Circuit Description
The throttle position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies the TP sensor a reference voltage, a signal, and ground circuits. When the throttle is depressed, the TP sensor signal rises to near the reference voltage. When the throttle is released, the TP sensor signal decreases from the reference voltage. The control module monitors the TP sensor signal circuit voltage in order to determine the throttle blade angle, or opening.
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is designed to detect intermittent high signal voltage on the TP sensor signal circuit.
Conditions for Running The DTC
The engine is running.
Conditions for Setting The DTC
The TP sensor voltage is more than 4.7 volts for less than 1 second.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate. |
| • | The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records. |
| • | The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | 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 non-emission related diagnostic. |
| • | Clear the DTC with a scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
The scan tool reads the throttle position in volts. The scan tool should read between 0.45-0.85 volts with the throttle closed and the ignition switch turned ON or at idle. The voltage should increase at a steady rate as the throttle is moved toward the wide open throttle (WOT) position.
Also, some scan tools will read the throttle angle. 0 percent equals closed throttle and 100 percent equals WOT.
Observe the TP sensor while depressing the accelerator pedal with the ignition turned ON, leaving the engine OFF. The display should vary from about 500 mV with the throttle closed to more than (4,500 mV when the throttle is held at the WOT position.
This DTC could set if the TP sensor ground circuit is intermittently open or the TP sensor signal circuit is intermittently shorted to voltage. If a high voltage reading is present, additional sensor circuit voltage codes could be set. Refer to any non-intermittent DTCs that are set.
An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:
| • | A poor connection |
| • | Rubbed through wire insulation |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Test Description
The number below refer to the step number on the diagnostic table:
Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics | |||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | Go to Step 2 | |
2 | Test all 5-volt reference circuits for an intermittent short to voltage.
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 3 |
3 | Test the TP sensor signal circuit for an intermittent short to voltage.
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 4 |
4 | Test the TP sensor low reference circuit for an intermittent open or high resistance.
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | Inspect for poor connections at the TP sensor harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 |
6 | Inspect for poor connections at the PCM harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7 |
Did you record a MAX value of OL or record a MIN value of 0 ohms in either test? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Intermittent Conditions | |
8 | Replace the TP sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 9 | -- |
9 |
Does the DTC run and pass? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 2 |
10 | With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | System OK | |
