Surging RPM's and accelerator pedal randomly stops working

Tiny
CALIEROSE
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 NISSAN SENTRA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 78,986 MILES
My car threw a "check engine" light, and I went to O'Reilly's and they checked the code and it was something to do with what seemed like my throttle positioning sensor. Little bit later in the week, the RPM's would surge up and down, and the gas pedal would randomly stop working. My throttle positioning sensor is attached to the whole gas pedal, so I got the new part, and replaced it. It cleared the symptoms except the check engine light, and then in the next couple days, the check engine light went off. Four days after replacing the part, every single symptom I back, and I am madder than mad. Any solutions? Could it be a vacuum hose? Could the fuel filter be going out? I have no clue, and I do not have to money to take it to the shop. Help, please.
Tuesday, July 17th, 2018 AT 8:41 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good morning.

The throttle position sensor is on the throttle pedal. The part you replaced is the pedal sensor.

What was the code number? Lets start there.

Was this procedure done?

Throttle valve closed position learning

Description:

Throttle valve closed position learning is an operation to learn the fully closed position of the throttle valve by monitoring the throttle position sensor output signal. It must be performed each time harness connector of electric throttle control actuator or ECM is disconnected.

Operation procedure:

1. Make sure that accelerator pedal is fully released.
2. Turn ignition switch "on".
3. Turn ignition switch "off" and wait at least ten seconds.
Make sure that throttle valve moves during above ten seconds by confirming the operating sound.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 18th, 2018 AT 3:35 AM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
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Went back today and did not get the chance to get a code number, but they said I was throwing three codes and that they were all my throttle positioning sensor. We did not do that procedure, but the part is completely electronic. Sorry, do not know much about this kind of thing. Do to think it could be a bad part?
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Friday, July 20th, 2018 AT 7:13 AM
Tiny
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First thing we need is the codes. It may not be a part issue. It could be wiring, but we need the codes to help narrow the area of failure.

Roy
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Friday, July 20th, 2018 AT 7:16 AM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
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Well, last time it was checked it threw three codes. We literally just changed it ten minutes before we checked it again. It is now throwing six codes. They are as follows:
P2101 Throttle actuator control motor circuit range performance (confirmed)
P0223 Throttle/pedal position sensor/ switch b circuit high input (confirmed)
P0123 Throttle/pedal position sensor a circuit high input (comfirmed)
P2135 Throttle/pedal position sensor/ switch a/b voltage correlation (confirmed)
P2101 Throttle actuator control motor circuit range/performance (pending)
P2135 Throttle/pedal position sensor/switch a/b voltage correlation (pending)
Mechanic friend is saying that it maybe a secondary sensor, or the motor on the actual throttle.
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 3:32 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, the common denominator is is wiring. You have a harness issue. The wiring needs to be checked.

I would find another mechanic. He should have seen this on his own. If he did not then he is not familiar with these systems.

I attached a wire diagram for you to view. All this needs to checked and verified.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
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We went to a different place and had them check it, just to be sure. He checked it, it was the same six codes. He cleared the codes for us and the car has been running fine for about ten minutes. Will update later.
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 4:01 PM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
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Thank you, we will check it and get back to you.
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 4:02 PM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
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And where exactly do I check the wires at? Like where are the wires that I need to check, and how do I check them?
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
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Okay.

First, clearing codes does nothing at all. The issue is still there and needs to be addressed. It will return with the same issues until it is diagnosed and repaired.

They need to inspect the harness carefully for any damage. The connectors need to be checked for damaged or burned pins.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
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Do you have any idea where the harness is? I have a buddy that is good with wiring.
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Then he should know.

The harness I am referring to is the harness at the throttle body. Tell him to follow it. Tell him to check all the connectors and look for any damage.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 4:51 PM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
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Okay, thank you. Will let you know.
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 4:52 PM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
  • MEMBER
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It cleared and we got it checked again and only have one code.
P2135 throttle/pedal position sensor/switch a/b voltage correlation.

Our friend checked the wiring and did not see anything wrong with it.
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 5:22 PM
Tiny
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What voltages did he get with his checks? Did he do continuity checks back to the PCM?

All the codes will come back. Just as I said, clearing does nothing.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
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Could I possibly be replacing the wrong sensor? Is there two?
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 5:35 PM
Tiny
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You need a professional shop that can do a proper diagnostic. The people you are using have no idea what they are doing.
As I stated before these codes indicate a harness issue. This needs to be verified.

Roy
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Wednesday, July 25th, 2018 AT 5:41 PM
Tiny
CALIEROSE
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Ended up just being a loose plug. Thanks for trying to help.
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+1
Tuesday, August 21st, 2018 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Good find. Glad to hear it is fixed.

Roy
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Tuesday, August 21st, 2018 AT 2:19 PM

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