GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1 is a potentiometer type sensor with the following 3 circuits:

    • A 5-volt reference circuit
    • A low reference circuit
    • A signal circuit

The control module provides the APP sensor a 5-volt reference circuit and a low reference circuit. The APP sensor then provides the control module a signal voltage proportional to pedal movement. The APP sensor 1 signal voltage is low at rest and increases as the pedal is depressed. This DTC incorporates the following diagnostic tests:

    • The APP sensor 1 signal circuit voltage out of range
    • The accelerator pedal minimum position for the APP sensor 1 out of range
    • The 5-volt reference of the APP sensor 1 voltage out of range

If the powertrain control module (PCM) detects one or more of the APP sensor 1 tests are out of range, DTC P2120 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P2120 Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1 Circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0601, P0602, P0606, P2108, U0107 are not set.
    • The ignition switch is in the Crank or Run position.
    • The ignition voltage is more than 5.23 volts.
    • DTC P2120 runs continuously once the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The PCM detects that the APP sensor 1 signal voltage is less than 0.24 volts or more than 4.49 volts.
        OR
    • The accelerator pedal minimum position for the APP sensor 1 is less than 0.24 volts.
        OR
    • The 5-volt reference voltage is less than 4.54 volts or more than 5.21 volts.
    • One of the above conditions is present for more than 0.1 second.

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.
    • If one or more APP sensor DTCs are set, the following occurs:
       - The control module commands Reduced Engine Power mode.
       - The APP indicated angle is limited to a predetermined value to limit the amount of throttle control.
       - OR
       - The APP indicated angle is limited to 0 percent. The control module only allows the engine to idle.
       - The message center displays Reduced Engine Power.

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

    • Inspect the throttle actuator control (TAC) module connectors for signs of water intrusion. If water intrusion occurs, multiple DTCs may set without any circuit or component conditions found during diagnostic testing.
    • When the TAC module detects a condition within the TAC system, more than one TAC system related DTC may set. This is due to the many redundant tests run continuously on this system. Locating and repairing one individual condition may correct more than one DTC. Disconnecting components during testing may set additional DTCs. Remember this if you review the stored information in Capture Info.
    • For an intermittent, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Test Description

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

  1. When the TAC module detects a condition within the TAC system, more than one TAC system related DTC may set. This is due to the many redundant tests run continuously on this system. Locating and repairing one individual condition may correct more than one DTC. Disconnecting components during testing may set additional DTCs. Remember this if you review the stored information in Capture Info.

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 - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Important: If DTCs P0120 or U0107 is also set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .

  1. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF, and with your foot OFF the accelerator pedal.
  2. Observe the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1 voltage with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate the APP sensor 1 voltage is within the specified values?

0.24-2.24 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 6

3

Depress the accelerator pedal to the wide open throttle (WOT) position.

Does the scan tool indicate APP sensor 1 voltage within the specified values?

0.24-4.49 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Select the DTC option using the scan tool.
  4. Lightly touch and move the related engine wiring harnesses and connectors while monitoring the DTC information.

Did this DTC fail this ignition during the above test?

--

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Continue to observe the DTC information.
  2. Depress the accelerator pedal to WOT, then return the pedal to the rest position.

Did this DTC fail this ignition during the above test?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the accelerator pedal harness connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1 voltage parameter with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate voltage at the specified value?

0 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 12

7

  1. Connect a fused jumper wire between the APP sensor 1 5-volt reference circuit and the APP sensor 1 signal circuit at the accelerator pedal harness connector.
  2. Observe the APP sensor 1 voltage parameter with a scan tool.

Does the scan tool indicate the APP sensor 1 voltage at the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Probe the APP sensor low reference circuit with a test lamp connected to B+.

Does the test lamp illuminate

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 14

9

Measure the voltage of the APP sensor 1 5-volt reference circuit with a DMM.

Does the DMM indicate voltage at the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Does the DMM indicate voltage less than the specified value on the APP sensor 1 5-volt reference circuit?

5 V

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 17

11

Test the APP sensor 1 signal circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 13

12

Test the APP sensor 1 signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 20

13

Test the APP sensor 1 signal circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 20

14

Test the APP sensor 1 low reference circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 20

15

Test the APP sensor 1 5-volt reference circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 16

16

Test the APP sensor 1 5-volt reference circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 20

17

Test the APP sensor 1 5-volt reference circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

--

18

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the accelerator pedal harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Repairing Connector Terminals .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 19

19

Replace the accelerated pedal assembly. Refer to Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 22

--

20

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the throttle actuator control (TAC) module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Repairing Connector Terminals .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 21

21

Replace the TAC module. Refer to Electronic Throttle Actuator Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 22

--

22

  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 23

23

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK