Circuit Description
The throttle position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer. The control module supplies the TP sensor a reference voltage, a signal, and ground circuits. When the throttle is depressed, the TP sensor signal rises to near the reference voltage. When the throttle is released, the TP sensor signal decreases from the reference voltage. The control module monitors the TP sensor signal circuit voltage in order to determine the throttle blade angle, or opening.
This DTC is designed to detect a TP sensor signal voltage higher than the possible operating range of a normally functioning TP sensor.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine is running.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The TP sensor signal voltage is more than 4.7 volts for 1 second.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) if a failure is detected during 2 consecutive key cycles. |
| • | The control module sets the DTC and records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic failed. The failure information is stored in the scan tool Freeze Frame/Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC
| • | The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed. |
| • | A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle. |
| • | Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. |
Diagnostic Aids
The scan tool reads the throttle position in volts. The scan tool display should indicate approximately 0.45-0.85 volt with the throttle closed and with the ignition ON or at idle. The voltage should increase steadily as the throttle is moved toward wide open throttle (WOT).
The scan tool will read the throttle angle percentage. Zero percent indicates closed throttle. One Hundred percent indicates wide WOT.
Scan the TP sensor while you depress the accelerator pedal with the engine OFF and with the ignition On. The display should vary from less than 1.25 volts (1250 mV) when the throttle is closed to more than 4.5 volts (4500 mV) when the throttle is held at WOT .
This DTC will result if the TP ground circuit is open or if the TP signal circuit is shorted to the voltage.
Refer to the Symptoms .
An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:
| • | A poor connection |
| • | Rubbed through wire insulation |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
-
If the throttle position (TP) signal is more than 4.8 volts, then the condition exists.
-
With the TP sensor disconnected, and if the VCM and the wiring are OK, the TP signal should be less than 0.25 volt. This test could set DTC P0122.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
Is the TP sensor voltage more than the specified value? | 4.7 V | |||
Is the TP sensor voltage less than the specified value? | 0.25 V | |||
4 | The DTC is intermittent. Are any additional DTCs stored? | -- | Go to applicable DTC | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
5 | Use a DMM that is connected to a ground in order to measure the 5-volt reference circuit at the TP sensor harness connector. Is the voltage more than the specified value? | 5.2 V | ||
6 | Use a test lamp that is connected to B+ in order to probe the TP sensor ground circuit at the TP sensor harness connector. Is the test lamp ON? | -- | ||
7 | Replace the TP sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
8 | Check for a short to voltage in the TP sensor signal circuit. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||
9 |
Is the voltage more than the specified value? | 0 V | ||
10 | Use a DMM that is connected to a ground in order to measure the voltage on the MAP sensor 5-volt reference circuit at the VCM C3 connector. Is the voltage more than the specified value? | 0 V | ||
11 | Repair the open in the TP sensor ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
12 | Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
13 | Repair the short to voltage on the 5-volt reference circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
14 |
Important: The replacement VCM must be programmed. Replace the VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
15 |
Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic passed? | -- | ||
16 | Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs? | -- | Go to applicable DTC | System OK |
