GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

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

DTC P0123: Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1 Circuit High Voltage

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

5-Volt Reference

P0122

P0122, P0532

P0122

P0123

--

Throttle Position Sensor Signal

P0122

P0122

P0122

P0123

--

Low Reference

--

--

P0123

--

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

TP Position Sensor

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: The engine is operating at idle.

Parameter Normal Range: TP Position Sensor 0%

5-Volt Reference

0%

0%

99%

Throttle Position Sensor Signal

0%

0%

99%

Low Reference

--

99%

--

Circuit/System Description

The throttle position (TP) sensor is used by the engine control module (ECM) to determine the throttle plate angle for various engine management systems. The TP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with the following 3 circuits:

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

The ECM provides the TP sensor with 5 volts on the 5-volt reference circuit, and a ground on the low reference circuit. The TP sensor provides a signal voltage feedback that changes relative to throttle plate angle.

Conditions for Running

    • The ignition is ON or the engine is operating.
    • The DTCs runs continuously when the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0122

The ECM detects that the TP sensor voltage is less than 0.3 volts for 2.5 seconds.

P0123

The ECM detects that the TP sensor voltage is greater than 4.9 volts for 2.5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0122 and P0123 are Type A DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0122 and P0123 are Type A DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, observe the TP Sensor parameters with a scan tool. Verify the TP sensor voltage is between 0.4-4.5 volts while depressing the accelerator pedal from the rest position to the wide open throttle position (WOT).
  2. Rapidly depress the accelerator pedal from the rest position to the wide open throttle position (WOT) and release pedal. Repeat the procedure several times. DTC P0122 or P0123 should not set.
  3. Slowly depress the accelerator pedal to WOT and then slowly return the pedal to closed throttle. Repeat the procedure several times. DTC P0122 or P0123 should not set.
  4. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification test, then operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the TP sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for a short to voltage, or an open/high resistance. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.

    Important: The 5-volt reference circuits are internally and externally connected at the ECM. Other component DTCs may be set. If other DTCs are set, review the electrical schematic and diagnose the applicable circuits and components.

  4. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit and ground.
  5. If less than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.
    If greater than the specified range, test the 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.
  6. Verify the scan tool TP sensor voltage parameter is less than 0.3 volt or less than 5 percent.
  7. If greater than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.
  8. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit and the 5-volt reference circuit. Verify the scan tool TP sensor voltage parameter is greater than 4.8 volts or 95 percent.
  9. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the ECM.
  10. If all circuits/connections test normal, test or replace the TP sensor.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the TP sensor.
  2. Test for 1160-1175 ohms between the 5-volt reference and the low reference terminals of the applicable TP sensor.
  3. If not within the specified range, replace the TP sensor.
  4. Test the resistance between the signal terminal and the low reference terminal of the TP sensor. Sweep the TP sensor through the entire range. The resistance should vary between 1530 and 630 ohms without any spikes or dropouts.
  5. If not within the specified range or is erratic, replace the TP sensor.
  6. Apply 5 volts and ground to the applicable terminals of the TP sensor, and measure the voltage between the signal and the low reference terminals. Sweep the TP sensor through the entire range. The voltage should vary between 4.3-0.6 volts without any spikes or dropouts.
  7. If not within the specified range or is erratic, TP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming