The throttle position (TP) sensor is used by the powertrain control module (PCM) to determine the throttle plate angle for various engine management systems. The TP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with three circuits:
• | A 5-volt reference circuit |
• | A low reference circuit |
• | A signal circuit |
Rotation of the TP sensor rotor from the closed throttle position to the wide open throttle (WOT) position provides the PCM with a signal voltage from below 1 volt to greater than 4 volts through the TP sensor signal circuit. If the PCM detects an intermittent excessively low signal voltage, This DTC will set.
The ignition is ON.
The TP sensor intermittently indicates a throttle position signal less than 0.16 volt.
• | 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. |
• | 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. |
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table:
Step | Action | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics | |||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | Go to Step 2 | |
2 | Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the TP sensor for an intermittent open, high resistance and short to ground.
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 3 |
3 | Test the signal circuit of the TP sensor for an intermittent open, high resistance and short to ground.
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 4 |
4 | Inspect for poor connections at the TP sensor harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 6 |
Did you record a MAX value of 0 L or record a MIN value of 0 ohms in either test? | Go to Step 7 | ||
7 | Replace the TP sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 8 | -- |
8 |
Does the DTC run and pass? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 2 |
9 | With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Captured Info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | System OK |