GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 29555  Size: LF
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Components
APP Module, Wastegte, EGR, and EGR Vent
OBD II Symbol Description Notice

Circuit Description

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) module provides a voltage signal that changes relative to accelerator pedal position. There are three sensors located within the APP module that are scaled differently. This is a type D DTC.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • Voltage is greater than 4.75 volts on APP 1 sensor.
    • Condition met for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The input from APP 1 sensor is ignored.
    • A current and history DTC will set but it will not turn on the Service Throttle Soon lamp.
    • Throttle will operate normally as long as there is only one malfunction present. If there are two APP malfunctions present, the PCM will turn ON the Service Throttle Soon lamp and limit power. If a third APP malfunction is present, the Service Throttle Soon lamp will be ON and only allow the engine to operate at idle.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A History DTC will clear when forty consecutive warm-up cycles that the diagnostic does not fail (coolant temperature has risen 5°C (40°F) from start up coolant temperature and engine coolant temperature exceeds 71°C (160°F) that same ignition cycle.
    • Use of a Scan tool

Diagnostic Aids

A scan tool reads APP 1 position in volts. Should read about .45 to .95 volt with throttle closed and ignition ON or at idle. Voltage should increase at a steady rate as throttle is moved toward Wide Open Throttle (WOT). Also, 90% pedal travel is acceptable for correct 0 APP operation. Scan APP 1 sensor while depressing accelerator pedal with engine stopped and ignition ON. Display should vary from about .74 volt when throttle was closed to about 3.7 volt when throttle is held at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) position. A P0123 will result if the ground circuit is open or the signal circuit is shorted to voltage.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the Step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. This Step determines if DTC P0123 is the result of a hard failure or an intermittent condition.

  2. This Step checks the PCM and wiring.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Important: Before clearing DTCs use the scan tool Capture Info to record freeze frame and failure records for reference, as data will be lost when Clear Info function is used.

Was the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Ignition ON, engine OFF.
  2. With the throttle closed, observe the APP 1 display on the scan tool.

Is APP 1 above the specified value?

4.75 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

DTC is intermittent. If no additional DTCs are stored, refer to Diagnostic Aids. If additional DTCs were stored, refer to the applicable DTC table(s) first. Are additional DTCs stored?

--

Go to the Applicable DTC Table

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Disconnect the APP sensor electrical connector.
  2. Observe the APP 1 display on the scan tool.

Is APP 1 less than the specified value?

.25 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Probe APP 1 sensor ground circuit at the APP sensor harness connector with a test light connected to B+.

Is the test light ON?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

6

  1. Check for a short to voltage on the APP 1 sensor signal circuit.
  2. If the APP 1 sensor signal circuit is shorted, repair it as necessary.

Was the APP 1 sensor signal circuit shorted?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

7

Check for poor electrical connections at the APP sensor and replace terminals if necessary.

Did any terminals require replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

8

  1. Check for an open sensor ground circuit.
  2. If a problem is found, repair it as necessary.

Was APP 1 sensor ground circuit open?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

9

Replace the APP module. Refer to Accelerator Pedal Position Module Replacement

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the faulty PCM.

Important: If the PCM is faulty, the new PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Using the Scan Tool, select DTC, Clear Info.
  2. Start engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
  3. Select DTC, Specific, then enter the DTC number which was set.
  4. Operate vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the Scan Tool indicate that this diagnostic Ran and Passed?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 2

12

Using the Scan Tool, select Capture Info, Review Info.

Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to the Applicable DTC Table

System OK