P0121

DTC P0068 or P0121

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors
DTC P0068
- Throttle Body Airflow Performance

DTC P0121
- Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1 Performance

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) uses the following information to calculate an expected airflow rate:

* The throttle position (TP)
* The barometric pressure (BARO)
* The manifold absolute pressure (MAP)
* The intake air temperature (IAT)
* The engine RPM
* The mass air flow (MAF)

Conditions for Running the DTC

* DTCs P0641, P0651, P1516, P2101, P2119, P2176 are not set.
* The engine is running and the engine speed is more than 600 RPM.
* DTC P0068 and P0121 run continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects that the airflow rate is more than the calculated airflow for more than 0.2 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* DTC P0068 is a Type A DTC.
* DTC P0121 is a Type B DTC.
* The control module commands the TAC system to operate in the Reduced Engine Power mode.
* A message center or an indicator displays Reduced Engine Power.
* Under certain conditions the control module commands the engine OFF.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

* DTC P0068 is a Type A DTC.
* DTC P0121 is a Type B DTC.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description (Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing

1. Inspect for the following conditions:

* Vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and proper connections
* Inspect thoroughly for any type of leak or restriction.
* Air leaks at throttle body mounting area and intake manifold sealing surfaces

2. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. Observe the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Voltage parameter with a scan tool. Voltage should be more than 0.8 volt and less than 4 volts.

• If not within the specified range, refer to DTC P0106 (P0106).

3. Idle the engine. Observe the MAP Sensor kPa parameter with a scan tool. Increase the engine speed slowly and then back to idle. The MAP sensor kPa should change as engine speed is increased and returned to idle.

• If the MAP sensor kPa does not change refer to DTC P0106 (P0106).

4. Take a snapshot of the engine data list while performing the actions listed below. The MAF sensor g/s should change smoothly and gradually as the engine speed is increased and is returned to idle.

* Idle the engine.
* Increase the engine speed slowly to 3,000 RPM, then back to idle.
* Exit from the snapshot and review the data.
* Observe the MAF Sensor parameter frame by frame with a scan tool. The MAF sensor g/s should change smoothly and gradually as the engine speed is increased and is returned to idle.

• If the MAF sensor g/s does not change smoothly and gradually as the engine speed is increased and is returned to idle refer to DTC P0101 or P1101 (P0101).

5. Inspect the throttle body for the following conditions:

* Loose or damaged throttle blade
* Broken throttle shaft
* Any throttle body damage

• If any of these conditions exist, replace the throttle body assembly.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Throttle Body Assembly Replacement (Removal and Replacement)
* Programming and Relearning (Programming and Relearning) for ECM replacement, setup, and programming