GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: APP Sensor Position Table
Table 2: DTC P1287 APP sensor 3 low voltage

Circuit Description

The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor is mounted on the accelerator pedal control assembly. The sensor is made up of 3 individual sensors within 1 housing. Three separate signal, low reference, and 5-volt reference circuits are used in order to interface the APP sensor with the ECM. Each sensor has a unique functionality to determine pedal position as shown in the table below. The engine control module (ECM) uses the APP sensor to determine the amount of acceleration or deceleration desired by the person driving the vehicle via fuel injector control. This DTC sets if the ECM determines an out of range condition with the APP sensor.

APP Sensor Position Table

APP Sensor

Actual Pedal Position

% Depressed as Observed on a Scan Tool

Voltage as Observed on a Scan Tool

1

Pedal at rest

0

.52 - .80

1

Pedal at full travel

100

2.12 - 2.78

2

Pedal at rest

0

4.25 - 4.53

2

Pedal at full travel

100

2.24 - 2.93

3

Pedal at rest

0

3.95 - 4.13

3

Pedal at full travel

100

2.69 - 3.16

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P1635 or P1639 are not set.
    • The ignition switch is in the crank or run position.
    • The ignition voltage is between 7-16 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • APP sensor 3 voltage is less than 1.49 volts.
    • All of the above conditions present for less than 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 for a single APP sensor, the following occurs:
       - The control module will not command Reduced Engine Power mode.
       -  The control module will use the remaining two APP sensors to calculate throttle response.
    • If certain multiple APP sensor DTCs are set for more than one APP sensor, 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.
       - The message center displays Reduced Engine Power.
    • If all three APP sensors are out of range, the following occurs:
       - The control module commands Reduced Engine Power mode.
       - 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.

DTC P1287 APP sensor 3 low voltage

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls 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. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data 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 as specified in the supporting text or as close to the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data that you observed.

Does the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option using the scan tool.
  2. Lightly touch and move the related APP wiring harnesses and connectors while monitoring the DTC Information.

Did this DTC fail this ignition, during the above test?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Intermittent Conditions

4

  1. Disconnect the APP sensor harness connector.
  2. With a DMM, test for voltage at the APP sensor 3, 5-volt reference circuit.

Does the DMM indicate voltage at the specified value?

5.17 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

With a DMM, test for voltage at the APP sensor 3 signal circuit.

Does the DMM indicate voltage at the specified value?

5.05 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 7

6

  1. Disconnect the ECM harness connector containing the APP sensor 3, 5-volt reference circuit.
  2. Test the APP sensor 3, 5-volt reference circuit for an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

7

  1. Disconnect the ECM harness connector containing the APP sensor 3 signal circuit.
  2. Test the APP sensor 3 signal circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

8

Repair the intermittent condition as necessary. Refer to Connector Repairs , and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 13

--

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the APP sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

10

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Repairing Connector Terminals in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the APP sensor assembly. Refer to Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  1. Use a scan tool to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 2

14

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK