Mazda P0121 Throttle Position Sensor 1 Performance

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0121 Mazda

Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit Range/Performance

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0121 Mazda 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 Mazda
Symptoms of a P0121 Mazda 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 Mazda
A code P0121 Mazda 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.

Related Codes

P0120 Mazda P0122 Mazda P0123 Mazda P0124 Mazda


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Mazda:

2013 Mazda MX-5,2013 Mazda CX-9,2013 Mazda CX-5,2013 Mazda 6,2013 Mazda 5,2013 Mazda 3,2012 Mazda CX-5,2012 Mazda BT-50,2012 Mazda 3,2011 Mazda 6,2011 Mazda 5,2011 Mazda 2,2010 Mazda CX-7,2010 Mazda 3,2009 Mazda RX-8,2009 Mazda MX-5,2009 Mazda CX9,2009 Mazda 6,2009 Mazda 2,2008 Mazda MX-5,2008 Mazda 6,2008 Mazda 5,2008 Mazda 2,2007 Mazda CX-9,2007 Mazda CX-7,2006 Mazda MX5,2006 Mazda 6,2006 Mazda 3,2005 Mazda Atenza,2005 Mazda 6,2004 Mazda MPV,2004 Mazda 6,2004 Mazda 5,2004 Mazda 3,2003 Mazda RX-8

 

Note:

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