GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 388509  Size: SF
Cell 20: Power, Ground, MIL, and DLC
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

Circuit Description

The Throttle Position (TP) sensor circuit provides a voltage signal that changes relative to throttle blade angle. The signal voltage will vary from below 1.0 volts at closed throttle to above 4.0 volts at Wide Open Throttle (WOT).

If the PCM detects an excessively high TP Sensor voltage, DTC P0123 will be set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is on.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    •  TP sensor signal voltage is greater than 4.9 volts.
    •  The above conditions present for more than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the PCM records the operating conditions at the time of the failure.
    • The PCM writes the conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has run and passed.
    • The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for the following conditions:

Important: :  Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.

    •  Poor terminal connection.
         Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis , and Connector Repairs Wiring Systems.
    •  Damaged harness.
         Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the sensor display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the sensor display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
    •  Inspect the PCM and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections.

If the DTC is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Fail Records can be useful in determining when the DTC was last set.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table:

  1. Components that share the TP sensor 5 Volt Reference A circuit include the following devices, TP sensor, MAP sensor, EGR valve.

    Disconnect these components one at a time while observing the TP sensor display on the scan tool. If the reading changes drastically when one of these components is disconnected, replace the component that affected the reading.

  1. This vehicle is equipped with a PCM which utilizes an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). When the PCM is being replaced, the new PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Was the Powertrain on Board Diagnostic Check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

  1. Turn the ignition on, engine off.
  2. With the throttle closed, observe the TP Sensor display on the scan tool data list.

Is the TP Sensor above the specified value?

4.71V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn the ignition on, engine off.
  2. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
  3. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0123.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P0123 failed?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Disconnect the TP sensor electrical connector.
  2. Observe the TP Sensor display on the scan tool.

Is TP Sensor near the specified value?

0.0V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Probe the sensor ground circuit at the TP sensor harness connector with a J 35616-200 test lamp connected to battery positive voltage.

Is the J 35616-200 test lamp on?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

6

  1. Turn the ignition off.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn the ignition on.
  4. Check for a short to voltage on the TP sensor signal circuit.
  5. If the TP sensor signal circuit is shorted, repair it as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Was the TP sensor signal circuit shorted?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

7

  1. Turn the ignition on.
  2. Monitor the TP Sensor scan tool display while disconnecting each of the components that share the 5 Volt Reference A circuit (one at a time).
  3. If the TP Sensor scan tool display changes, replace the component that caused the display to change when disconnected.

Does disconnecting any of these components cause the TP Sensor display to change?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Turn the ignition off.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn the ignition on, engine off.
  4. Check for a short to voltage on the 5 Volt Reference A circuit.
  5. If the 5 Volt Reference A circuit is shorted, repair it as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Was the 5 Volt Reference A circuit shorted?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

9

Check for poor electrical connections at the TP sensor and replace terminals if necessary or open sensor ground circuit. Refer to Testing for Continuity Intermittents and Poor Connections Diagnosis Repairing Connector Terminals and Connector Repairs .

Did any terminals or ground circuit require repair?

--

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: :  Replacement PCM must be programmed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Replace the PCM.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Review and record scan tool Fail Records data.
  2. Clear DTCs.
  3. Operate vehicle within Fail Records conditions as noted.
  4. Using a scan tool, monitor Specific DTC info for DTC P0123.

Does scan tool indicate DTC P0123 failed?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK