98 xj TPS P0122 and P0700

Beave

NAXJA Forum User
TPS problems on a 98 Cherokee 4.0 auto 294k miles

I’m getting a P0122 and a P0700. Engine runs great with no issues. But the shifting is delayed till 4000-4500 and will not downshift on acceleration. As soon as I clear the codes they immediately come back. I have disconnected the clock spring under the column. And I’ve tested the tps and to me it tests good by the specs ive found but WOT is a little low. I have not replaced or removed the tps so unsure of brand.



Supply 5.10 volts.

Signal at tps and pcm .84 idle 3.94 WOT (I know this is lower than what most get)

Ground has tested good.

Can not for the life of me find a good pin out that matches my tcm. The one I have found is backwards and going by the color of the wire i get nothing and also probing where the pinout location says I still get nothing.



So I’m leaning towards the signal is not making it to the tcm.



Can anyone’s help me out what pin i should be probing at the tcm or anything else I need to check?
 
If you disconnect the TCM and shift the transmission manually 1/2, 3, OD, and if shifts promptly and correctly, the transmission is OK. TCM failure is uncommon, TPS failure is common. The TPS is the most common and most logical suspect.

The Throttle Position Sensor is directly involved with transmission shifting characteristics. Your test result are out of specification. The P0700 can be ignored.


Possible Causes of the DTC P0122 Jeep
NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
- Faulty throttle position sensor
- Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted
- Throttle position sensor circuit poor electrical connection

TPS failure may have one or more of these Physical Symptoms:

1) The engine loses power and is stalling.

2) The engine will idle, but may die as soon as you press the gas pedal. When driving, it seems as if all power is gone.

3) Sometimes it feels as if the transmission is failed or isn't shifting properly, if at all. If you quickly jump on the gas you might be able to get the transmission to shift, but it won’t shift properly by itself. Shifting manually, the transmission goes through all the gears.


TPS TESTING

The TPS is mounted on the throttle body. The TPS is a variable resistor that provides the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with an input signal (voltage) that represents throttle blade position. The sensor is connected to the throttle blade shaft. As the position of the throttle blade changes, the resistance of the TPS changes. Along with inputs from other sensors, the PCM uses the TPS input to determine current engine operating conditions. In response to engine operating conditions, the PCM will adjust fuel injector pulse width and ignition timing.

The PCM supplies approximately 5 volts to the TPS. The TPS output voltage (input signal to the PCM) represents the throttle blade position. The PCM receives an input signal voltage from the TPS. It is best to use an analog meter (not digital) to see if the transition from idle to WOT is smooth with no dead spots. With your meter set for volts, put the black probe on a good ground like your negative battery terminal. With the key on, engine not running, test with the red probe of your meter (install a paper clip into the back of the plug of the TPS) to see which wire has the 5 volts. This will vary in an approximate range of from .26 volts at minimum throttle opening (idle), to 4.5 volts at WOT wide open throttle.

Perform the test procedure again and wiggle and/or tap on the TPS while you watch the meter. If you notice any flat spots or abrupt changes in the meter readings, replace the TPS.

The TPS is sensitive to heat, moisture, and vibration, leading to the failure of some units. The sensor is a sealed unit and cannot be repaired only replaced. A TPS may fail gradually leading to a number of symptoms which can include one or more of the following:

• Poor idle control: The TPS is used by the ECU to determine if the throttle is closed and the car should be using the Idle Air Control Valve exclusively for idle control. A fault TPS sensor can confuse the ECU causing the idle to be erratic or "hunting".
• High Idle Speed: The TPS may report faulty values causing the engine idle speed to be increased above normal. This is normally found in conjunction with a slow engine return to idle speed symptom.
• Slow engine return to idle: A failing TPS can report the minimum throttle position values incorrectly which can stop the engine entering idle mode when the throttle is closed. Normally when the throttle is closed the engine fuel injectors will be deactivated until a defined engine RPM speed is reached and the engine brought smoothly to idle speed. When failing a TPS will not report the throttle closed and fueling will continue causing the engine to return to idle very slowly.
• Engine Hesitation on Throttle Application: The TPS is also used by the ECU to determine if the driver has applied the throttle quicker than the Manifold Air Pressure sensor can read. The fueling is adjusted accordingly to cope with the sudden increase in air volume, however a faulty sensor can cause the ECU to ignore this data and the engine will "hesitate" when applying the throttle. In extreme cases with the engine at idle, a sudden application of full throttle can stall the engine.
• Engine Misfire: A fault TPS can report values outside the acceptable range causing the ECU to incorrectly fuel the engine. This is noticeable as a slight misfire and can trigger the misfire detection software and/or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) light on the dashboard. Extreme cases can cause excessive misfires resulting in one or more cylinders being shut down to prevent engine and catalytic converter damage.


Cheap crappy Chinese "Lifetime Warranty" parts are often out of specification or even failed right out of the box. Many times they have a short service life before they fail. Always buy top quality replacement parts and genuine Jeep sensors.
 
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Thanks for the reply Tim. I have already tested the tps by that method. It was within spec. Even went further and tested for the signal at the pcm plug and it was also within spec. What I’m having trouble with is testing for the signal voltage at the tcu. Initial testing I could not find voltage resembling that of the tps.

Further more. Although I have a cheap code scanner. Even the p0122 is showing up under the transmission section and not the engine section. Which makes me think the tcu isn’t receiving the signal.
 
If that TPS was in either of my XJ's it would be replaced. The TPS spec of .26 volts at minimum throttle opening (idle), to 4.5 volts at WOT wide open throttle is right out of the Factory Service Manual.
 
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