Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Accelerator Position Sensor
Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) located on accelerator pedal provides a voltage signal relative to accelerator pedal angle to PCM. APS signal is used by PCM to determine throttle valve adjustment position. APS signal is processed by PCM, PCM then commands throttle valve motor to move throttle valve. If scan tool indicates an APS failure, or an APS DTC is stored in memory, use following procedure to adjust APS:
- Connect Tech 2 or equivalent scan tool to Data Link Connector (DLC). DLC is located behind cover on lower leftside of dash. Turn ignition on. On scan tool, observe APS DATA LIST parameters. APS parameters should be as specified. See CHECKING ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR PARAMETERSΒ
table. If APS parameters are as specified, clear DTC and testing is complete. If APS parameters are not as specified, go to next step.CHECKING ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR PARAMETERS
Accelerator Position Sensor Specification (%) Accelerator Position Sensor No. 1 Closed Throttle 13 Wide Open Throttle 85-89 Accelerator Position Sensor No. 2 Closed Throttle 85-89 Wide Open Throttle 11-15 Accelerator Position Sensor No. 3 Closed Throttle 85-89 Wide Open Throttle 32-36 - To adjust APS, loosen fastener on either side of sensor. See Fig 1 . On scan tool, observe APS parameter while moving sensor until specifications are met. See Fig 2 . Tighten fasteners, and go to next step.
- After adjustment is complete, use scan tool to verify APS parameters. If parameters are as specified, testing is complete. Is parameters are not as specified, re-adjust sensor as necessary.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
