Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0120 Cadillac
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0120 Cadillac definition:
The TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) is a potentiometer that is mounted to the throttle body. It detects the throttle blade angle. As the throttle blade moves, the TPS sends a signal to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Usually a three wire sensor: A 5 volt reference from the PCM to the TPS, a ground from the PCM to the TPS, and a signal return from the TPS to the PCM.
The TPS sends the throttle position information back to the PCM on this signal wire. When the throttle is closed the signal is near .45 volts. At WOT (Wide Open Throttle) the TPS signal voltage will approach a full 5 volts. When the PCM sees a voltage that is outside of normal operating range, P0120 Cadillac will set.
NOTE: The PCM knows that any large change in throttle position means a cooresponding change in manifold pressure (MAP). On some models the PCM will monitor MAP and TPS operation for comparison. Meaning that if the PCM sees a large percentage change in throttle position, it expects to see a cooresponding change in manifold pressure and vice versa. If it doesn’t see this comparitive change, P0120 Cadillac may set. This doesn’t apply to all models.
Symptoms
Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0120 Cadillac
Potential symptoms include:
MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination
Misfiring at idle or at highway speed
Poor idle quality
Possibly won’t idle
Possibly starts and stalls
Causes
Possible causes of OBD code P0120 Cadillac
Potential causes of the P0120 Cadillac code include:
Sticking throttle return spring
MAP or TPS connector corrosion
Misrouted harness causing chafing
Bad TPS
Bad PCM
Possible Solutions
If you have access to a scan tool, with KOEO (Key on engine off) observe the TPS voltage. With throttle closed, voltage should be about .45 volts. It should gradually sweep upwards to approximately 4.5 to 5 volts as you depress the throttle. Sometimes only a scope can capture an intermittent glitch in the TPS signal voltage. If you notice a glitch in the TPS sweep voltage, replace the TPS.
NOTE: Some TPS sensors require fine adjustment. If you aren’t comfortable with using a DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm meter) to adjust the new TPS, then it’s best to take the vehicle to a shop. If the voltage is not .45 volts (+or- .3 volts or so) with the throttle closed or if the reading is “stuck” then unplug the TPS connector. With KOEO check for 5 volts reference voltage present at the connector and a good ground. You can check the signal circuit for continuity by jumping a fused wire between the ground circuit of the TPS connector and the signal circuit. If the TPS reading on the scan tool now reads zero, then replace the TPS. However if that doesn’t change the reading to zero, then check for an open or a short on the signal wire and if none is found, suspect a bad PCM. If manipulating the TPS wiring harness causes any change in idle, then suspect bad TPS.
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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