P212B Throttle Position Sensor/Switch “G” Circuit Range/Performance

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P212B Throttle Position Sensor/Switch “G” Circuit Range/Performance

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Throttle Position Sensor/Switch "G" Circuit Range/Performance

What does that mean?

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles. Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/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) goes up.

The powertrain control module (PCM) is the main computer controlling the vehicle and it supplies a 5 Volt reference signal to the throttle position sensor (TPS) and usually a ground also. A general measurement is: at idle = .5 Volts; full throttle = 4.5 Volts. If the PCM detects that the throttle angle is greater or less than it should be for a specific RPM, it will set this code. The "G" refers to a particular circuit, sensor, or area of a particular circuit.

Potential Symptoms

Symptoms of a P212B trouble code could include:

  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination (Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon light)
  • Intermittent stumble on acceleration or deceleration
  • Blows black smoke on acceleration
  • No start
  • Causes

    A code P212B may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

  • TPS has intermittent open or short internally
  • Harness is rubbing and causing an open or short in the wiring
  • Bad connection at the TPS
  • Bad PCM (less likely)
  • Water or Dorrosion in connector or sensor
  • Possible Solutions

    1. If you have access to a scan tool, see what the idle and WOT (wide open throttle) readings are for the TPS. Check if they’re close to the specifications mentioned above. If not, then replace the TPS and re-check.

    2. Check for an intermittent open or short in the TPS signal. To do that, you can’t use a scan tool. You’ll need an oscilliscope. The reason is because scan tools take samplings of many different readings over just one or two data lines and can miss an intermittent drop out. Hook up your oscilliscope and watch the signal. It should sweep up and down smoothly with no drop outs or spikes.

    3. If no problems were noticed, perform a wiggle test. Do this by wiggling the connector and harness while watching the pattern. Does it drop out? If so, replace TPS and re-check.

    4. If you have no TPS signal, check for 5 Volt reference at the connector. If it’s present, check the ground circuit for open or shorts.

    5. Make sure the signal circuit isn’t 12V. It should never have battery voltage. If it does, trace circuit for short to voltage and repair.

    6. Look for any water in the connector and replace TPS as necessary.

    Need help?

    Let us fix your problem. You are most welcome our diagnosis experts have in most cases the knowledge and skills to find the cause of the error code p212b and to solve the problems.

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    "Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p212b in the ECU"

    In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p212b and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.

    Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p212b.

    Make an appointment for permanent removal of p212b