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For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2006 🢒 ION 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0122

Circuit Description

The throttle position (TP) sensors 1 and 2 are located within the throttle body assembly. Each sensor has the following circuits:

    • A 5-volt reference circuit
    • A low reference circuit
    • A signal circuit

This provides the engine control module (ECM) with a signal voltage proportional to the throttle plate movement. The TP sensor 1 signal voltage at closed throttle is near the 5-volt reference circuit and decreases as the throttle plate is opened. The TP sensor 2 signal voltage at closed throttle is near the low reference circuit and increases as the throttle plate is opened. If the ECM detects that the TP sensor 1 signal voltage is less than the predicted range, DTC P0122 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0122 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The ignition switch is in the Crank or Run position.
    • DTC P0641 is not set.
    • The ignition voltage is greater than 5.23 volts.
    • DTC P0122 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that the TP sensor 1 voltage is less than 0.15 volt for more than 0.4 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame and/or the Failure Records.
    • 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.
    • Under certain conditions the control module commands the engine OFF.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • 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 emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1 Voltage parameter, with the accelerator pedal in the rest position, with a scan tool.

Is the TP Sensor 1 Voltage parameter less than the specified value?

0.27 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records .

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

4
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the throttle body harness connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit of the TP sensor 1 to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Does the DMM indicate voltage within the specified range?

4.8-5.2 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5
  1. Connect a fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference circuit and the signal circuit of TP sensor 1.
  2. Observe the TP Sensor 1 Voltage parameter with a scan tool.

Is the TP Sensor 1 Voltage parameter within the specified range?

4.8-5.2 V

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

6

Test the TP sensor 1 5-volt reference circuit for the following conditions:

    • An open
    • A short to ground
    • High resistance

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

7

Test the TP sensor 1 signal circuit for the following conditions:

    • An open
    • A short to ground
    • High resistance

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the throttle body. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

9

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Replace the throttle body assembly. Refer to Throttle Body Assembly Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12
  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 13

13

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK