1 voltage parameter with a scan tool.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

4.8-5.2 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 10

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the engine control module ECM/TCM fuse from the underhood fuse block.

    3. Notice: Do NOT use a test lamp to test the continuity of the circuit. Damage to the control module may occur due to excessive current draw.

  3. Measure the resistance from the low reference circuit of the APP sensor 1 to a good ground, with a DMM.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

10 Ω

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 8

8
  1. Disconnect the ECM.
  2. Test the low reference circuit of the APP sensor 1 for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

9

Important:  The 5-volt reference circuits are internally and externally connected at the controller. Other sensors that share the 5-volt reference circuit may also have DTCs set. Disconnecting a sensor on the shared 5-volt reference circuit may isolate a shorted sensor. Review the electrical schematic and diagnose the shared circuits and sensors.

  1. Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the APP sensor 1 for the following conditions:
    2. • A short to ground
    • High resistance
    • An open circuit
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

10
  1. Test the signal circuit of the APP sensor 1 for the following conditions:
    2. • A short to ground
    • High resistance
    • An open circuit
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

11

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the APP assembly. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

12

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

13

Replace the APP assembly. Refer to Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

14

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 15

--

15
  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 16

16

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK