GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 622965  Size: SF
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Engine Controls Component Views
Engine Controls Schematics
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
VCM Connector End Views

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 intermittent high signal voltage on the TP sensor signal circuit.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TP sensor is more than 4.7 volts for less than 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module stores the DTC in history after the first failure but will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores the failure information in the scan tools Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • 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 temperature exceeds 70°C (160°F) during the same ignition cycle.
    • Use the scan tool Clear Information function.

Diagnostic Aids

The scan tool reads the throttle position in volts. The scan tool should read approximately 0.45 to 0.85 volts with the throttle closed and with the ignition switch turned ON or at idle. The voltage should increase steadily as the throttle is moved toward wide open throttle (WOT). Some scan tools will read the throttle angle as a percentage. Zero percent equals closed throttle.

Observe the throttle position (TP) sensor while depressing the accelerator pedal with the ignition ON and the engine OFF. The display should vary from approximately 0.5 volts  (500 mV) when the throttle is closed to more than 4.5 volts  (4500 mV) when the throttle is held at WOT.

This DTC could set if the TP sensor ground circuit is intermittently open or if the TP sensor signal circuit is intermittently shorted to voltage. If the high voltage reading is present, additional sensor circuit voltage codes could be set. Refer to any non-intermittent DTCs that are set.

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.

  1. If the throttle position (TP) sensor voltage is more than 4.7 volts, then the condition is present. Even though DTC P0123 did not set, this DTC is more comprehensive and may aid in diagnosis.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Verify that the throttle is closed.
  2. Install the scan tool.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Display the TP sensor voltage.

Is the TP sensor voltage more than the specified value?

4.7 V

Go to DTC P0123 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the TP sensor harness connector.
  3. Inspect the TP sensor harness connector and the terminals.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Disconnect the VCM C2 and C3 connectors.
  2. Inspect the terminals and the connectors.

Did you find a problem?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Reconnect the VCM and the TP sensor harness connectors.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Move the harness in order to check for:
  4. • An intermittent open
    • A short to voltage in:
       - The TP sensor signal circuit
       - The TP sensor ground circuit
       - The 5-volt reference circuit
  5. Display the TP sensor voltage while you move the harness.

Did the voltage increase?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 7

--

7

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Allow the engine to idle until the engine reaches the normal operating temperature.
  4. Select the DTC, then select the Specific DTC function.
  5. Enter the DTC number which was set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Setting this DTC until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic Ran.

Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 2

8

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

--

Go to applicable DTC

System OK