Circuit Description
The throttle position (TP) sensor is a potentiometer. The control module supplies the TP sensor a reference voltage, a signal, and ground circuits. When the throttle is depressed, the TP sensor signal rises to near the reference voltage. When the throttle is released, the TP sensor signal decreases from the reference voltage. The control module monitors the TP sensor signal circuit voltage in order to determine the throttle blade angle, or opening.
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is designed to detect intermittent high signal voltage on the TP sensor signal circuit.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine is running.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The TP sensor voltage is more than 4.7 volts for less than 1 second.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The control module stores the DTC in history after the first failure but will not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). |
| • | The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores the failure information in the scan tools Freeze Frame/Failure Records. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
| • | A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. |
| • | A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant temperature exceeds 70°C (160°F) during the same ignition cycle. |
| • | Use the scan tool Clear Information function. |
Diagnostic Aids
The scan tool reads the throttle position (TP) in volts. The scan tool should read approximately 0.45-0.85 volts with the throttle closed and with the ignition switch turned ON or at idle. The voltage should steadily increase as the throttle is moved toward the wide open throttle (WOT).
Some scan tools will read the throttle angle. Zero percent equals closed throttle. One hundred percent equals WOT.
Turn ON the ignition and leave the engine OFF and observe the TP sensor while you depress the accelerator pedal. The display should vary from approximately 0.5 volts (500 mV) when the throttle was closed to more than 4.5 volts (4,500 mV) when the throttle is held at the WOT position.
This DTC could set if the TP sensor ground circuit is intermittently open, or if the TP sensor signal circuit is intermittently shorted to voltage. If the high voltage reading is present, additional sensor circuit voltage codes could be set. Refer to any non-intermittent DTCs that are set.
An intermittent may be caused by any of the following conditions:
| • | A poor connection |
| • | Rubbed through wire insulation |
| • | A broken wire inside the insulation |
Thoroughly inspect any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
If a repair is necessary, refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |||||||
Is the TP sensor voltage more than the specified value? | 4.7 V | Go to DTC P0123 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage | Go to Step 3 | |||||||
3 |
Did you find a problem? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 | ||||||
4 |
Did you find a problem? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 | ||||||
5 |
Did the voltage increase? | -- | Go to Step 6 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||||
6 | Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs or Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 7 | -- | ||||||
7 |
Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed? | -- | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 2 | ||||||
8 | Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK |
