GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0120: Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1 Circuit

DTC P0220: Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 2 Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

TP Sensor 1 Signal

P0120, P0122

P2135

P0120, P0122

P0120, P0123

P0068, P0121

TP Sensor 1 5-Volt Reference

P0120, P0122

P2135

P0120, P0122

P0120, P0123

--

TP Sensor 1 Low Reference

--

P2135

P0120, P0123

--

--

TP Sensor 2 Signal

P0220, P0222

P2135

P0220, P0223

P0220, P0223

P0068, P0121

TP Sensor 2 5-Volt Reference

P0220, P0222

P2135

P0220, P0222

P0220, P0223

--

TP Sensor 2 Low Reference

--

P2135

P0220, P0223

--

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

TP Sensor 1 and 2

Circuit

Normal Range

Short to Ground

Open or High Resistance

Short to Voltage

TP Sensor 1 Signal

0.27-4.67 V

0 V

0 V

5 V

TP Sensor 1 5-Volt Reference

0.27-4.67 V

0 V

0 V

5 V

TP Sensor 1 Low Reference

0.27-4.67 V

--

5 V

--

TP Sensor 2 Signal

0.31-4.7 V

0 V

5 V

5 V

TP Sensor 2 5-Volt Reference

0.31-4.7 V

0 V

0 V

5 V

TP Sensor 2 Low Reference

0.31-4.7 V

--

5 V

--

Circuit/System Description

The throttle actuator control (TAC) system uses 2 throttle position (TP) sensors to monitor the throttle position. The TP sensors 1 and 2 are located within the throttle body assembly. Each sensor has the following circuits:

    • A 5-volt reference circuit
    • A low reference circuit
    • A signal circuit

Two processors are also used to monitor the TAC system data. Both processors are located within the powertrain control module (PCM). Each signal circuit provides both processors with a signal voltage proportional to throttle plate movement. Both processors monitor each other's data to verify that the indicated TP calculation is correct.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The system voltage is more than 5.23 volts.
    • The ignition is in Unlock/Accessory or Run position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The indicated TP calculation between the processors does not agree.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame and/or the Failure Records.
    • The control module commands the TAC system to operate in the Reduced Engine Power mode.
    • A message center or an indicator displays Reduced Engine Power.
    • Under certain conditions the control module commands the engine OFF.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • 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 emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Verification

    • Ignition ON, use a scan tool to observe the TP sensor 1 voltage with the accelerator pedal in the rest position. Voltage should be between 0.27-4.67 volts.
    • With the ignition ON, observe the TP sensor 2 voltage with the accelerator pedal in the rest position with a scan tool. Voltage should be between 0.31-4.7 volts.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Clear DTCs with the scan tool. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC or within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.
  2. Ignition ON, use a scan tool to observe the TP sensor 1 voltage with the accelerator pedal in the rest position. Voltage should be between 0.27-4.67 volts.
  3. If more than 4.67 volts, test the low reference for an open. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
    If less than 0.27 volt, test the TP sensor 1 signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  4. With the ignition ON, observe the TP sensor 2 voltage with the accelerator pedal in the rest position with a scan tool. Voltage should be between 0.31-4.7 volts.
  5. If more than 4.7 volts, test the low reference for an open. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
    If less than 0.31 volt, test the TP sensor 2 signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  6. Ignition ON, use a scan tool to observe the DTCs.
  7. If DTC P0120 is the only code set, replace the PCM.
    If DTC P0220 is the only code set, replace the PCM.
    If any other codes are set, refer to that code first . Refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .
  8. Disconnect the throttle body harness connector and verify the scan tool TP sensor 1 voltage is less than 0.1 volt.
  9. If more than 0 volt, test the TP sensor 1 signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  10. With the throttle body harness connector still disconnected, verify the scan tool TP sensor 2 voltage is more than 4.8 volts.
  11. If less than 4.8 volts, test the TP sensor 2 signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  12. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between both 5-volt reference circuits and the negative terminal of the battery.
  13. If more than 5.2 volts, test both 5-volt reference circuits for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
    If less than 4.8 volts, test both the 5-volt reference circuits for an open or short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  14. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and the 5-volt reference circuit of the TP sensor 1 and verify the TP sensor 1 voltage is more than 4.8 volts.
  15. If less than 4.8 volts, test the TP sensor 1 signal circuit for an open. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  16. Install a test lamp between the signal circuit and the negative terminal of the battery of the TP sensor 2 and verify the TP sensor 2 voltage is less than 0.1 volt.
  17. If more than 0.1 volt, test the TP sensor 2 signal circuit for an open. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
    If test lamp illuminates, test the TP sensor 2 signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  18. If all circuits test normal, replace the throttle body.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for PCM replacement, setup, and programming