GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The commanded throttle position (TP), based on accelerator pedal position (APP) and possibly other limiting factors, is compared to the actual TP. The 2 values should be within a calibrated range of each other. Both the powertrain control module (PCM) and the throttle actuator control (TAC) module redundantly monitor the commanded and actual TP. This DTC sets if the PCM detects an out-of-range condition between commanded and actual pedal position.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0601, P0602, P0604, P0606, P1516, P1518, P2108 are not set.
    • DTCs P0120, P0220, P2135 are not active at the same time.
    • DTCs P0120 and P0220 are not active at the same time.
    • The ignition switch is in the crank or run position.
    • The ignition voltage is more than 8.5 volts.
    • The TAC system is not in the battery saver mode.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The PCM detects that the commanded and actual throttle positions are not within a calibrated range of each other.
    • The above condition is met for less than 1 second.

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 and/or the Failure Records.
    • The control module commands the TAC system to operate in the Reduced Engine Power mode.
    • A message center or an indicator displays Reduced Engine Power.
    • Under certain conditions the control module commands the engine OFF.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 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

    • Inspect for mechanical concerns or binding that may be temperature related. Components may not move freely in extreme heat or cold due to the presence of contaminants or ice formation.
    • Inspect the TAC module connectors for signs of water intrusion. If water intrusion occurs, multiple DTCs may set without any circuit or component conditions found during diagnostic testing.
    • When the TAC module detects a condition within the TAC system, more than 1 TAC system related DTC may set. This is due to the many redundant tests run continuously on this system. Locating and repairing an individual condition may correct more than 1 DTC. Disconnecting components during testing may set additional DTCs. Remember this if you review the stored information in Capture Info.
    • For an intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

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

  1. If the TP indicated angle does not follow the movement of the throttle blade, and no TP sensor DTCs are set, there is a mechanical condition with the throttle shaft or the TP sensor.

  2. Locating and repairing an individual condition may correct more than 1 DTC.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Is DTC P1518 also set?

Go to DTC P1518

Go to Step 3

3

Is DTC P2135 set?

Go to DTC P2135

Go to Step 4

4

Important:  The next test must be started within 15 seconds after the ignition is turned ON.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 15 seconds.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the throttle position (TP) sensor 1 and TP sensor 2 angle parameters with a scan tool.
  4. Slowly depress the accelerator pedal to wide open throttle (WOT) and slowly return the pedal to the released position.

Does the scan tool indicate both angle parameters increasing as the pedal is depressed to WOT and decreasing as the pedal is moved to the released position?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the air inlet duct from the throttle body.
  3. Disconnect the throttle body harness connector.
  4. Connect the jumper wires between the TP sensor terminals of the throttle body harness connector and the corresponding TP sensor terminals of the throttle body.
  5. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  6. Open the throttle blade to WOT and then to the closed position by hand.
  7. Observe the TP sensor 1 and TP sensor 2 angle parameters with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate both angle parameters increasing as the throttle plate is moved to WOT, and decreasing as the throttle plate is moved to the closed position?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 13

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the throttle actuator control (TAC) module harness connector containing the TAC motor circuits.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Test the TAC motor circuits for a short to voltage with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 7

7

Test each TAC motor circuit for an open or high resistance with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 8

8

Test each TAC motor circuit for a short to ground with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Disconnect the other TAC module harness connector.
  2. Remove all jumper wires.
  3. Test for a short between each TAC motor circuit and all other TAC module circuits with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Connect the TAC module.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the two TAC motor circuits at the TAC motor harness connector.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF, and observe the test lamp.

Did the test lamp illuminate briefly when the ignition was turned ON?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 13

11

Inspect for poor connections at the TAC motor harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 12

12

Replace the throttle body assembly. Refer to Throttle Body Assembly Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 15

--

13

Inspect for poor connections at the TAC module harness connectors. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

14

Replace the TAC module. Refer to Electronic Throttle Actuator Control Module Replacement .

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

System OK