Opel P0121 Throttle Position Sensor 1 Performance

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0121 Opel

Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0121 Opel definition:
The Throttle position sensor is a potentiometer that measures the amount of throttle opening. As the throttle is opened, the reading (measured in volts) goes up. The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a 5 Volt reference signal to the throttle position sensor (TPS) and usually a ground also. A general measurement is: at idle = .5 Volts; full throttle = 4.5 Volts. If the PCM detects that the throttle angle is greater or less than it should be for a specific RPM, it will set this code.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0121 Opel
Symptoms of a P0121 Opel trouble code could include: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination (Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon light) Intermittent stumble on acceleration or deceleration Blows black smoke on acceleration No start

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0121 Opel
A code P0121 Opel may mean that one or more of the following has happened: TPS has intermittent open or short internally Harness is rubbing and causing an open or short in the wiring Bad connection at the TPS Bad PCM (less likely) Water or corrosion in connector or sensor

Possible Solutions

1. If you have access to a scan tool, see what the idle and WOT (wide open throttle) readings are for the TPS. Check if they’re close to the specifications mentioned above. If not, then replace the TPS and re-check. 2. Check for an intermittent open or short in the TPS signal. To do that, you can’t use a scan tool. You’ll need an oscilliscope. The reason is because scan tools take samplings of many different readings over just one or two data lines and can miss an intermittent drop out. Hook up your oscilliscope and watch the signal. It should sweep up and down smoothly with no drop outs or spikes. 3. If no problems were noticed, perform a wiggle test. Do this by wiggling the connector and harness while watching the pattern. Does it drop out? If so, replace TPS and re-check. 4. If you have no TPS signal, check for 5 Volt reference at the connector. If it’s present, check the ground circuit for open or shorts. 5. Make sure the signal circuit isn’t 12V. It should never have battery voltage. If it does, trace circuit for short to voltage and repair. 6. Look for any water in the connector and replace TPS as necessary.

Related Codes

P0120 Opel P0122 Opel P0123 Opel P0124 Opel


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Opel:

2013 Opel Astra OPC,2013 Opel Adam,2012 Opel Zafira Tourer,2012 Opel Combo,2012 Opel Astra GTC,2012 Opel Ampera,2011 Opel Zafira,2011 Opel Meriva,2011 Opel Corsa,2011 Opel Astra,2011 Opel Antara,2010 Opel Insignia,2010 Opel Corsa,2010 Opel Astra,2008 Opel Corsa,2007 Opel GT,2007 Opel Corsa,2007 Opel Astra,2007 Opel Antara,2006 Opel Vectra,2006 Opel Meriva,2006 Opel Astra,2005 Opel Astra,2004 Opel Astra,2003 Opel Signum,2003 Opel Meriva

 

Note:

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