The throttle position (TP) sensor is used by the powertrain control module (PCM) in order to determine the throttle plate angle for various engine management systems. The TP sensor is a potentiometer type sensor with 3 circuits, a 5-volt reference circuit, a low reference circuit, and a signal circuit. Rotation of the TP sensor from the closed throttle position to the wide open throttle (WOT) position provides the PCM with a signal voltage from less than 1 volt to more than 4 volts through the TP sensor signal circuit. If the PCM detects an intermittent, excessively-high signal voltage, this DTC will set.
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC.
DTC P1121 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Voltage
• | The ignition is ON. |
• | DTCs P0641 and P0651 are not set. |
• | DTC P1121 runs continuously once the above conditions are met. |
• | The TP sensor voltage is more than 4.8 volts. |
• | The intermittent condition exists for more than 1 second during a 2 second period. |
• | 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. |
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can cause an intermittent DTC. Inspect the related circuits for being too close to the secondary ignition wires and to the generator.
If the engine has sat overnight, the engine coolant temperature (ECT) and the intake air temperature (IAT) values should display within a few degrees of each other. If the temperatures are not within 3°C (5°F), refer to Temperature Versus Resistance .
For an intermittent condition, refer to Intermittent Conditions .
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Yes | No |
---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views | |||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | Go to Step 2 | |
2 | Test all 5-volt reference circuits for an intermittent short to voltage.
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 3 |
3 | Test the TP sensor signal circuit for an intermittent short to voltage.
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 4 |
4 | Test the TP sensor low reference circuit for an intermittent open or high resistance.
Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | 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 9 | Go to Step 6 |
6 | Inspect for poor connections at the PCM 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 9 | Go to Step 7 |
Did you record a MAX value of OL or record a MIN value of 0 ohms in either test? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Intermittent Conditions | |
8 | Replace the TP sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | Go to Step 9 | -- |
9 |
Does the DTC run and pass? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 2 |
10 | With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | System OK |