For 1990-2009 cars
Engine Controls Component Views
Engine Controls Schematics

### Circuit Description

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 the following three circuits:

• | A 5-volt reference

• | A low reference

• | A TP sensor signal

The PCM provides the TP sensor with 5 volts on the 5-volt reference circuit and a ground on the low reference 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 less than 1 volt to more than 4 volts through the TP sensor signal circuit. If the PCM detects an excessively high signal voltage, DTC P0123 sets.

### Conditions for Running the DTC

• | DTCs P0105, P0107, P0108 are not set.

• | The engine is running.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects that the TP sensor voltage is more than 4.8 volts for more than 14 seconds.

OR

The PCM detects that the TP sensor voltage is more than 3.9 volts when the engine speed is less than 1,500 RPM and the MAP is less than 60 kPa.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.

• | The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

### Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

• | The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.

• | 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 emission related diagnostic.

• | Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

### Test Description

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.

1. This step allows the sensor to operate and permits access to the low reference circuit for the voltage drop measurement.

Step | Action | Values | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls
2 |

1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Observe the TP Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the voltage more than the specified value?

3.9 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3 |

1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions

4 | Test for shorted terminals and for a poor connection at the TP sensor. 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 14 | Go to Step 5
5 |

1. Disconnect the throttle position (TP) sensor.
2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
3. Observe the TP Sensor parameter with the scan tool.

Is the voltage less than the specified value?

0.1 V

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 8

6 | Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit of the TP sensor to a good ground with a DMM at the TP sensor connector. Is the voltage more than the specified value? | 5.2 V | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 7
7 |

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Connect a jumper wire between each of the terminals in the TP sensor harness connector and the corresponding terminal at the TP sensor. Refer to Using Connector Test Adapters in Wiring Systems.
3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
4. Measure the voltage from the low reference circuit of the TP sensor at the jumper wire terminal to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Measuring Voltage Drop in Wiring Systems.

Is the voltage more than the specified value?

0.2 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 12

8 | Test the TP sensor signal circuit between the powertrain control module (PCM) and the TP sensor for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 11
9 | Test the low reference circuit between the PCM and the TP sensor for an open or for high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 11
10 | Test the 5-volt reference circuits of the following sensors for a short to voltage:

• | The TP sensor

• | The A/C pressure sensor

• | The FTP sensor

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

11 | Test for shorted terminals and for a poor connection at 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 14 | Go to Step 13
12 | Replace the TP sensor. Refer to Throttle Position Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 14 | --
13 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 14 | --
14 |

1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 15

15 | Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool. Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List | System OK