APP Sensor Tests (2002-2003 4.2L Oldsmobile Bravada)

TEST 2: APP Sensor 1 Resistance Tests (2 Of 2)

APP Sensor 1 Resistance Tests (2 Of 2). How To Test The APP Sensor Assembly (2002, 2003 4.2L Oldsmobile Bravada)

Now that you've checked the circuit between terminals D and K, you'll check the resistance between terminal D and E as you depress and release the accelerator pedal.

Your multimeter should report the following (if all is good):

  • The resistance increases as you depress the accelerator pedal.
  • The resistance decreases as you release the accelerator pedal.

OK, let's get going:

  1. 1

    Disconnect the APP sensor assembly from its electrical connector.

  2. 2

    Place your multimeter in Ohms mode.

  3. 3

    Connect one multimeter test lead to terminal D.

  4. 4

    Connect the other multimeter test lead to terminal E.

  5. 5

    Note the Ohms reading on your multimeter.

    At this point you'll see a resistance reading somewhere around 2k to 3K Ohms.

    If you don't, don't worry. Continue on to the next step.

  6. 6

    Slowly depress the pedal by hand till it bottoms out.

  7. 7

    The resistance value should increase as you depress the pedal.

  8. 8

    Slowly release the accelerator pedal.

  9. 9

    The resistance value should decrease back to the original value you saw in step 5.

Let's examine your test results:

CASE 1: The resistance increased/decreased without any gaps. This is the correct test result.

The next step is testing APP sensor 2. Go to: TEST 3: APP Sensor 2 Resistance Tests (1 Of 2).

CASE 2: The resistance DID NOT increase. This lets you know APP sensor 1 is bad.

Replace the accelerator pedal assembly.

CASE 3: The resistance DID NOT decrease. This lets you know APP sensor 1 is bad.

Replace the accelerator pedal assembly.

CASE 4: The resistance DID NOT increase/decrease. This lets you know APP sensor 1 is bad.

Replace the accelerator pedal assembly.

TEST 3: APP Sensor 2 Resistance Tests (1 Of 2)

APP Sensor 2 Resistance Tests (1 Of 2). How To Test The APP Sensor Assembly (2002, 2003 4.2L Oldsmobile Bravada)

Now that you've confirmed that APP sensor 1 circuits are OK, we'll focus our attention on APP sensor 2.

To start your APP sensor 2 diagnostic, you'll check for continuity between terminals G and J (of APP sensor 2).

Here are the terminal details:

  • Terminal G receives 5 Volts DC from the PCM.
  • Terminal J receives Ground from the PCM.

The focus of this test section is making sure the circuit between terminals G and J hasn't suffered an open-circuit or a short-circuit problem.

Let's get started:

  1. 1

    Disconnect the APP sensor assembly from its electrical connector.

  2. 2

    Place your multimeter in Ohms mode.

  3. 3

    Connect one multimeter test lead to terminal G.

  4. 4

    Connect the other test lead to terminal J.

  5. 5

    Your multimeter should read continuity.

    You'll usually see an Ohms reading somewhere between 3K to 4K Ohms.

Let's examine your test results:

CASE 1: The multimeter registered continuity between terminals G and J. This is the correct test result.

Your next step is testing the resistance of APP sensor 2 while depressing/releasing the accelerator pedal. For this test go to: TEST 4: APP Sensor 2 Resistance Tests (2 Of 2).

CASE 2: The multimeter registered 0 Ohms (or a value very close to it) between terminals G and J. This test result confirms a short-circuit problem between terminals G and J.

With this test result, you can conclude the accelerator pedal assembly is defective and needs replacement.

CASE 3: The multimeter reports no continuity (the letters OL are displayed) between terminals G and J. This test result confirms an open-circuit problem between terminals G and J.

With this test result, you can conclude the accelerator pedal assembly is defective and needs replacement.

Oldsmobile Vehicles:

  • Bravada 4.2L
    • 2002, 2003