TPS Code on my 2009 Chevy Aveo

Has 78,000 miles. New coil pack, battery, plugs, air filter. Only when its cold it has rough idling when started. It throws a TPS code, we have cleaned it numerous times but its really done nothing. There are times I lose all power when driving and no response from gas pedal. Ive read this car has had a lot of similar issues. But I cant afford to play a guessing game.

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RESPONSE

Hopefully it is as simple as performing the relearn procedure after cleaning. Idle relearn below. If not you may be looking at replacing the entire unit. You can pick one up here for about $140 including shipping.

TPS Code

P0122 – Throttle Position Sensor 1 Circuit Low Voltage

TPS Code Symptoms

– Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
– Rough idle
– Loss of power when driving

TPS Code Possible Causes

– Faulty throttle position sensor
– Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted
– Throttle position sensor circuit poor electrical connection

Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description

The throttle actuator control (TAC) system is used to improve emissions, fuel economy, and drive-ability. The TAC system eliminates the mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and the throttle plate. The TAC system eliminates the need for a cruise control module and idle air control motor. The following is a list of TAC system components:

• The accelerator pedal assembly includes the following components:

– The accelerator pedal
– The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1
– The APP sensor 2

• The throttle body assembly includes the following components:

– The throttle position (TP) sensor 1
– The TP sensor 2
– The throttle actuator motor
– The throttle plate

• The engine control module (ECM)

The ECM monitors the driver demand for acceleration with 2 APP sensors. The APP sensor 1 signal voltage range is from about 0.5-4.5 volts as the accelerator pedal is moved from the rest pedal position to the full pedal travel position. The APP sensor 2 range is from about 0.3-2.2 volts as the accelerator pedal is moved from the rest pedal position to the full pedal travel position. The ECM processes this information along with other sensor inputs to command the throttle plate to a certain position.

The throttle plate is controlled with a direct current motor called a throttle actuator control motor. The ECM can move this motor in the forward or reverse direction by controlling battery voltage and/or ground to 2 internal drivers. The throttle plate is held at a 5.7 degree rest position or the un-powered position using a constant force return spring. This spring holds the throttle plate to the rest position when there is no current flowing to the actuator motor.

The ECM monitors the throttle plate angle with 2 Throttle Position Sensors. The TP sensor 1 signal voltage range is from about 0.95-4.35 volts as the throttle plate is moved from idle to wide open throttle (WOT) position. The TP sensor 2 voltage range is from about 4.05-0.65 volts as the throttle plate is moved from idle to WOT position.

The ECM performs diagnostics that monitor the voltage levels of both APP sensors, both TP sensors, and the TAC motor circuit. It also monitors the spring return rate of the return springs that are housed internal to the throttle body assembly. These diagnostics are performed at different times based on whether the engine is running, not running, or whether the ECM is currently in a throttle body relearn procedure.

Every time the ignition cycle is cycled OFF, the ECM performs a quick throttle return spring test to make sure the throttle plate can return to the 7 percent rest position from the 0 percent position. This is to ensure that the throttle plate can be brought to the rest position in case of an actuator motor circuit failure. Observe, under cold conditions, the ECM commands the throttle plate to 0 percent with the ignition ON and the engine OFF to release any ice that may have formed on the throttle plate.

Throttle Body Relearn Procedure

The engine control module (ECM) stores values that include the lowest possible throttle position (TP) sensor positions and the rest positions. These values will only be erased or overwritten if the ECM is reprogrammed or if a throttle body relearn procedure is performed. Observe, if the battery is disconnected, the ECM will immediately perform a throttle body relearn procedure when the ignition is turned ON.

The ECM performs a relearn procedure twice and compares the results. If the results are nearly the same, the values are stored and the learn procedure is complete. The following is when the ECM performs a learn procedure:

• The ignition is ON.
• The engine is cranking.
• Deceleration
• The ignition is cycled OFF.

The ECM performs the learn procedure every 15 ignition cycles.

The ECM commands the throttle plate from the rest position to full closed, then stores TP sensor 1 and 2 voltages. This procedure takes less than 1 second. If any faults occur in the throttle actuator control (TAC) system, a DTC sets.

TAC System Default Actions/Reduce Power Modes

There are 4 reduce power modes that the engine control module (ECM) can default to if an error is detected in the throttle actuator control (TAC) system. The ECM monitors for the following conditions:

• Accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 1 or 2 circuit fault
• APP sensor correlation fault
• A 5-volt reference circuit fault
• Battery voltage is less than 8 volts or greater than 24 volts.

If the ECM detects any of the above conditions, the ECM enters a Limited Performance reduced power mode. In the Limited Performance mode, the engine torque is limited. The ECM remains in this reduced power mode during the entire ignition cycle even if the fault is corrected. Usually accompanied with a TPS Code.

If there is no APP sensor information, the system enters a Forced Idle reduced power mode. In the Forced Idle mode, the ECM uses a default APP sensor position that is calculated from the brake switch, transmission gear position, and vehicle speed. The vehicle can be driven up to 32 km/h (20 mph) in this mode be engaging the transmission into gear and releasing the brake pedal.

If there is a condition with the TAC circuits, throttle actuator command vs actual position fault, or a TP sensor 1 or 2 circuit fault, the ECM enters a Power Manage reduced engine power mode. In the Power Manage mode, the throttle plate is not controlled. The engine torque is controlled to the desired value using cylinder shutoff and spark retard. The engine will idle or cruise with 2 cylinders enabled and accelerate with all 4 cylinders. Usually accompanied with a TPS Code.

If the ECM detects a severe failure in the TAC system, the ECM enters a Forced Shutdown mode. In this mode, the ECM disables the TAC system, the fuel system, and the ignition system so the engine will not start. The Forced Shutdown mode occurs when the ECM detects a severe internal ECM condition, the throttle plate is stuck open, or a large intake manifold vacuum leak is detected. Usually accompanied with a TPS Code.

Idle Relearn

When do I need to relearn the idle

The Idle Learn Procedure listed below must be performed whenever the following occurs:

• The throttle body assembly is replaced
• The throttle body is cleaned
• The engine control module (ECM) is replaced
• The idle air control valve (IAC) is replaced
• Power disconnection (battery cable, ECM fuse, etc.) (Delphi ECM only)

Idle Relearn Procedure

•Turn the ignition ON.
•Turn the ignition OFF for 15 seconds.
•Turn the ignition ON for 5 seconds.
•Turn the ignition OFF for 15 seconds.
•Start the engine in park/neutral.
•Allow the engine to run until the engine coolant temperature is greater than 85°C (185°F).
•Turn the A/C ON for 10 seconds, if equipped.
•If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, apply the parking brake. While pressing the brake pedal, place the transaxle in drive (D) for 10 seconds.
•Turn the A/C OFF for 10 seconds, if equipped.
•If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, while pressing the brake pedal, place the transaxle in park/neutral.
•Turn the ignition OFF. The idle learn procedure is complete.