GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 31554  Size: LF
Engine Controls Components
A/C Pressure, TP, MAP, ECT, IAT Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Throttle Position (TP) sensor circuit provides a voltage signal that changes relative to throttle blade angle. The signal voltage will vary from below 1 volt at closed throttle to about 4 volts at Wide Open Throttle (WOT). The TP signal is one of the most important inputs used by the PCM for fuel control and most of the PCM-controlled outputs. DTC P0123 will set when the PCM detects an excessively high signal voltage on the throttle position sensor signal circuit.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ignition is ON.
    • TP sensor signal voltage is greater than 4.71 volts.
    • Above conditions are present for longer than 1 second

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the first trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn OFF the MIL during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.
    • The History DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

    • Poor connection at PCM. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection.
    • Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the TP sensor display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the TP sensor. A change in the display will indicate the location of the malfunction.
    • Malfunctioning TP sensor: With the key ON, engine not running, observe the TP sensor display on the scan tool while slowly depressing the accelerator to wide open throttle. If a voltage over 4.71 volts is seen at any point in normal accelerator travel, replace the TP sensor.

If DTC P0123 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Fail Records data can be useful in determining vehicle mileage since the DTC was last set. If it is determined that the DTC occurs intermittently, performing the DTC P1121 Diagnostic Chart may isolate the cause of the malfunction.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the Step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table:

  1. Components that share the TP sensor 5 volt reference A circuit include the following devices:

  2. • EGR valve
    • MAP sensor
    • Disconnect these components one at a time while observing the TP sensor display on the scan tool. If the reading changes drastically when one of these components is disconnected, replace the component that affected the reading.
  3. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch, engine not running.
  2. With the throttle closed, observe the TP Sensor display on the scan tool Eng 1 data list.

Is TP Sensor greater than the specified value?

4.70V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch, engine not running.
  2. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
  3. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0123.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P0123 failed?

--

Go to Step 4

Refer to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Disconnect the TP sensor electrical connector.
  2. Observe the TP Sensor display on the scan tool.

Is TP Sensor near the specified value?

0V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Probe the sensor ground circuit at the TP sensor harness connector with a J 35616-200 Unpowered Test Light connected to B+.

Is the test light ON?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch and check for a short to voltage on the TP sensor signal circuit.
  4. If the TP sensor signal circuit is shorted, repair it as necessary. Refer to Electrical Diagnois.

Was the TP sensor signal circuit shorted?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

7

  1. Turn ON the ignition switch.
  2. Monitor the TP Sensor scan tool display while disconnecting each of the components that share the 5 volt reference A circuit (one at a time).
  3. If the TP Sensor scan tool display changes, replace the component that caused the display to change when disconnected.

Does disconnecting any of these components cause the TP Sensor display to change?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition switch, engine not running.
  4. Check for a short to voltage on the 5 volt reference A circuit.
  5. If the 5 volt reference A circuit is shorted, repair it as necessary. Refer to Electrical Diagnois.

Was the 5 volt reference A circuit shorted?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Check for poor electrical connections at the TP sensor and replace terminals if necessary. Refer to Electrical Diagnois.

Did any terminals require replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

10

  1. Turn OFF the ignition switch.
  2. Disconnect the PCM, and check the sensor ground circuit for a poor connection at the PCM or for an open sensor ground circuit to the TP sensor.
  3. If a problem is found, repair it as necessary. Refer to Electrical Diagnois.

Was a problem found?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the TP sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the PCM.

Important: Replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear DTCs
  3. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0123.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P0123 failed?

--

Go to Step 4

System OK