Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0121 GMC
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit Range/Performance
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0121 GM 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 GM
Symptoms of a P0121 GM 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 GM
A code P0121 GM 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 GMC:
2013 GMC Terrain Denali,2013 GMC Acadia,2011 GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept,2010 GMC Terrain,2010 GMC Granite Concept,2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid Crew Cab,2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid,2008 GMC Denali XT Concept,2007 GMC Yukon XL,2007 GMC Yukon Denali,2007 GMC Yukon,2007 GMC Sierra Denali,2007 GMC Sierra Classic,2007 GMC Sierra 3500 HD SLT Crew Cab,2007 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLT Extended Cab,2007 GMC Sierra,2007 GMC Acadia,2005 GMC Sierra Denali 1500 Crew Cab,2005 GMC Graphyte Concept,2005 GMC Envoy XL Denali,2005 GMC Envoy Denali
Note:
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