Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0121 Kia
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit Range/Performance
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0121 Kia 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 Kia
Symptoms of a P0121 Kia 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 Kia
A code P0121 Kia 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 Kia:
2013 Kia Sorento,2013 Kia Provo Concept,2013 Kia Niro Concept,2013 Kia K9,2013 Kia Cross GT Concept,2013 Kia Ceed SW,2013 Kia Ceed,2013 Kia Carens,2013 Kia CUB Concept,2012 Kia Soul,2012 Kia Rio,2012 Kia Ray,2012 Kia Picanto,2012 Kia K2,2012 Kia Grand VQ-R,2011 Kia Sportage,2011 Kia Sorento,2011 Kia Pro Ceed,2011 Kia Optima Hybrid,2011 Kia Optima,2011 Kia Naimo Concept,2011 Kia KV7 Concept,2011 Kia GT Concept,2011 Kia Cadenza,2010 Kia Venga,2010 Kia Soul,2010 Kia Sorento,2010 Kia POP Concept,2010 Kia Forte Koup,2010 Kia Forte,2010 Kia Ceed SW,2010 Kia Ceed,2009 Kia VG Concept,2009 Kia Soul,2009 Kia Optima,2009 Kia No3 Concept,2009 Kia Magentis,2009 Kia Borrego,2008 Kia eco ceed Concept,2008 Kia Pro-cee-d,2008 Kia Picanto,2008 Kia KOUP Concept,2007 Kia cee-d,2007 Kia Rondo,2007 Kia Kue Concept,2007 Kia Carens,2006 Kia Sportage,2006 Kia Spectra
Note:
1. The list of automotive Makes at the right edge of the screen. The currently selected ODB-ii codes is for the Kia 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.