GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors 1 and 2 are located within the accelerator pedal assembly. Each sensor has the following circuits:

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

This provides the powertrain control module (PCM) with a signal voltage proportional to accelerator pedal movement. The APP sensor 1 signal voltage at rest position is near the low reference and increases as the pedal is actuated. The APP sensor 2 signal voltage at rest position is near the 5-volt reference and decreases as the pedal is actuated. When APP sensor 2 signal voltage is not within the predicted range, DTC P2125 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P2120 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 2 Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • The ignition voltage is greater than 5.23 volts.
    • DTC P0641 is not set.
    • DTC P2125 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The APP sensor 2 voltage is less than 0.13 volt or more than 4.87 volts for more than 0.5 second.

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.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. With a scan tool, observe the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 2 voltage with the accelerator pedal in the rest position.

Does the scan tool indicate voltage less than the first value or greater than the second value?

0.13 V

4.87 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text or as close to the Freeze Frame/Failure Records that you observed.

Is DTC P2125 the only DTC set?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 4

4

Are there any other DTCs set?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the accelerator pedal harness connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the APP sensor 2 voltage parameter with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate voltage at the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 13

6

Probe the APP sensor 2 signal circuit with a test lamp connected to ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

Observe the APP sensor 2 parameter with the test lamp still connected to the APP sensor 2 signal circuit.

Does the scan tool indicate voltage at the specified value?

0 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 12

8

Measure the voltage of the APP sensor 2, 5-volt reference circuit with a DMM.

Does the DMM indicate voltage at the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 11

9

Probe the APP sensor 2 low reference circuit with a test lamp connected to B+.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 15

10

Test the APP sensor low reference circuit for a short to ground.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 19

11

Does the DMM indicate voltage less than the specified value on the APP sensor 2, 5-volt reference circuit?

5 V

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 18

12

Test the APP sensor 2 signal circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 14

13

Test the APP sensor 2 signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 21

14

Test the APP sensor 2 signal circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 21

15

Test the APP sensor 2 low reference circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 21

16

Test the APP sensor 2, 5-volt reference circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 17

17

Test the APP sensor 2, 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 21

18

Test the APP sensor 2, 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

--

19

Inspect for poor connections at the accelerator pedal harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 20

20

Replace the accelerator pedal assembly. Refer to Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 23

--

21

Inspect for poor connections at the powertrain control module (PCM) harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 22

22

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 23

--

23

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze/Frame Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 24

24

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK