Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0121 Cadillac
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit Range/Performance
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0121 Cadillac 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 Cadillac
Symptoms of a P0121 Cadillac 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 Cadillac
A code P0121 Cadillac 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 Cadillac
2013 Cadillac XTS,2013 Cadillac Elmiraj Concept,2013 Cadillac ATS,2012 Cadillac SRX,2011 Cadillac Ciel Concept,2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe,2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon,2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Race Car,2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe,2011 Cadillac CTS-V Black Diamond Edition,2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept,2010 Cadillac Urban Luxury Concept,2010 Cadillac SRX,2010 Cadillac SLS,2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon,2010 Cadillac Aera Concept,2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine,2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid,2009 Cadillac Converj Concept,2009 Cadillac CTS-V,2008 Cadillac STS,2008 Cadillac Provoq Concept,2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum,2008 Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept,2008 Cadillac CTS,2008 Cadillac BLS Wagon,2007 Cadillac SRX European Version,2007 Cadillac SLS,2007 Cadillac Escalade European Version,2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT,2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV,2007 Cadillac Escalade,2007 Cadillac BLS Sport,2006 Cadillac XLR Star Black Limited Edition,2006 Cadillac XLRV,2006 Cadillac STSV,2006 Cadillac SRX,2006 Cadillac Escalade ESVe Limousine,2006 Cadillac DTS Limousine,2006 Cadillac DTS,2006 Cadillac CTS,2006 Cadillac BLS,2005 Cadillac XLR Euro,2005 Cadillac STS SAE 100,2005 Cadillac STS Euro,2005 Cadillac STS,2005 Cadillac SRX Euro,2005 Cadillac SRX,2005 Cadillac CTS Euro,2005 Cadillac CTS-V Euro,2005 Cadillac BLS Show Car,2004 Cadillac XLR,2004 Cadillac Seville SLS,2004 Cadillac SRX,2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum,2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV Executive Edition,2004 Cadillac DeVille Armored,2004 Cadillac CTSV Race Car,2004 Cadillac CTSV,2004 Cadillac CTS,2003 Cadillac Sixteen Concept,2003 Cadillac Escalade EXT,2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV,2003 Cadillac CTSV with Accessories,2003 Cadillac CTS,2002 Cadillac Vizon Concept,2002 Cadillac Seville STS,2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT,2002 Cadillac Escalade,2002 Cadillac DeVille,2002 Cadillac Cien Concept,2001 Cadillac Seville,2001 Cadillac Eldorado,2001 Cadillac DeVille Presidential Limousine,2001 Cadillac DeVille DTS,2000 Cadillac Seville STS,2000 Cadillac Imaj Concept,2000 Cadillac Escalade,2000 Cadillac Eldorado ETC,2000 Cadillac DeVille
Note:
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