Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSBUICK1996CENTURY SEDAN L4-2.2L VIN 4REPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTCOMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSSENSORS AND SWITCHES - COMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSTHROTTLE POSITION SENSORTESTING AND INSPECTION
1996 Buick Century Sedan L4-2.2L VIN 4
Throttle Position Sensor: Testing and Inspection
1996 Buick Century Sedan L4-2.2L VIN 4SECTION Testing and Inspection
SCAN TOOL TESTING
A scan tool displays throttle position in volts. The scan tool should display 0.20 volt to 0.90 volt with the throttle closed (as at idle) and ignition "ON." Voltage should increase at a steady rate as the throttle opens. Voltage should be near 5.0 volts at Wide Open Throttle (WOT).
A scan tool also has the ability to display the throttle angle and should display 0% when the throttle is closed, and increase smoothly to 100% at WOT. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has the ability to auto-zero the Throttle Position (TP) sensor voltage if it is below about 0.90 volt (900mV). This means that any voltage less than 0.90 volt will be determined by the PCM to be 0% throttle. A fault in the TP sensor or circuit should set a DTC P0122 or P0123. A "stuck" sensor will set a DTC P0121. Testing and Inspection
A scan tool displays throttle position in volts. The scan tool should display 0.20 volt to 0.90 volt with the throttle closed (as at idle) and ignition "ON." Voltage should increase at a steady rate as the throttle opens. Voltage should be near 5.0 volts at Wide Open Throttle (WOT).
A scan tool also has the ability to display the throttle angle and should display 0% when the throttle is closed, and increase smoothly to 100% at WOT. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has the ability to auto-zero the Throttle Position (TP) sensor voltage if it is below about 0.90 volt (900mV). This means that any voltage less than 0.90 volt will be determined by the PCM to be 0% throttle. A fault in the TP sensor or circuit should set a DTC P0122 or P0123. A "stuck" sensor will set a DTC P0121. Testing and Inspection
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.