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 P2122: Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage

DTC P2123: Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1 Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

APP Sensor 1 Signal

P2122

P2122

P2123

P2138

APP Sensor 1 5-Volt Reference

P2122

P2122

P2123

--

APP Sensor 1 Low Reference

--

P2123

--

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

APP Sensor 1

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Parameter Normal Range: 0.13-4.87 V

APP Sensor 1 Signal

0 V

0 V

5 V

APP Sensor 1 5-Volt Reference

0 V

0 V

5 V

APP Sensor 1 Low Reference

--

5 V

--

Circuit/System Description

The throttle actuator control (TAC) system uses two accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors to monitor the accelerator pedal position. The APP sensors 1 and 2 are located within the pedal 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 engine control module (ECM). Each signal circuit provides both processors with a signal voltage proportional to pedal movement. Both processors monitor each other's data to verify that the indicated APP calculation is correct.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The system voltage is more than 7 volts.
    • The ignition is in the Unlock/Accessory or Run position.
    • DTC P2122 and P2123 run continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P2122

The ECM detects that the APP sensor 1 voltage is less than 0.84 volts for more than 0.4 second.

P2123

The ECM detects that the APP sensor 1 voltage is more than 4.82 volts for more than 0.4 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTCs P2122 and P2123 are Type A DTCs.
    • 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.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P2122 and P2123 are Type A DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description

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 scan tool APP sensor 1 voltage parameter. The reading should be between 0.84-4.82 volts and change with accelerator pedal input.
  2. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool APP Sensor 1 and 2 parameter. The scan tool should indicate agree.
  3. Clear the 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.
  4. Verify that DTCs P0652 or P0653 are not set.
  5. If DTCs P0641, P0642, P0643, P0651, P0652, P0653, P0697, P0698 or P0699 is set, refer to DTC P0641-P0643, P0651-P0653, or P0697-P0699.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the accelerator pedal harness connector at the accelerator pedal. Allow sufficient time for the ECM to power down.
  2. Test for less than 3 ohms between low reference circuit terminal 4 and ground.
  3. If greater than 3 ohms, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 2 and ground.
  5. If less than 4.8 volts, test the 5-volt reference circuit for an open/high resistance or short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
    If greater than 5.2 volts, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  6. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool APP sensor 1 voltage is less than 0.1 volt.
  7. If greater than 0.1 volt, test the APP sensor 1 signal circuit terminal 3 for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  8. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 2 of the APP sensor 1, and verify the APP sensor 1 voltage is greater than 4.8 volts.
  9. If less than 4.8 volts, test the APP sensor 1 signal circuit for an open, or short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  10. If all circuits test normal, replace the accelerator pedal.

Component Testing

Important: Circuit/System Testing must be performed before proceeding with Component Testing.

Dynamic Test

  1. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference terminal of the applicable APP sensor and 5 volts. Install a jumper wire between the low reference terminal and a ground.
  2. Sweep the sensor through the entire range while monitoring the voltage between the signal terminal and the low reference terminal with a DMM. the voltage should vary between 0.84-4.82 volts with out any spikes or dropouts.
  3. If the voltage is not within the specified range or is erratic, replace the accelerator pedal assembly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References