Throttle error

In fact, there is no specific specific throttle failure error. Since this is a whole series of errors generated in the electronic control unit that are associated with the throttle and damper position sensor. The most basic ones are P2135, P0120, P0122, P2176. But there are also 10 others.

Throttle error usually leads to incorrect operation of the engine internal combustion engine. namely, the car loses power and dynamic characteristics when driving, fuel consumption increases, the engine stalls at idle. The concept of throttle error (hereinafter DZ) ICE refers to a number of errors generated in the electronic control unit. They are connected both with the damper itself (electric internal combustion engine, pollution, mechanical failure), and with its position sensor (TPDS), in case of its failure or in case of problems in its signal circuit.

Each of the errors has its own conditions of formation. When an error occurs on the panel, the Check Engine warning light is activated. Its breakdown code can be obtained by connecting to the electronic control unit using a special diagnostic tool. After that, it is worth making a decision - to eliminate the cause or reset the throttle position error.

What is a damper with a sensor for and how does it work

In injection cars, the air and fuel supply is controlled by an electronic unit, into which information from numerous sensors and systems flows. So, the angle of the damper is controlled by the sensor of its position. The choice of the deflection angle is necessary for the formation of an optimal air-fuel mixture and the normal operation of the internal combustion engine (without jerks and loss of power). Throttle valves on older cars were driven by a cable that connected to the accelerator pedal. Modern dampers are deflected using a drive electric internal combustion engine.

Please note that some remote sensing has not one, but two sensors. Accordingly, the number of possible errors they will have more. Sensors are of two types - 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 angle of deflection of the damper to the electronic control unit. In practice, this is realized by converting the damper deflection angle into a constant voltage value, which is the signal for the ECU. With the damper fully closed (at idle), the voltage is at least 0,7 Volts (may differ for different machines), and at full open - 4 Volts (may also differ). The sensors have three outputs - positive (connected to the car battery), negative (connected to ground) and signal, through which the variable voltage is transmitted to the computer.

Causes of throttle error

Before proceeding to the description of specific codes, you need to find out which failure of which nodes leads to throttle failure errors. So, it's usually:

• throttle position sensor;
• damper electric drive;
• breakage of the supply and / or signal wires, damage to their insulation, or the appearance of a short circuit in them (including those that connect the TPS with other sensors).

In turn, any individual node will have a number of its own throttle error codes, as well as the reasons for their occurrence. Let's consider them in more detail. So, the reasons for the failure of the DZ position sensor can be:

• at the film-resistive sensor, the coating is erased over time, along which the conductor moves, while the Check Engine light may not be activated;
• as a result of mechanical damage or simply due to old age, the tip may simply break off;
• the formation of dust and dirt on the contacts;
• problems with the sensor chip - loss of contact, damage to its body;
• problems with wires - their breakage, insulation damage (frayed), the occurrence of a short circuit in the circuit.

The main element of the damper electric drive is its electric internal combustion engine. Problems most often appear with him. So, the causes of an electric drive error can be:

• breakage or short circuit in the winding of the electric internal combustion engine (armature and / or stator);
• breakage or short circuit in the supply wires suitable for the internal combustion engine;
• mechanical problems with the gearbox (gear wear, damage to their alignment, problems with bearings).

These and other breakdowns lead, under different conditions and variations, to the formation of various ECU error codes, one way or another related to the throttle valve.

Description of typical throttle errors

In the memory of the electronic control unit, one or more of the 15 throttle errors can be formed. We list them gj in order with description, reasons and features.

P2135

The code for such an error is decoded as "Mismatch in the readings of sensors No. 1 and No. 2 of the throttle position." P2135 is the so-called throttle position sensor correlation error. Most often, the reason for which an error is generated is that the resistance increases significantly on one of the signal and power wires. That is, a break appears or their damage (for example, it frays somewhere on a bend). The symptoms of error p2135 are traditional for this node - loss of power, unstable idle, increased fuel consumption.

In addition to damage to the wires, the reasons for the formation of an error can be:

• poor contact of the "mass" of the computer;
• incorrect operation of the main control relay (as an option - the use of a low-quality Chinese relay);
• bad contacts in the sensor;
• short circuit between circuits VTA1 and VTA2;
• a problem in the operation of the electromechanical unit (electric drive);
• for VAZ vehicles, a common problem is the use of low-quality standard (installed from the factory) wires of the ignition system.

The check can be made using an electronic multimeter switched to DC voltage measurement mode.

P0120

Throttle position error P0120 has the name - "Breakage of the sensor / switch "A" throttle position / pedal". When an error is formed, the behavioral symptoms described above appear, which are characteristic of a car. The causes of error p0120 may be:

• Faulty TPS. namely, a short circuit between in its electrical circuits. Less often - damage to signal and / or power wires.
• Throttle body. The most common reason in this case is the banal contamination of the damper, in which the internal combustion engine is not able to provide the necessary power. Less often - malfunction of the throttle valve due to wear or mechanical damage.
• Electronic control unit. In very rare cases, the ECU gives a software or hardware failure and the error information appears false.

Diagnostics must be carried out using an electronic scanner, since there are four types of errors:

1. 2009 (008) M16/6 (Throttle valve actuator) Actual value potentiometer, N3/10 (ME-SFI [ME] control unit) [P0120] (Throttle valve actuator).
2. 2009 (004) M16/6 (Throttle valve actuator) Actual value potentiometer, Adaptation Emergency running [P0120]
3. 2009 (002) M16/6 (Throttle valve actuator) Actual value potentiometer, Return spring [P0120]
4. 2009 (001) M16/6 (Throttle valve actuator) Actual value potentiometer, Adaptation [P0120]

You can find out the cause of the p0120 error using an electronic scanner, and check it with an electronic multimeter set to DC voltage measurement mode.

P0121

Error code P0121 is called Throttle Position Sensor A/Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor A Range/Performance. Usually such an error appears when there is a problem with the remote sensing position sensor. Symptoms of the behavior of the machine are similar to those given above - loss of power, speed, dynamics in motion. When starting the car from a place, in some cases, the presence of "unhealthy" black smoke is noted.

Possible reasons for the error:

• Partial or complete failure of the TPS. It does not transmit voltage to the electronic control unit. Possible bad contact on the sensor chip.
• Damage to the supply and / or signal wires to the sensor. The occurrence of a short circuit in the wiring.
• Water ingress through damaged insulation onto the sensor or wires, less often into the TPS connector.

Diagnostic and elimination methods:

• Using an electronic multimeter, you need to check the DC voltage supplied and output from it. The sensor is powered by a 5 volt battery.
• With the damper fully closed (idling), the outgoing voltage should be approximately 0,5 ... 0,7 Volts, and when fully open ("pedal to the floor") - 4,7 ... 5 Volts. If the value is outside the specified limits, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
• If you have an oscilloscope, you can take the appropriate diagram of the voltage in the speaker. This will allow you to draw up a graph by which you can establish whether the voltage value changes smoothly over the entire operating range. If there are jumps or dips in any areas, it means that the resistive tracks on the film sensor are worn out. It is also desirable to replace such a device, but with its non-contact counterpart (magnetoresistive sensor).
• "Ring out" the supply and signal wires for integrity and the absence of damage to the insulation.
• make a visual inspection of the chip, sensor housing, throttle assembly housing.

Most often, the error is “cured” by replacing the TPS. After that, you need to remember to erase the error from the computer's memory.

P0122

Error P0122 indicates that "Throttle position sensor A / accelerator pedal position sensor A - signal low". In other words, this error is generated in the memory of the electronic control unit if a very low voltage comes from the throttle position sensor. The specific value depends on the car model and the sensor used, however, on average, it is about 0,17 ... 0,20 Volts.

Behavioral symptoms:

• the car practically does not respond to pressing the accelerator pedal;
• engine speed does not rise above a specific value, most often 2000 rpm;
• decrease in the dynamic characteristics of the car.

Most often, the causes of the p0122 error are a short circuit either in the DZ position sensor itself or in the wires. For example, if their insulation is damaged. Accordingly, to eliminate the error, you need to check the sensor with a multimeter for the measured voltage it produces, as well as “ring out” the signal and power wires going to and from it to the electronic control unit. Often the error is eliminated by replacing the wires.

In more rare cases, contact problems may be due to an incorrectly installed sensor on the throttle body. Accordingly, this needs to be checked and, if necessary, corrected.

P0123

Code p0123 - "Throttle position sensor A / accelerator pedal position sensor A - signal high." Here the situation is opposite. An error is generated when a voltage above the permissible norm comes from the TPS to the computer, namely, from 4,7 to 5 Volts. Vehicle behavior and symptoms are similar to those above.

Possible reasons for the error:

• short circuit in the circuit of signal and/or power wires;
• breakage of one or more wires;
• incorrect installation of the position sensor on the throttle body.

To localize and eliminate the error, you need to use a multimeter to measure the voltage coming from the sensor, and also to ring its wires. If necessary, replace them with new ones.

P0124

Error p0124 has the name - “Throttle position sensor A / accelerator pedal position sensor A - unreliable contact of the electrical circuit.” Symptoms of the car's behavior during the formation of such an error:

• problems with starting the internal combustion engine, especially "cold";
• black smoke from the exhaust pipe;
• jerks and dips during movement, especially during acceleration;
• decrease in the dynamic characteristics of the car.

The electronic control unit generates an error p0124 in its memory if an intermittent signal comes from the throttle position sensor. This indicates problems in the contact of his wiring. Accordingly, to diagnose a breakdown, you need to ring the signal and supply circuits of the sensor, check the value of the voltage emanating from the sensor in various modes (from idle to high speed, when the damper is fully open). It is advisable to do this not only with a multimeter, but also with an oscilloscope (if available). A software check will be able to show in real time the angle of deflection of the damper at different engine speeds.

Less often, error p0124 appears when the damper is dirty. In this case, its uneven operation is possible, which is fixed by the sensor. However, the ECU treats this as an error. To fix the problem in this case, it is worth thoroughly flushing the damper with a carb cleaner.

P2101

The name of the error is "Throttle Motor Motor Control Circuit". appears when the electrical / signal circuit of the internal combustion engine is broken. Reasons for the formation of error p2101 in the memory of the electronic control unit:

• the control signal from the ECU to the internal combustion engine returns back through an open (damaged) circuit;
• the wires of the electrical circuit of the internal combustion engine have cross wiring (damage to the insulation), due to which an open circuit of the computer appears or an incorrect signal passes;
• wiring or connector is completely open.

Symptoms of the car's behavior when a similar error occurs:

• The internal combustion engine will not gain momentum above the emergency value, the throttle will not respond to pressing the accelerator pedal;
• idle speed will be unstable;
• engine speed in motion will spontaneously fall and increase.

Error diagnosis is performed using a multimeter. namely, you need to check the throttle position and accelerator pedal position sensors. This is done with a multimeter and preferably an oscilloscope (if available). it is also necessary to ring the wiring of the electric internal combustion engine for its integrity (break) and the presence of damage to the insulation.

Please note that on some vehicles, an error p2101 may be generated in the computer's memory if the accelerator pedal was pressed before the ignition was turned on. Switching the ignition off and on again without touching the pedal will usually clear the error from the ECU even without using software.

Eliminating the error involves replacing the wiring, revising the electric engine, cleaning the throttle. In very rare cases, the problem lies in the incorrect operation of the computer itself. In this case, it needs to be reflashed or reconfigured.

P0220

Error code p0220 is called - "Sensor "B" throttle position / sensor "B" accelerator pedal position - electrical circuit failure." This error of the damper potentiometer indicates a breakdown in the electrical circuit of the throttle position sensor “B” and / or the accelerator pedal position sensor “B”. namely, it is generated when the ECU has detected a voltage or resistance in the indicated circuit that is out of range in the throttle position and / or accelerator pedal position (APPO) sensor circuits.

Behavioral symptoms when an error occurs:

• the car does not accelerate when you press the accelerator pedal;
• unstable operation of the internal combustion engine in all modes;
• unstable idling of the motor;
• problems with starting the internal combustion engine, especially "cold".

Reasons for the formation of error p0220 in the computer memory:

• violation of the integrity of the electrical / signal circuits of the TPS and / or DPPA;
• mechanical damage to the throttle body or accelerator pedal;
• breakdown of the TPS and / or DPPA;
• incorrect installation of TPS and / or DPPA;
• ECU malfunction.

For verification and diagnosis, you need to check the following details:

• throttle body, accelerator pedal, including the condition of their wiring for the integrity of the wires and their insulation;
• correct installation of position sensors DZ and the accelerator pedal;
• correct operation of the TPS and DPPA using a multimeter and preferably an oscilloscope.

Most often, to eliminate the error, the indicated sensors of the position of the remote sensing and / or the accelerator pedal are changed.

P0221

Error number p0221 has the name - "Sensor "B" throttle position / sensor "B" accelerator pedal position - range / performance." That is, it is formed if the ECU detects problems in the "B" circuit of the damper position sensors or the accelerator pedal. namely, a voltage or resistance value that is out of range. The symptoms are similar to the previous error - difficult start of the internal combustion engine, unstable idling, the car does not accelerate when you press the gas pedal.

The reasons are also similar - damage to the throttle body or accelerator pedal, damage to the TPS or DPPA, breakage or damage to their signal / supply circuits. Less often - "glitches" in the operation of the electronic control unit.

Most often, the problem is “cured” by replacing the wiring or the indicated sensors (more often one of them). Therefore, first of all, you need to check the sensors and the corresponding wiring using a multimeter and an oscilloscope.

P0225

Deciphering the error p0225 - “Sensor “C” of the throttle position / sensor “C” of the position of the accelerator pedal - electrical circuit failure.” Like the two previous errors, it is generated if the computer detects incorrect voltage and / or resistance values ​​\uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbin the “C” circuit of the throttle position sensors or the accelerator pedal position sensor. However, when this error occurs, the ECU puts the internal combustion engine into emergency mode forcibly.

External signs of error p0225:

• throttle sticking in one position (immobilization);
• unstable idle speed;
• jerks of the internal combustion engine during braking;
• poor vehicle dynamics during acceleration;
• forced deactivation of cruise control;
• forced speed limit to approximately 50 km / h (varies for different cars);
• if there is a signal lamp on the dashboard about the operation of the throttle, it is activated.

Diagnostic measures:

• ring the wires from the DZ position sensor and the accelerator pedal position sensor;
• check electrical connections for corrosion;
• check the operation of these sensors for outgoing voltage using a multimeter (and preferably an oscilloscope in dynamics);
• check the battery, the voltage level in the vehicle's electrical system and the battery charging system;
• check the level of contamination of the damper, if necessary, clean the throttle.

Error p0225, unlike its counterparts, leads to a forced restriction in the speed of movement, so it is advisable to get rid of it as soon as possible.

P0227

Error code p0227 stands for - "Sensor "C" throttle position / sensor "C" accelerator pedal position - low input signal." An error is generated in the memory of the electronic unit when the ECU detects too low voltage in circuit C of the DZ position sensor or the accelerator pedal position sensor. The causes of the error can be either a short circuit in the circuit or a break in the corresponding wire.

External signs of an error:

• full closing of the throttle valve during a stop (at idle);
• jamming of the remote sensing in one position;
• uneven idling and poor acceleration dynamics;
• many cars forcefully limit the maximum speed of movement to 50 km / h (depending on the specific car).

The check is as follows:

• ringing of electrical / signal wires of the damper and pedal sensors;
• checking for corrosion in the electrical contacts of the relevant circuits;
• checking DPS and DPPA for the presence of a short circuit in them;
• checking sensors in dynamics in order to find out the value of the output voltage.

Error P0227 also forcibly limits the speed of movement, so it is advisable not to delay the elimination.

P0228

P0228 Throttle Position Sensor C / Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor C High Input An error that is the opposite of the previous one, but with similar symptoms. It is formed in the ECU when too high voltage is detected in the TPS or DPPA circuit. there is also one reason - a short circuit of the sensor wires to the "ground" of the car.

External symptoms of error p0228:

• forced transition of the internal combustion engine to emergency mode;
• limiting the maximum speed to 50 km/h;
• full closure of the throttle;
• unstable idling of the internal combustion engine, poor dynamics of vehicle acceleration;
• forced deactivation of cruise control.

The check involves ringing the wiring of the sensors, determining their output voltage, preferably in dynamics and using an oscilloscope. Most often, the problem appears due to damage to the wiring or failure of the sensors.

P0229

DTC P0229 - Throttle Position Sensor C/Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor C - Circuit Intermittent. Error p0229 is generated in the computer if the electronic unit receives an unstable signal from the damper and accelerator pedal sensors. The reasons for the error may be:

• a partially failed TPS of a film (old) type, which produces an unstable signal during operation;
• corrosion on the electrical contacts of the sensors;
• loosening of contact on the electrical connections of these sensors.

External symptoms with error p0229 are similar - forced speed limit to 50 km / h, damper jamming in the closed position, cruise control off, unstable idling and loss of acceleration dynamics.

The check comes down to an audit of the wiring and contact of the sensors for their quality and lack of corrosion. In some cases, a possible cause is damage to the insulation on the wiring, so it must be rung.

P0510

Error p0510 indicates - "Closed throttle position sensor - electrical circuit failure." Error p0510 is generated in the ECU if the throttle valve is frozen in one position for at least 5 seconds in dynamics.

External signs of an error:

• the throttle valve does not respond to a change in the position of the accelerator pedal;
• The internal combustion engine stalls both when idling and in motion;
• unstable idling and "floating" speed in motion.

Possible reasons for generating an error:

• physical pollution of the throttle valve, because of which it sticks and stops moving;
• failure of the throttle position sensor;
• damage to the wiring of the TPS;
• ECU malfunction.

First of all, for verification, it is necessary to revise the state of the damper itself, and, if necessary, thoroughly clean it from soot. then you need to check the operation of the TPS and the condition of its wiring - integrity and the presence of a short circuit in it.

Flap adaptation error

On different brands of cars, the number and designation may be different. However, in common parlance, they call it that - damper adaptation error. Most often, it is found under the code p2176 and stands for “Throttle Actuator Control System - Idle Position Adaptation Failed”. Its causes, signs and consequences are the same for almost all machines. It is worth noting that throttle adaptation is only part of the adaptation of the system as a whole. And adaptation happens all the time.

Throttle adaptation reset symptoms are typical:

• unstable idle speed;
• increased fuel consumption;
• decrease in the dynamics of the car in motion;
• reduction in engine power.

Causes of error p2176:

• errors and malfunctions in the operation of the throttle position sensor and / or idle speed controller;
• the throttle valve is heavily contaminated and requires urgent cleaning;
• incorrect installation of TPS;
• dismantling (disconnection) and subsequent installation (connection) of the battery, electronic accelerator pedal, electronic control unit.

Often an adaptation error appears after a car enthusiast has cleaned the throttle, but has not adapted the computer to work in new conditions. Therefore, when replacing the devices listed above, as well as when cleaning the damper, it is imperative to reset the old parameters and reconfigure the damper to new operating conditions. This is done programmatically for VAG cars or by various mechanical manipulations for other cars (depending on the specific brand and even model). Therefore, information on adaptation must be sought in the car manual.

How to reset throttle error

In rare cases, one or another throttle error 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 gives a corresponding error. However, if the car behaves as before, that is, it does not lose dynamics, it has not lost power, the internal combustion engine does not choke and does not 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. namely, using the same scanner, if its functionality is sufficient for this. Another option is with a computer program. For example, for cars manufactured by the German concern VAG, you can use the popular Vag-Com program, aka Vasya Diagnostic.

The second, more rough, option is to remove the negative terminal from the battery for 5 ... 10 seconds. At the same time, the memory of the electronic unit will be cleared, and information about all errors will be forcibly deleted from it. With further connection of the wire, the ECU will reboot and perform a complete diagnosis of the vehicle's systems. If this or that throttle error was detected unreasonably, then it will not appear in the future. If it occurs again, you need to perform appropriate diagnostics and repairs.

After resetting the error (and sometimes for elimination), as well as when disconnecting / replacing the battery, electronic control unit, electronic accelerator pedal, it is imperative to perform throttle adaptation. Otherwise, you can grab the “flap adaptation” code. For the same cars of the VAG concern, 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.