Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0121 Acura
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit Range/Performance
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0121 Acura 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 Acura
Symptoms of a P0121 Acura 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 Acura
A code P0121 Acura 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.
The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Acura:
2014 Acura RLX,2014 Acura MDX,2013 Acura SUV-X Concept,2013 Acura RDX,2013 Acura NSX Concept,2013 Acura MDX Concept,2013 Acura ILX Endurance Racer,2013 Acura ILX,2012 Acura TL,2012 Acura RLX Concept,2012 Acura NSX Concept,2012 Acura ILX Street Build Concept,2012 Acura ILX Concept,2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon,2011 Acura TSX Sedan,2010 Acura ZDX,2010 Acura TSX V6,2010 Acura RDX,2010 Acura MDX,2009 Acura ZDX Concept,2009 Acura TSX,2009 Acura TL,2009 Acura RL,2007 Acura TSX,2007 Acura TL Type-S,2007 Acura TL,2007 Acura RDX,2007 Acura MDX,2007 Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept,2006 Acura RDX Prototype,2006 Acura MD-X Concept,2006 Acura Advanced Sedan Concept,2005 Acura TSX A-Spec Concept,2005 Acura TSX,2005 Acura TL,2005 Acura RSX Type-S,2005 Acura RSX A-Spec Concept,2005 Acura RSX,2005 Acura RL with ASPEC Performance Package,2005 Acura RL ASPEC Concept,2005 Acura RL,2005 Acura RDX Concept,2005 Acura NSX,2005 Acura MDX,2004 Acura TL with ASPEC Performance Package,2004 Acura TL 25 Hours of Thunderhill,2004 Acura RL Prototype,2004 Acura 3.2 TL,2003 Acura TL ASPEC Concept,2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S,2002 Acura NSX sketches,2001 Acura NSX-T,2001 Acura Integra
Note:
1. The list of automotive Makes at the right edge of the screen. The currently selected ODB-ii codes is for the Acura makes.
2. Look up the other OBD II Trouble Codes, please use the search box. Enter the 5 character trouble codes in the search box and submit the search.
3. Don’t assume a particular OBD-II code means the same for other auto manufacturers as there are many makes specific codes in use.
4. If your OBD-II trouble codes are for a different car, select that vehicle series before searching for the diagnostic codes because not all OBD2 codes used by one manufacture are used by the other makes.
5. The information contained on this site is presented for informational purposes only. We are not responsible for any actions you take on your vehicle. If you have any doubt as to repairs on your vehicle, please contact your technician.