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 Descriptors

DTC P1516: Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance

DTC P2101: Throttle Actuator Position Performance

DTC P2119: Throttle Closed Position Performance

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) controls the throttle valve by applying a varying voltage to the control circuits of the throttle actuator control (TAC) motor. The ECM monitors the duty cycle that is required to actuate the throttle valve. The ECM monitors the throttle position (TP) sensors 1 and 2 to determine the actual throttle valve position.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P1516

    • The engine is running.
    • The throttle angle does not change greater than 5 percent.
    • DTCs P1516 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

P2101

    • The engine is running.
    • The ignition voltage is greater than 5 volts.
    • DTCs P2101 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

P2119

    • DTCs P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, P0641, P0651, or P2135 are not set.
    • The TP sensor 1 voltage is between 3.75-4.4 volts.
    • The TP sensor 2 voltage is between 3.75-4.4 volts.
    • DTC P2119 runs when the ignition is turned to the OFF position, when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P1516

The ECM detects the difference between the actual throttle position, and the desired position is greater than 5 percent for 30 seconds.

P2101

The ECM detects the difference between the actual throttle position, and the desired position is greater than 8 percent for 1.5 seconds.

P2119

The ECM detects that the throttle blade did not return to the default position, during power down, within a calibrated amount of time

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

P2119

DTC P2119 is a Type C DTC.

P1516 or P2101

    • DTCs P1516 and P2101 are Type A DTCs.
    • The ECM commands the TAC system to operate in a Reduced Engine Power mode.
    • The ECM commands the reduced engine power indicator ON.
    • DTCs P2106 and P2110 will set.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • DTCs P1516 and P2101 are Type A DTCs.
    • DTC P2119 is a Type C DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Inspect for a condition in which the throttle valve may have been held open. For example, ice may have formed in the throttle bore causing the throttle valve not to close.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Electrical Information Reference

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

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTCs P0122, P0123, P0222, or P0223 should not set.
  2. If any DTCs are set, refer to DTC P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, or P2135 for further diagnosis.
  3. Observe the scan tool TP Sensor percentage parameters. The readings should be between 7-21 %.
  4. If either TP sensor is not within the specified range, refer to DTC P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, or P2135 for further diagnosis.
  5. Rapidly depress the accelerator pedal from the rest position to the wide open throttle position (WOT) and release pedal. Repeat the procedure several times. DTCs P1516, P2101, or P2119 should not set.
  6. If any DTCs P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, or P2135 set while performing this procedure, refer to DTC P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, or P2135 for further diagnosis.
  7. Slowly depress the accelerator pedal to WOT and then slowly return the pedal to closed throttle. Repeat the procedure several times. DTCs P1516, P2101, or P2119 should not set.
  8. If any DTCs P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, or P2135 set while performing this procedure, refer to DTC P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, or P2135 for further diagnosis.
  9. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC to verify the DTC does not reset. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Circuit/System Testing

    Important: Disconnecting the throttle body harness connector causes additional DTCs to set.

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the throttle body.
  2. Ignition ON, test for less than 0.5 volt on the TAC motor control 1 circuit terminal 5 and TAC motor control 2 circuit terminal 6.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the appropriate motor control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition OFF, probe TAC motor control 1 circuit terminal 5 and TAC motor control 2 circuit terminal 6 with a test lamp connected to B+. Verify the test lamp does not illuminate.
  5. If the test lamp illuminates, test the appropriate motor control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Ignition OFF, connect the test lamp between the TAC motor control 1 circuit terminal 5 and TAC motor control 2 circuit terminal 6. Observe the test lamp while turning the ignition ON for 5 seconds and the OFF. Verify the test lamp illuminates.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test each motor control circuit for an open or for a short between the TAC motor control 1 and TAC motor control 2 circuits. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  8. Inspect the throttle body for the following conditions:
  9. • A throttle blade that is not in the rest position
    • A throttle valve that is binding open or closed
    • A throttle valve that opens or closes without spring pressure
    If a condition is found, replace the throttle body.
  10. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the throttle body.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Throttle Body Assembly Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming