Volvo P0121 Throttle Position Sensor 1 Performance

Description:

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0121 Volvo

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

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0121 Volvo 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 Volvo
Symptoms of a P0121 Volvo 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 Volvo
A code P0121 Volvo 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 Volvo P0122 Volvo P0123 Volvo P0124 Volvo


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Volvo:

2013 Volvo V40,2012 Volvo XC60,2011 Volvo XC90,2011 Volvo V60,2011 Volvo S60,2011 Volvo C30,2010 Volvo S80L,2010 Volvo S80,2010 Volvo C70,2010 Volvo C30,2009 Volvo XC60,2009 Volvo V50,2009 Volvo S60,2009 Volvo S40,2009 Volvo C30,2008 Volvo XC70,2008 Volvo V70,2008 Volvo V50,2008 Volvo S40,2007 Volvo V70,2007 Volvo S80,2007 Volvo S60,2007 Volvo C70,2007 Volvo C30,2006 Volvo XC90,2006 Volvo S80,2006 Volvo C70,2005 Volvo V50,2005 Volvo S60,2004 Volvo XC90,2004 Volvo V70,2004 Volvo V50,2004 Volvo V40,2004 Volvo S40,2003 Volvo V70 R,2003 Volvo S80,2003 Volvo S60 R

Note:

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