Pinpoint Test E: Accelerator Pedal Sensor: Description

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 14 other vehicles, including the 1996 Ford RV Cutaway, 1996 Ford Pickup, 1996 Ford F-Super Duty, 1996 Ford Econoline, and 1996 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Accelerator Pedal (AP) sensor provides Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with driver's demand for power. AP signal is used in calculating desired fuel quantity, injection timing and injection control pressure. DTC 0122 indicates AP sensor circuit low input. DTC 0123 indicates AP sensor circuit high input. DTC 0220 indicates throttle switch "B" circuit malfunction. DTC 0221 indicates throttle switch "B" circuit performance. Any detected malfunction of AP sensor will illuminate CHECK ENGINE light. An AP signal that is detected out of range (high or low) by PCM will cause engine to ignore AP signal and will only allow engine to operate at low idle. If a disagreement in Idle Validation Switch (IVS) and AP sensor state is detected by PCM, engine will only be allowed to operate at low idle.

Perform this test when directed here by QUICK TEST. This PINPOINT TEST is intended to diagnose the following:

AP sensor.
Wiring harness circuits; (VREF, SIG RTN and AP).
Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

NOTE: Base idle should be no less than .5 volts.

Fig 1: Accelerator Pedal Sensor Circuits & Connector Terminals