P0122

Diagnostic Chart:

Wiring Diagram:

Circuit Description

The Throttle Position (TP) sensor contains a potentiometer whose resistance value changes along with the throttle valve position. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) provides a 5 volt reference voltage to the TP sensor. The PCM reads the voltage across the TP sensor and converts it into the throttle position. The TP sensor resistance decreases as the throttle valve opening increases. When the TP sensor resistance decreases the voltage being monitored at the PCM will increase. And when the TP sensor resistance increases, because the throttle valve opening is decreasing, the voltage being monitored at the PCM will decrease.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

- Low voltage input at the PCM indicated with the engine running (less than 4%).

- Above condition is met for at least 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

- The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.

- The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame buffer.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

- The MIL will turn off after three consecutively passing cycles without a fault present.

- A History DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.

- DTC(s) can be cleared by using a scan tool or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.

Diagnostic Aids

Check for any of the following conditions:

- A poor connection at the PCM. Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminal, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and a poor terminal to wire connection.

- A damaged wiring harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the TP display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the TP sensor. A change in the TP display will indicate the location of the fault.

- A misadjusted TP sensor could cause the malfunction to set. Refer to Computers and Control Systems/Throttle Position Sensor for TP sensor adjustment procedures.

If the DTC P0122 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.

If any wiring repairs need to be made, Refer to Repair Procedures in Diagrams/Electrical.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the Diagnostic Table.

1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

2. Determine if fault is present, vehicle must be at operating temperature.

3. Review Freeze Frame data to determine when the DTC set. Always record this information.

10. Refer to On-Vehicle Service in Computers and Control Systems/Throttle Position Sensor for TP sensor adjustment and replacement procedures.