Malfunctions and replacement of the VAZ 2110 throttle position sensor The VAZ 2110 throttle position sensor (TPS) is an automobile potentiometer that transmits data to the regulator about how the throttle is positioned. The latter can change its location depending on the intensity of pressure on the gas pedal. There is a voltage regulator at the base of this device.
Its readings are recorded by the controller and, taking into account the available information, it supplies gasoline in portions. If it breaks down, the controller will receive distorted information. This can lead to suspension of its operation and excessive fuel consumption.
As a result of the signal pulse from the TPS, the controlling sensor evaluates the current throttle position, and the intensity of the signal change analyzes the degree of pressure on the accelerator pedal. This becomes a decisive circumstance for activating the necessary modes, as well as directing the air flow past the throttle through the idle shut-off and control mechanism. The TPS in a VAZ car is located in the engine compartment on the throttle fitting. It connects to the damper shaft.
What does P0122 mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic transmission code and applies to many OBD-II vehicles (1996 and newer). This may include, but is not limited to, Honda, Jeep, Toyota, VW, Chevy, Ford, etc. Although general, the exact repair steps may vary depending on the year, make, model, and transmission configuration.
Code P0122 means that the vehicle's computer has detected that the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) "A" is reporting too low voltage. On some vehicles this lower limit is 0.17–0.20 volts (V). Simply put, the throttle position sensor is used to determine what position the throttle valve is at.
Did you configure it during installation? If the signal value is less than 17 V, the PCM sets this code. This could be an open or short to ground in the signal circuit. Or you could have lost the 5V reference voltage.
For more information on TPS, see What is a Throttle Position Sensor?
Example of a TPS throttle position sensor:
Checking the operation of the throttle position sensor
To check the TPS yourself, it is not necessary to call an auto electrician for consultation. To do this you need a multimeter or voltmeter. Next, experts offer step-by-step instructions for checking the sensor.
The first step is to turn the key in the ignition switch, take the voltage readings between the sensor slider contact and the minus. In normal condition, the indicator will be up to 0.7 V.
The second step is to turn the plastic sector and open the damper, and then take measurements again. In the normal state of the sensor, the device will show a result of 4 V.
Possible solutions
Refer to your specific vehicle's repair manual to determine the location of the TPS "A" circuit.
Here are some recommended troubleshooting and repair steps:
- Carefully check the throttle position sensor (TPS), wiring connector and wiring for breaks, etc. Repair or replace as necessary
- Check the voltage at the TPS (see your vehicle's service manual for more information). If the voltage is too low, this indicates a problem. Replace if necessary.
- If a recent replacement has occurred, the TPS may need to be adjusted. On some vehicles, installation instructions require the TPS to be properly aligned or adjusted, refer to your repair manual for details.
- If there are no symptoms, the problem may be intermittent and cleaning the code may temporarily resolve it. If this is the case, then you should definitely check the wiring to make sure it's not rubbing against anything, getting grounded, etc. The code may come back.
TIP: A visitor to our site suggested this tip - Code P0122 can also appear when the TPS does not ROTATE when installed. (The protrusion inside the sensor MUST touch the rotating pins in the throttle body. On a 3.8L GM engine, this means inserting it with the connector at 12 o'clock before rotating it at 9 o'clock for the final mounting position.)
Other TPS Sensor and Circuit DTCs: P0120, P0121, P0123, P0124
How to Troubleshoot or Reset Trouble Code P0122
Some suggested steps to troubleshoot and fix error code P0122:
- Read all stored data and error codes using an OBD-II scanner. To find out when and under what circumstances the error appeared.
- Clear the error codes from your computer's memory and test drive the vehicle to see if the problem reappears.
- Visually inspect the electrical wires and connections related to the throttle position sensor “A” for looseness or damage.
- Compare the readings of the throttle position sensors “A” and “B” using a scanner, and if necessary, replace the faulty sensor.
- Clear the error code from your computer memory again and test drive the vehicle to find out if the problem is resolved.
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Symptoms of malfunction
The main driver symptom of P0122 is the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) illumination. It is also called Check engine or simply “check light”.
They can also appear as:
- The “Check engine” warning light on the control panel will light up.
- Unstable or low idle speed.
- Increased engine speed at idle.
- The engine stalls or has trouble starting.
- The motor runs unevenly (pulsates).
- There is no response to the gas pedal.
Other symptoms may also be present.
Why do you need a damper with a sensor and how does it work?
In injection cars, the air and fuel supply is controlled using an electronic unit, into which information from numerous sensors and systems flows. Thus, the angle of the damper is controlled by its position sensor. The choice of the deflection angle is necessary for the formation of an optimal air-fuel mixture and normal engine operation (without jerking and loss of power). Throttle valves on older cars were driven by a cable that was connected to the accelerator pedal. Modern dampers are deflected using a drive motor.
Please note that some remote sensing devices have not one, but two sensors. Accordingly, they will have more possible errors. There are two types of sensors - contact, they are also called potentiometers or film-resistive and non-contact, another definition is magnetoresistive.
Regardless of the type of TPS, they perform the same function - they transmit information about the damper deflection angle to the electronic control unit. In practice, this is realized by converting the damper deflection angle into a constant voltage value, which is a signal to the ECU. When the throttle is completely closed (idling), the voltage is at least 0.7 Volts (may vary for different cars), and when fully open - 4 Volts (may also differ). The sensors have three terminals - positive (connected to the car battery), negative (connected to ground) and signal, through which variable voltage is transmitted to the computer.
Is it possible to drive when the Check Engine light is on?
If you see that the Check Light has come on, the first thing you need to do is stop and listen, take a closer look at the operation of the engine. If everything is normal, the speed does not fluctuate, there are no noises, the fluid level (fuel, oil, coolant) is normal, you can continue driving, but upon arrival, be sure to visit a service station to determine the cause of the Check Engine. If the problem is resolved, then the Receipt sign should disappear soon, this can happen in an hour or in a day or two. If this does not happen, then the problem is not solved and the search for the fault must be resumed.
Primary sources of sensor failure
The most obvious reason for the incorrect operation of such a device is wear. Moreover, the wear of different parts has different effects on the system.
- Erasing conductor coating. Therefore, it becomes impossible to fix the voltage indicator.
- Exhausted wear reserve of the moving element of the sensor. When the gap between it and the axle conductor becomes too wide, contact between them is lost. At the same time, the check does not pop up. You can guess about it by the intermittent operation of the engine in different modes.
- Oxidation, rust coating, accumulation of a layer of contamination on the contacts.
After detecting such design changes, you have no choice, the device cannot be repaired, it must be replaced. Of course, it is better to purchase a contactless device. It is much more reliable, because it has no rubbing elements.
Communication of the throttle valve with other automotive systems of the VAZ-2110
The throttle valve of a VAZ-2110 car is a component of the engine intake system and is directly connected to a large number of other vehicle systems. These include the following systems:
- directional stability;
- anti-blocking;
- anti-slip;
- anti-slip;
- cruise control.
In addition, there are those systems that are controlled by the electronics of the gearbox. After all, it is this throttle valve that regulates the flow of air into the car system and is responsible for the quality composition of the fuel-air mixture.
How to reset throttle error
In rare cases, one or another error in the throttle valve in the ECU may occur due to incorrect operation of the unit. So, in this case, the Check Engine warning light is activated, and when connected to the scanner computer, it displays the corresponding error. However, if the car behaves as before, that is, it does not lose dynamics, it has not lost power, the engine does not choke or stall at idle, then you can simply try to programmatically delete the error from the memory of the electronic device.
This can be done in two ways. The first is using hardware and software. In particular, using the same scanner, if its functionality is sufficient for this. Another option is using a computer program. For example, for cars produced by the German concern VAG, you can use the popular Vag-Com program, also known as Vasya Diagnost.
The second, rougher option is to remove the negative terminal from the battery for 5...10 seconds. In this case, the memory of the electronic unit will be cleared, and information about all errors will be forcibly deleted from it. When the wire is further connected, the ECU will reboot and perform a full diagnostic of the vehicle systems. If this or that throttle valve error was detected without reason, then it will not appear in the future. If it occurs again, it is necessary to carry out appropriate diagnostics and repairs.
After resetting the error (and sometimes to eliminate it), as well as when disconnecting/replacing the battery, electronic control unit, electronic accelerator pedal, it is necessary to adapt the throttle valve. Otherwise, you can get the “damper adaptation” code. For the same VAG cars, this is done using the Vag-Com program. For other brands, the algorithm will be different, so you need to look for additional information in the manual.
Ask in the comments. We will definitely answer!
On which cars is this problem most common?
The problem with code P0122 can occur on different machines, but there are always statistics on which brands this error occurs more often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Chery
- Chevrolet (Chevrolet Aveo, Impala, Cruz, Lanos, Lacetti, Malibu, Silverado, Spark, Traverse)
- Chrysler
- Citroen (Citroen Berlingo)
- Daewoo (Daewoo Leganza, Matiz, Nexia)
- Dodge (Dodge Ram)
- Ford (Ford Galaxy, Mondeo, Transit, Focus)
- Geely
- Honda (Honda Accord, Jazz, Fit, Civic)
- Hover
- Hyundai (Hyundai Santa Fe, Solaris, Sonata)
- Jeep (Jeep Liberty)
- Kia (Kia Magentis, Rio, Sorento)
- Lifan (Lifan Solano)
- Mazda
- Mercedes
- Mitsubishi (Mitsubishi Colt, Lancer)
- Nissan
- Opel (Opel Astra)
- Peugeot (Peugeot 206, 307, 308, Partner)
- Skoda (Skoda Yeti, Fabia)
- Subaru
- Suzuki
- Toyota (Toyota Corolla)
- Volkswagen (Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Crafter, Passat, Polo Sedan, Tiguan)
- VAZ 2107, 2109, 2110, 2112, 2114, 2115
- Gazelle Business, umz 4216
- Zaz Chance
- Lada Granta, Kalina, Niva, Priora
- UAZ Bukhanka, Patriot
With fault code P0122, you can sometimes encounter other errors. The most common ones are: P0102, P0108, P0113, P0118, P0222, P0223, P0300, P0335, P0341, P0343, P0452, P0463, P0719, P1122, P1381, P1403, P1961, P2135, C0242, U210 0.
