GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The accelerator pedal position (APP) module provides a voltage signal that changes relative to accelerator pedal position. There are three sensors located within the APP module that are scaled differently.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition voltage is more than 6.4 volts.
    • The engine speed is more than 300  RPM.
    • There are no in range faults for APP 2 or APP 3--The PCM checks for high and low voltage faults.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The difference between APP 1 and APP 2 is more than 0.23 volts--The PCM compares a pre-scaled voltage that is internal to the PCM.
    • The difference between APP 1 and APP 3 is more than 0.50 volts--The PCM compares pre-scaled voltage that is internal to the PCM.
    • The conditions are met for 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • 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.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • 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.

Diagnostic Aids

There are no driveability issues associated with the APP module unless a DTC is present. The most likely cause of this DTC are faulty connections or the sensor itself. The least likely is a PCM condition.

An intermittent may be caused by the following conditions:

    • Faulty connections
    • Rubbed-through wire insulation
    • Broken wire inside the insulation

A scan tool reads the APP 1 position in volts. The APP 1 position should read approximately 0.45-0.95 volts with the throttle closed and the ignition ON or at idle. The voltage should increase at a steady rate as the throttle is moved toward wide open throttle (WOT). Also, 90 percent pedal travel is acceptable for correct APP operation. Scan the APP 1 sensor while depressing the accelerator pedal with the engine stopped and the ignition ON. The display should vary from approximately 0.74 volts when the throttle was closed to more than 3.7 volts when the throttle is held at WOT position. The following chart will check the voltages on all the APP circuits to see if the voltages are in normal ranges. The PCM compares pre-scaled voltages, which are voltages that the scan tool cannot read. The scan tool reads only output voltages.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step determines if there is a good 5-volt reference.

  2. This step will check for an open in the ground circuit.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

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. With the throttle closed, observe the APP voltages on the scan tool.

Are all of the APP voltages at the specified values? The values are listed as APP 1, APP 2, and APP 3 respectively?

0.45-0.95 V

4.0-4.5 V

3.6-4.1 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

The DTC is intermittent.

Are there any additional DTCs stored?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

  1. Disconnect the APP sensor electrical connector.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a DMM connected to ground, probe the APP sensor 5-volt reference circuits at APP harness terminals G, D, and E.

Is the voltage more than or equal to the specified value on all of the circuits?

4.75 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. With a test lamp connected to B+, probe the APP sensor ground circuits at APP sensor harness terminals A, B, and J.

Does the test lamp illuminate on all of the circuits?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

6

  1. Turn ON the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM and check the 5-volt reference circuit for an open or a short to ground.
  3. If the 5-volt reference circuit is open or shorted to ground, repair the circuit as necessary.

Was the 5-volt reference circuit open or shorted to ground?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

Check the 5-volt reference circuit for a faulty connection at the PCM and replace the terminal if necessary.

Did the terminal require replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Check for an open sensor ground circuit to the PCM.
  4. If you find a condition, repair the circuit as necessary.

Was the APP sensor ground circuit open?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

9

Replace the APP module. Refer to Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine and idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Select DTC, then Specific DTC, then enter the DTC number which was set.
  4. Operate the vehicle, within the Conditions for Setting this DTC, until the scan tool indicates the diagnostic ran.

Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic passed?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 2

12

Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK