GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2006 🢒 VUE - FWD 🢒 Vehicle Control Systems 🢒 Vehicle DTC Information 🢒 DTC P0120

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) sends accelerator pedal position data to the transmission control module (TCM). The TCM uses this data to modify shift speeds. The data is sent to the TCM through a communication network, called the controller area network (CAN). Two circuits are used to communicate CAN data between the ECM and TCM. A fault in the CAN will not cause DTC P0120 to set by itself. If a CAN fault occurs, other DTCs will set before DTC P0120.

When the TCM receives invalid accelerator pedal data from the ECM, DTC P0120 sets. DTC P0120 is a type A DTC.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0120 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

No other CAN errors are present.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The TCM receives no valid throttle position data from the ECM for 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The TCM requests the ECM to illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The TCM commands maximum line pressure.
    • The TCM freezes transmission adaptive functions.
    • The ECM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The ECM stores this information as Freeze Frame and Failure Records.
    • The TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The TCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    • The TCM stores DTC P0120 in TCM history.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The ECM turns OFF the MIL after the third consecutive drive trip in which the TCM does not send a MIL illumination request.
    • A scan tool can clear the MIL/DTC.
    • The TCM clears the DTC from TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without an emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    • The TCM cancels the DTC default actions when the ignition is OFF long enough in order to power down the TCM.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.

    3. Important: 

       • Before clearing the DTC, use the scan tool in order to record the ECM Freeze Frame and the TCM Failure Records. Using the Clear Info function erases the Freeze Frame and Failure Records from the ECM and the TCM.
       • Using the Clear Info function erases stored DTCs in both the ECM and TCM.

  3. Record the DTC Failure Records.

Did you record any ECM Failure Records?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Clear the DTC.
  2. Turn the ignition OFF for at least 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine and allow it to idle.

Did DTC P0120 set again?

Go to Step 4

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

4

Did any other DTCs set?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

Go to Step 5

5

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

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 6

--

6

Perform the following operation to verify the repair:

  1. Select DTC on the scan tool.
  2. Select Clear Info.
  3. Start the engine and allow it to idle.
  4. Select Specific DTC.
  5. Enter DTC P0120.

Has the test run and passed?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 2

7

With the scan tool, observe the stored information, capture info and DTC info.

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

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK