P2131 Throttle Position Sensor F Circuit Range / Performance
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P2131 Throttle Position Sensor F Circuit Range / Performance
OBD-II DTC Datasheet
Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "F" Circuit Range / Performance
What does this mean?
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code, which means it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles. Although general, specific repair steps may differ depending on the brand / model.
The throttle position sensor is a potentiometer that measures the amount of throttle opening. As the throttle is opened, the reading (measured in volts) increases.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is the main computer that controls the vehicle and it provides a 5V reference signal to the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) and also usually to ground. General measurement: at idle = 5 V; full throttle = 4.5 volts. If the PCM detects that the throttle angle is greater or less than it should be for a certain RPM, it will set this code. The letter "F" refers to a particular circuit, sensor, or area of a particular circuit.
Possible symptoms
Symptoms of a P2131 trouble code may include:
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated (Check Engine Light or Engine Service Soon)
- Intermittent stumbling when accelerating or decelerating
- Blowing black smoke when accelerating
- No start
reasons
The P2131 code may mean that one or more of the following events have occurred:
- The TPS has an intermittent open circuit or an internal short circuit.
- The harness is rubbing, causing an open or short circuit in the wiring.
- Bad connection in 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 wide open throttle (WOT) readings for the TPS are. Make sure they are close to the specifications mentioned above. If not, replace the TPS and recheck.
2. Check for intermittent open or short circuit in the TPS signal. You cannot use a scan tool for this. You will need an oscillator. This is because scanning tools take samples of many different readings on just one or two lines of data and may miss intermittent dropouts. Connect an oscilloscope and observe the signal. It should rise and fall smoothly, without dropping out or protruding.
3. If no problem is found, perform a wiggle test. Do this by wiggling the connector and harness while observing the pattern. Drops out? If so, replace the TPS and recheck.
4. If you don't have a TPS signal, check for a 5V reference on the connector. If present, test the ground circuit for an open or short circuit.
5. Make sure the signal circuit is not 12V. It should never have battery voltage. If so, trace the circuit for a short to voltage and repair.
6. Look for water in the connector and replace the TPS if necessary.
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