GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: TP Sensor Position Table

Circuit Description

The throttle position (TP) sensor is mounted on the throttle body assembly. The sensor is actually 2 individual TP sensors within 1 housing. Two separate signals, low reference circuits, and 5-volt reference circuits are used to connect the TP sensor assembly to the throttle actuator control (TAC) module. The 2 sensors have opposite functionality. The TP sensor 1 signal voltage is pulled up to reference voltage as the throttle opens, from below 1 volt at closed throttle to above 3.5 volts at wide open throttle (WOT). The TP sensor 2 signal voltage is pulled down to low reference from around 3.8 volts at closed throttle to below 1 volt at WOT. TP sensor 1 and APP sensor 1 share a 5-volt reference circuit that is connected within the TAC module. TP sensor 2 and APP sensor 2 share a 5-volt reference circuit that is connected within the TAC module. If an out-of-range condition is detected with the TP sensor 2, this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will set and the Reduced Engine Power message will be displayed.

The table below shows the percentage and voltage readings of the scan tool based on the position of the TP.

TP Sensor Position Table

TP Sensor

Actual Throttle Plate Position

% Open as Observed on a Scan Tool

Voltage as Observed on a Scan Tool

1

Closed

0

Below 1.0

1

Open

100

Above 3.5

2

Closed

0

Above 3.5

2

Open

100

Below 1.0

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P1517 and P1518 are not set.
    • The ignition switch is in the crank or run position.
    • The ignition voltage is more than 5.23 volts.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • TP sensor 2 disagrees with TP sensor 1 by more than 7.5 percent.
    • All above conditions exist for less than 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame and/or the Failure Records.
    • The control module commands the TAC system to operate in the Reduced Engine Power mode.
    • A message center or an indicator displays Reduced Engine Power.
    • Under certain conditions the control module commands the engine OFF.

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.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the TAC module connectors for signs of water intrusion. When this occurs, multiple DTCs could be set without circuit or component conditions found during diagnostic testing.
    • When the TAC module detects a condition within the TAC system, more than 1 TAC system-related DTC may set. This condition is due to the many redundant tests that continuously run on this system. Locating and repairing 1 individual condition may correct more than 1 DTC. Disconnecting components during testing may set additional DTCs. Be aware of this condition if you review the stored information in Capture Info.
    • If this DTC is determined to be intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

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 1 TAC system-related DTC may set. This is due to the many redundant tests run continuously on this system. Locating and repairing 1 individual condition may correct more than 1 DTC. Disconnecting components during testing may set additional DTCs. Be aware of this condition if you review the stored information in Capture Info.

Step

Action

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

Is DTC P1518 also set?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Use a scan tool in order to observe the TP sensor 1 and 2 Agree/Disagree parameter.

Does the scan tool TP sensor 1 and 2 Agree/Disagree parameter indicate Disagree?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Remove the air inlet duct from the throttle body.
  2. Disconnect the throttle actuator motor harness connector.
  3. Slowly open the throttle blade to WOT and back to the closed throttle position several times by hand while observing the scan tool TP sensor Agree/Disagree parameter.

Does the TP sensor Agree/Disagree parameter change from Agree to Disagree during the above test?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Disconnect the TP sensor harness connector.
  2. Disconnect the TAC module harness connectors
  3. Test the TP sensor 1, 5-volt reference circuit for resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 6

6

Use a DMM in order to test for a short between the TP sensor 1, 5-volt reference circuit and all other TAC module circuits. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 7

7

Use a DMM in order to test the TP sensor 1 signal circuit for resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 8

8

Use a DMM in order to test for a short between the TP sensor 1 signal circuit and all other TAC module circuits. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 9

9

Use a DMM in order to test the TP sensor 1 low reference circuit for resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 10

10

Use a DMM in order to test for a short between the TP sensor 1 low reference circuit and all other TAC module circuits. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 11

11

Use a DMM in order to test the TP sensor 2, 5-volt reference circuit for resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 12

12

Use a DMM in order to test for a short between the TP sensor 2, 5-volt reference circuit and all other TAC module circuits. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 13

13

Use a DMM in order to test the TP sensor 2 signal circuit for resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 14

14

Use a DMM in order to test for a short between the TP sensor 2 signal circuit and all other TAC module circuits. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 15

15

Use a DMM in order to test the TP sensor 2 low reference circuit for resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 16

16

Use a DMM in order to test for a short between the TP sensor 2 low reference circuit and all other TAC module circuits. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 17

17

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the TAC module. 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 20

Go to Step 18

18

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of 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 20

Go to Step 19

19

Important: The throttle body and the throttle position sensor assembly should be replaced as a unit. Driveability concerns may result if either is replaced individually.

Replace the throttle body assembly. Refer to Throttle Body Assembly Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 20

--

20

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC run and pass?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 2

21

Use a scan tool in order to 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