GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The throttle position (TP) sensor is used by the PCM to determine the throttle plate angle for various engine management systems. The TP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with 3 circuits, a 5-volt reference circuit, low reference circuit, and signal circuit. Rotation of the TP sensor from the closed throttle position to the wide open throttle (WOT) position provides the PCM with a signal voltage from less than 1 volt to more than 4 volts through the TP sensor signal circuit. If the PCM detects an intermittent, excessively high signal voltage, this DTC will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The TP sensor voltage is less than 0.2 volts.
    • The intermittent condition exists for a total of 1 second during a 20-second period.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can cause an intermittent DTC. Inspect the related circuits for being too close to the secondary ignition wires and to the generator.

If the engine has sat overnight, the engine coolant temperature and intake air temperature values should display within a few degrees of each other. If the temperatures are not within 3°C (5°F), refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .

For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. If DTC P0122 also failed a hard failure is present. When a hard failure is present, both the hard and the intermittent DTCs will set. The engine must be operating for more than 30 seconds before inspecting if the DTC set.

  2. When you move the related connectors, inspect the connectors for the following conditions:

  3. • Poor mating of the connector halves, or a terminal that is not fully-seated in the connector body
    • Improperly formed or damaged terminals--All connector terminals in the related circuits should be carefully reformed or replaced in order to ensure proper contact tension.
    • Poor terminal to wire connections--Inspect for poor crimps, and inspect for crimping over wire insulation rather than the wire.
    • Dirt or corrosion on the terminals--Inspect for missing connector seals, and inspect for damage to the connector seals.
  4. When you move the related wiring harnesses, inspect the wiring for the following conditions:

  5. • Wire insulation that is rubbed through, causing an intermittent short
    • Wiring broken inside the insulation
  6. The Freeze Frame/Failure Records may help to locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records can help to determine how many miles have occurred since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and the Pass Counter can also be used in order to determine how many ignition cycles have occurred since the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. In order to isolate when the DTC failed, operate vehicle within the same Freeze Frame conditions that were noted. These conditions include the RPM, the vehicle load, the vehicle speed, and the temperature.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Did DTC P0122 fail this ignition cycle?

Go to DTC P0122

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install the scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Use a scan tool in order observe the affected sensor value while you move the related harness connectors at the component and at the PCM.

Does sensor value change abruptly when a related connector is being moved?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Using a scan tool, observe the affected sensor value while moving related wiring harnesses.

Does the sensor value change abruptly when you move the related electrical harnesses?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF. Review the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC, and note parameters.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 15 seconds.
  3. Start the engine and operate the vehicle within the conditions required for this diagnostic to run. Attempt to duplicate the conditions in Freeze Frame/Failure Records. Special operating conditions that you must meet before the PCM will run this diagnostic, where applicable, are listed in Conditions for Running the DTC.
  4. Using the scan tool, select DTC, Specific, then enter the DTC number which was set.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition?

Go to Step 8

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

Repair any damaged connectors or terminals. Refer to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

7

Repair the faulty wiring. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

8

  1. Re-inspect all related circuits and connectors.
  2. If you have thoroughly inspected all the circuits and no faults can be found, replace the sensor or component.

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 9

--

9

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 2

10

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK