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P1157 — Electric throttle signal malfunction

Detailed page for trouble code P1157.

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Code

P1157

CITROEN P — Powertrain

Electric throttle signal malfunction

Brand: CITROEN
Views: UK: 4 EN: 5 RU: 6
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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Damaged or corroded throttle body connector/pins
  • Broken, chafed or shorted wiring between throttle body and ECU
  • Faulty throttle position sensor(s) or internal throttle body encoder
  • Poor ground or missing reference voltage to the sensor(s)
  • Intermittent connector contact (water ingress, corrosion)
  • ECU/PCM fault or software calibration error

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Lamp (MIL) on with related codes
  • Reduced engine power / limp-home mode
  • Unstable or high/low idle
  • Poor throttle response, hesitation or surging
  • Throttle mechanical feel unchanged but engine does not respond
  • Possible inability to accelerate to normal speed

What to check

  • Read all stored and pending codes and freeze frame with a capable scan tool
  • Check for related stored codes (throttle, intake air, pedal position sensors, ECU communications)
  • Visual inspection of throttle body connector and wiring harness for damage or corrosion
  • Check battery voltage and main power/ignition feeds to ECU and throttle body
  • Measure sensor reference voltage and ground at the throttle body connector
  • Compare live throttle position sensor(s) and accelerator pedal sensor values with scan tool while operating pedal

Signal parameters

  • Sensor reference voltage: about 5.0 V (nominal) — present at ignition ON
  • Sensor ground: near 0 V with good continuity to chassis/ECU ground
  • Throttle position sensor output (idle/closed): typically ~0.5–1.0 V
  • Throttle position sensor output (wide open): typically ~4.0–4.5 V
  • Dual sensor behavior: two sensor outputs should correlate (one increasing while the other decreases or both closely matched depending on design)
  • Signal waveform: steady DC voltage for potentiometer types or stable digital/Hall waveform for non-contact sensors; no excessive noise or dropout

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Read and record all DTCs and freeze-frame data. Note battery voltage when code set.
  2. Verify vehicle symptoms and attempt to reproduce while monitoring live TPS, pedal position and throttle commanded/actual values.
  3. Visually inspect throttle body connector, pins and wiring for corrosion, bent pins, water ingress or physical damage.
  4. With ignition ON (engine off), measure reference voltage and ground at the throttle body connector. Confirm ~5 V reference and good ground continuity to ECU.
  5. Measure TPS signal voltages at closed and open throttle positions; compare to expected ranges and to pedal sensor(s). Look for inconsistent or out‑of‑range readings.
  6. Perform wiggle test on wiring and connector while watching live data for intermittent changes. Backprobe carefully or use breakout adapter to avoid connector damage.
  7. If available, use an oscilloscope to check for noise, dropouts or incorrect waveform shape on sensor outputs.
  8. Use diagnostic tool to command throttle actuator and observe reported actual position. Perform adaptation/calibration procedure if supported and required after repairs.
  9. If wiring, connectors and power/ground are good but signal remains faulty, consider replacement or bench test of the throttle body assembly.
  10. After repair or replacement, clear codes and road test to confirm fault does not return. Re‑check live data and perform final adaptation if needed.
  11. If fault persists with good throttle body and wiring, investigate ECU input circuits or consult manufacturer technical service for module testing/recoding.

Likely causes

  • Open/short in signal or reference wiring to throttle position sensor
  • Contaminated or loose connector at throttle body
  • Failed dual throttle position sensor (potentiometer/Hall sensor)
  • Throttle body motor/encoder degraded internally
  • Faulty ECU input stage (less common)

Fault status

⚠️ Status
P1157 — Electric throttle signal malfunction: throttle position/feedback signal out of expected range or inconsistent with pedal/input. Check throttle body, wiring, and sensor signals.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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