Contents Section: Engine Controls and Fuel - 2.0L All sections

DTC p2138 Opel GT II

DTC p2138

Diagnostic Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P2138:

Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation

Diagnostic Fault Information

CircuitShort to GroundOpenShort to VoltageSignal Performance
APP Sensor 1 SignalP2122P2122P2123P2138
APP Sensor 1 5-Volt ReferenceP2122P2122P2123--
APP Sensor 1 Low Reference--P2123----
APP Sensor 2 SignalP2127P2128P2128P2138
APP Sensor 2 5-Volt ReferenceP2127P2127P2128--
APP Sensor 2 Low Reference--P2128----

Typical Scan Tool Data

App Sensor 1

CircuitShort to GroundOpenShort to Voltage
Parameter Normal Range: 0.13-4.87 V
APP Sensor 1 Signal0 V0 V5 V
APP Sensor 1 5-Volt Reference0 V0 V5 V
APP Sensor 1 Low Reference--5 V--

App Sensor 2

CircuitShort to GroundOpenShort to Voltage
Parameter Normal Range: 0.13-4.87 V
APP Sensor 2 Signal0 V0 V5 V
APP Sensor 2 5-Volt Reference0 V0 V5 V
APP Sensor 2 Low Reference--5 V--

Circuit/system Description

The throttle actuator control (TAC) system uses two accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors to monitor the accelerator pedal position. The APP sensors 1 and 2 are located within the pedal assembly. Each sensor has the following circuits:

A 5-volt reference circuit
A low reference circuit
A signal circuit

Two processors are also used to monitor the TAC system data. Both processors are located within the engine control module (ECM). Each signal circuit provides both processors with a signal voltage proportional to pedal movement. Both processors monitor each other's data to verify that the indicated APP calculation is correct.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The system voltage is more than 7 volts.
The ignition is in the Unlock/Accessory or Run position.
The accelerator pedal is not in the rest position.
DTC P2138 runs continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The voltage difference between APP sensor 1 and APP sensor 2 exceeds a predetermined value for more than 2 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P2138 is a Type A DTC.
The control module commands the TAC system to operate in the Reduced Engine Power mode.
A message center or an indicator displays Reduced Engine Power.

Conditions for Clearing the Mil/dtc

DTC P2138 is a Type A DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System Description

Electrical Information Reference (Except Opel Gt)

Circuit Testing
Connector Repairs
Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/system Verification

  1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool APP sensor 1 voltage parameter. The reading should be between 0.84-4.82 volts and change with accelerator pedal input.
  2. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool APP sensor 2 voltage parameter. The reading should be between 0.66-4.82 volts and change with accelerator pedal input.
  3. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool APP Sensor 1 and 2 parameter. The scan tool should indicate agree.
  4. Clear the DTCs with the scan tool. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC, or within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.
  5. Verify that DTCs P0641, P0642, P0643, P0651, P0652, P0653, P0697, P0698 or P0699 are set:

Circuit/system Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the accelerator pedal harness connector at the accelerator pedal. Allow sufficient time for the ECM to power down.
  2. Test for less than 3 ohms between each low reference circuit terminals 4 and 5 and ground.
  3. Ignition ON, test for 4.8-5.2 volts between each 5-volt reference circuit terminals 1 and 2 and ground.
  4. Ignition ON, verify the scan tool APP sensor 1 and 2 voltages are less than 0.1 volt.
  5. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 3 and the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 2 of the APP sensor 1, and verify the APP sensor 1 voltage is greater than 4.8 volts.
  6. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 6 and the 5-volt reference circuit terminal 1 of the APP sensor 2, and verify that the APP sensor 2 voltage is greater than 4.8 volts.
  7. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the ECM.
  8. Test for less than 5 ohms on all APP sensor circuits between the following terminals:
  9. Test for infinite resistance between APP sensor 1 signal circuit terminal 3 and APP sensor 2 signal circuit terminal 6.
  10. If all circuits test normal, replace the accelerator pedal.

Component Testing

Important: Circuit/System Testing must be performed before proceeding with Component Testing.

Dynamic Test

  1. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the 5-volt reference terminal of the applicable APP sensor and 5 volts. Install a jumper wire between the low reference terminal and a ground.
  2. Sweep the sensor through the entire range while monitoring the voltage between the signal terminal and the low reference terminal with a DMM. the voltage should vary between 0.66-4.82 volts with out any spikes or dropouts.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Replacement
Control Module References