Circuit Description
The throttle position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer whose resistance value changes along with the throttle valve position. The powertrain control module (PCM) provides a 5 volt reference voltage to the TP sensor. The PCM reads the voltage across the TP sensor and uses the voltage to calculate the percentage of throttle valve opening. The TP sensor resistance decreases as the throttle valve opening increases. When the TP sensor resistance decreases the voltage being monitored by the PCM increases. The TP sensor resistance increases when the throttle valve opening decreases, therefore the voltage being monitored by the PCM will decrease.
Condition for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON or the engine is running.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The ignition switch is ON. |
| • | Low voltage input at the PCM indicated. |
| • | Above condition is present for at least 5 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information is stored in the Freeze Frame buffer. |
| • | The PCM enters the Fail-Safe Function and assumes the engine throttle valve angle is 24.5 degrees. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | The MIL turns OFF after three consecutively passing trips without a fault present. |
| • | A History DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault. |
| • | Perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function in order to erase the DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
If the DTC P0122 is intermittent, driving the vehicle under the following conditions can verify whether the fault is present. Perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function. Road test the vehicle while monitoring the DTC P0122 diagnostic on the scan tool under the Not Ran Since Code Cleared selection in the DTC Information menu. If a DTC P0122 appears in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0122 diagnostic has not yet run. When the DTC P0122 does not appear in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0122 diagnostic has run. If the MIL is NOT ILLUMINATED and there is no PENDING DTC Status in DTC Information, the P0122 diagnostic has passed. DTCs MUST BE CLEARED in order to view the CURRENT STATUS of the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list. DO NOT FORGET that the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list only indicates that the test has run, not whether the test passed or failed. The DTC Information screen must be checked for CURRENT or PENDING status, in order to determine the outcome of the diagnostic test involved.
An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the TP sensor electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and components for any of the following conditions:
| • | Backed out terminals |
| • | Improper mating of terminals |
| • | Broken electrical connector locks |
| • | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
| • | Faulty terminal to wire connections |
| • | Physical damage to the wiring harness |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
| • | Corrosion of electrical connections, splices, or terminals |
If you cannot duplicate the DTC P0122, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
-
The OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and to store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
-
This step checks whether the malfunction that caused the DTC P0122 is still present. Driving the vehicle under these conditions will verify whether the fault is present. After performing the scan tool Clear DTC Information function, the DTC P0122 diagnostic can be monitored on the scan tool under the Not Ran Since Code Cleared selection in the DTC Information menu. If a DTC P0122 appears in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0122 diagnostic has not yet run. When the DTC P0122 does not appear in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the P0122 diagnostic has run. If the MIL is NOT ILLUMINATED, and there is no PENDING DTC Status in DTC Information, the P0122 diagnostic has passed. DTCs MUST BE CLEARED in order to view the CURRENT STATUS of the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list. DO NOT FORGET that the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list only indicates that the test has run, not whether the test passed or failed. The DTC Information screen must be checked for CURRENT or PENDING status, in order to determine the outcome of the diagnostic test involved.
-
When the 5 volt reference is jumpered to the TP input circuit, the scan tool parameter should read 99 percent.
-
When the TP sensor input circuit is jumpered to battery voltage , the scan tool parameter should read 99 percent.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | ||
2 |
Does the TP sensor percentage steadily increase within the specified values? | 0 - 99% | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 4 |
Is a DTC P0122 set? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
Is the TP sensor percentage at the specified value? | 99% | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 | |
Is the TP sensor percentage at the specified value? | 99% | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 7 | |
6 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 8 |
7 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 8 |
8 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 11 |
9 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 10 |
10 | Replace the TP sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 12 | -- |
11 |
Important: The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 12 | -- |
12 |
Are any DTCs displayed on scan tool? | -- | System OK |
