GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The accelerator pedal position (APP) module provides a voltage signal that changes relative to accelerator position. There are three sensors located within the APP module that are scaled differently.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The PCM performs this DTC diagnostic continuously.
    • DTCs P1646, P1282, P1283, P1287, and P1288 are not set.
    • The ignition voltage is greater than 8 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The difference between APP 2 and APP 3 is greater than 16 percent [PCM compares pre-scaled voltage (internal to PCM)].
    • All of the diagnostic set conditions met for 2  seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    •  The service throttle soon lamp will not illuminate when only one APP DTC is set. The PCM will only illuminate the service throttle soon lamp when multiple APP DTCs are set.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information is stored in the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A History DTC clears after forty consecutive warm-up cycles, if this or any other emission related diagnostic does not report any failures.
    • The use of a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: Remove any debris from the PCM module connector surfaces before servicing the PCM module. Inspect the PCM module connector gaskets when diagnosing/replacing the module. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion into the PCM module.

There are no driveability issues associated with the APP module unless a DTC is present. The most likely causes of this DTC are poor connections or the sensor itself. The least likely is a PCM problem.

An intermittent may be caused by the following conditions:

    • Poor connections
    • Rubbed through wire insulation
    • Broken wire inside the insulation

A scan tool reads APP 2 position in volts and should read about 4.5 volts with throttle closed and ignition ON or at idle. Voltage should decrease at a steady rate as throttle is moved toward WOT. Also, 90 percent pedal travel is acceptable for correct APP operation. Scan APP 2 sensor while depressing accelerator pedal with engine stopped and ignition ON. Display should vary from about 4.5 volts when throttle was closed to about 1.5 volts when throttle is held at wide open throttle (WOT) position.

A scan tool reads APP 3 position in volts. Should read about 4.0 volts with throttle closed and ignition ON or at idle. Voltage should decrease at a steady rate as throttle is moved toward wide open throttle (WOT). Also, 90 percent pedal travel is acceptable for correct APP operation. Scan APP 3 sensor while depressing accelerator pedal with engine stopped and ignition ON. Display should vary from about 4.0 volts when throttle was closed to about 2.0 volts when throttle is held at wide open throttle (WOT) position.