The throttle position (TP) sensor is used by the engine control module (ECM) to determine the throttle plate angle for various engine management systems. The TP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with three circuits:
• | A 5-volt reference circuit |
• | A low reference circuit |
• | A TP sensor signal circuit |
The ECM provides the TP sensor with 5 volts on the 5-volt reference circuit and a ground on the low reference circuit. The TP sensor provides a signal voltage the changes relative to the throttle plate angle. The TP sensor signal voltage at idle is less than 0.5 volt. The TP sensor voltage is typically near 0.0 volt at idle, but could be as high as 0.5 volt. The TP sensor voltage should increase to above 4 volts at wide open throttle (WOT). If the ECM detects an intermittent low signal voltage, this DTC sets.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P1122 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit Intermittent Low Voltage
• | The ignition is ON or the engine is operating. |
• | DTC P1122 runs continuously once the above conditions are met for more than 2 seconds. |
The ECM detects that the TP sensor voltage is intermittently less than 0.14 volt for a total of 2 seconds during a 60 second time period.
• | 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. |
• | 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. |
Inspect for the following conditions:
• | The ECM harness connectors for backed-out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and a poor terminal-to-wire connection |
• | The wiring harness for damage--If the harness appears OK, observe the throttle position display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the TP sensor. A change in the display will indicate the location of the fault. |
If DTC P1122 cannot be duplicated, reviewing the Failure Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition occurs that caused the DTC to set . This may assist in diagnosing the condition.
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views | |||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls? | Go to Step 2 | |
2 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 3 |
3 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 4 |
4 | Test 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 8 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | Test for poor connections at the harness connector of the engine control module (ECM). 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 8 | Go to Step 6 |
Did you observe a MAX value of infinite ohms or a MIN value of 0 ohms? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Intermittent Conditions | |
7 | Replace the TP sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 8 | -- |
8 |
Did the DTC fail this ignition? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Step 9 |
9 | Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? | System OK |