GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 339450  Size: MF
Engine Controls Components
Cell 20: Sensors
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Throttle Position (TP) sensor provides a voltage signal that changes relative to the throttle blade angle. The signal voltage varies from about 0.5 volt at idle to about 5.0 volts at wide open throttle.

The TP sensor signal is one of the most important inputs used by the ECM for fuel control and for most of the ECM control outputs.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Engine idling
    • TP sensor signal voltage greater than about 2.5 volts
    • All conditions met for 8 seconds

Or

The TP sensor signal voltage over 4.5 volts with the ignition ON

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate. The system will go Open Loop.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The conditions for the fault are no longer present and 50 ignition cycles have passed with no further faults or the ignition switch is turned OFF and the battery feed voltage is removed for 10 seconds.

Diagnostic Aids

A scan tool reads the throttle position in volts. The scan tool should read about 0.45 to 1.25 volts with throttle closed and the ignition ON or at idle. The voltage should increase at a steady rate as the throttle moves toward WOT.

Also some scan tools will read the throttle angle. 0 percent = closed throttle: 100 percent = WOT.

Refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Scan TP sensor while depressing the accelerator pedal with engine stopped and the ignition ON. The display should vary from below 1.25 volts when throttle was closed, to over 4.5 volts when throttle is held at wide open throttle position.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. With the throttle closed, the TP sensor should read less than 1.25 volts. If it does not, replace the TP sensor.

  2. With the TP sensor disconnected, the TP sensor voltage should go low if the ECM and wiring are OK.

  3. Probing the sensor ground with a test lamp checks the 5 volts return circuit because a faulty 5 volts return will cause a DTC 21.

DTC 21 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit High

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn the ignition ON.
  3. Make sure the throttle is closed.

Does the scan tool display the Throttle Position signal voltage over the specified value?

1.25 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

Disconnect the throttle position (TP) sensor.

Does the scan tool display the throttle position signal voltage less than the specified value?

0.2 V (200 mV)

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Check the throttle position sensor signal circuit for being shorted to voltage.
  2. If you find a problem, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

5

Probe the throttle position sensor ground circuit with a J 35616-200 unpowered test lamp connected to B+.

Is the test lamp ON?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 8

6

  1. Check for a faulty connection at the throttle position sensor.
  2. If you find a problem, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

Replace the throttle position (TP) sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

8

  1. Check for an open throttle position (TP) sensor ground circuit.
  2. If you find a problem, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

9

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 10

--

10

  1. Clear the DTCs. Refer to Clearing DTCs.
  2. Start the engine and idle it at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Did the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 11

11

Does the scan tool display any additional, undiagnosed DTCs?

--

Go to the Applicable DTC Table

System OK