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1997 chevy cavalier, occasionally stalls on idle, tps issue?


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Zeidricht
New User

Sep 2, 2012, 11:29 PM

Post #1 of 4 (7205 views)
  post locked   1997 chevy cavalier, occasionally stalls on idle, tps issue?  

97 cavalier, 2.4L 4 cylinder engine, approx. 150,000 miles

So, about a month ago, my 97 cavaliers engine cut off when i came to a stop in some backroads near my house. At first i was alarmed, but it turned back on no problem and ran fine. Long story short it happened again and much more frequently.

I got the codes read and got 122(i think), which is throttle position sensor malfunction, although i originally figured it might be the idle air control valve. I changed out the TPS sensor, and hit the throttle body with some throttle body cleaner pretty well, and it ran fine for about 3 weeks, and eventually the problem repeated itself and the 122 error came up again on the ODB as well as 0440(evaporative emissions system error)

since then ive gone through 3 TPS sensors trying to get the error code, and this problem, to go away, and i figured perhaps the bounty of the internet might be able to help out.

basically, once every 150 miles or so, when i come to a moderately hard stop, my engine kicks off, and i can turn it back on no problem. It sounds like air isnt getting into the throttle and the whole thing shuts down to me. also , occassionally when i make a turn greater than 90 degrees as well, it sounds like the throttle isnt taking air in fast enough to accelerate as fast as i normally can, or when i stop, the valve wont open at all for a second or so , so i get no acceleration.

the problems are very , very seldom, but they worry me anyway, so i was wondering if anyone could give me some insight on whether this is still a problem with the TPS sensors/throttle body/ IACV or if something more deep-seated and insidious is afoot!
or even if theyve had a similar problem that theyve managed to solve.

also, i remember reading about a recall for improperly mounted charcoal canisters on my make/model and i dont know if it was ever fixed, though i need to check, but am i correct in thinking that potential emissions system problems( the 0440 error) would not be the cause of my idle shut off troubles?

anyway, thanks in advance for any responses or views, and hopefully i can end up in the right direction or, ideally, fix my problem based on this inquiry.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Sep 3, 2012, 5:34 AM

Post #2 of 4 (7158 views)
  post locked   Re: 1997 chevy cavalier, occasionally stalls on idle, tps issue?  








Circuit Description


The PCM supplies a 5 V reference signal and a ground to the sensor. The Throttle position (TP) sensor sends a voltage signal back to the PCM relative to the throttle plate opening. Voltage will vary from approximately 0.45 V at closed throttle, to over 4.5 V at wide open throttle.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

  • Engine is running.
  • TP sensor is less than 0.16 V for 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

  • The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
  • The PCM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame and Failure Records buffers.
  • A history DTC is stored.
  • Coolant fan turns ON.
  • The TP angle will default to 0% when the vehicle speed is less than 2 mph (3 km/h) and 10% when the vehicle speed is greater than 2 mph (3 km/h) (The scan tool will display the defaulted value).

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

  • The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.
  • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm up cycles without a fault.
  • DTC(s) can be cleared by using the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

If a DTC P0122 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful. Use the scan tool DTC information data to determine the status of the DTC. If the DTC occurs intermittently, using the DTC P0121 Diagnostic table may help isolate the problem.

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

  1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
  2. The TP sensor has an auto zeroing feature. If the voltage reading is between 0.20 V and 0.90 V, the PCM will automatically assume this as closed throttle position (0%).
  1. Simulates a DTC P0123. If the PCM recognizes the high voltage signal, then the PCM and wiring are OK.
  2. This simulates a high voltage signal which will identify an open in the signal circuit.
  3. If additional DTCs are set, check the 5 V reference circuits for a short to ground.
  1. If the test light illuminates while probing the TP signal circuit, then the TP signal circuit is shorted to ground.
  1. The replacement PCM must be programmed and the crankshaft position system variation procedure must be preformed. Refer to Powertrain Control Module .




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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



papadwight
New User
papadwight profile image

Oct 5, 2012, 3:12 AM

Post #3 of 4 (6882 views)
  post locked   Re: 1997 chevy cavalier, occasionally stalls on idle, tps issue?  

It takes 3 things to make a fire wood or fuel, heat or fire but what most forget is air older cards always had air this is not true with new cars a older car with dirt on the throttle and a iac can turn off all air to the car, by cleaning you help for a while this points to air problem make sure it can get as small amount of air on stop. Many new cars now cut off all gas to engine on slow down.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Oct 5, 2012, 3:17 AM

Post #4 of 4 (6878 views)
  post locked   Re: 1997 chevy cavalier, occasionally stalls on idle, tps issue?  

This question has been dead for over a month. Please don't respond too old threads.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







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