P0120

DTC P0120

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The throttle position (TP) sensor 1 is a potentiometer type sensor with 3 circuits:
- A 5-volt reference circuit
- A low reference circuit
- A signal circuit

The TP sensor is used to determine the throttle plate angle for various engine management systems. The control module provides the TP sensor a 5-volt reference circuit and a low reference circuit. The TP sensor then provides the control module a signal voltage proportional to throttle plate movement. TP sensor 1 signal voltage is low at closed throttle and increases as the throttle opens. When the control module detects that the TP sensor 1 signal or TP sensor 5-volt reference voltage is outside the predetermined range, this DTC sets.

DTC DESCRIPTOR
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0120 Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1 Circuit

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC
- DTCs U0107 or P2108 are not set.
- The ignition switch is in the crank or run position.
- The ignition voltage is more than 5.23 volts.
- This diagnostic runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
- The TP sensor 1 signal voltage is less than 0.37 volt or more than 4.51 volts.
- The above condition is present for more 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 throttle actuator control (TAC) module connectors for signs of water intrusion. When this occurs, multiple DTCs could be set with no 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. Keep this in mind when reviewing the stored information, Capture info.
- If this DTC is determined to be intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions. Intermittent Conditions

TEST DESCRIPTION

Steps 1-7:

Steps 8-18:

Steps 19-31:

Steps 32-33:

The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
33. 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. Keep this in mind when reviewing the stored information, Capture Info.