Carbon buildup on the throttle blade and bore, causing it to stick; Faulty throttle body assembly (worn motor or position sensors); Damaged or corroded wiring to the throttle body connector; Poor electrical connection at the throttle body harness; Failed ECM (rare, but possible after other causes ruled out); Intake air leaks downstream of the throttle body; Binding throttle shaft or mechanical interference inside the throttle body

DTC codes / GM codes / P1514

P1514 · GMThrottle Body Performance

Q: What does code P1514 mean?

Throttle Body Performance. P1514 on GM vehicles indicates the engine control module (ECM) has detected a performance problem with the electronic throttle body, typically a mismatch between the commanded throttle blade position and the actual position reported by the throttle position sensors. The ECM sets this code when the throttle body fails to respond correctly during a self-test or while the engine is running, often due to carbon buildup, a faulty throttle body motor, or wiring issues.

P1514 on GM vehicles indicates the engine control module (ECM) has detected a performance problem with the electronic throttle body, typically a mismatch between the commanded throttle blade position and the actual position reported by the throttle position sensors. The ECM sets this code when the throttle body fails to respond correctly during a self-test or while the engine is running, often due to carbon buildup, a faulty throttle body motor, or wiring issues.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGM specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with reduced engine power message
Engine may idle rough or stall unexpectedly
Throttle pedal feels unresponsive or acceleration is limited
Transmission may shift harshly or refuse to downshift
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent

Common causes, most likely first

Carbon buildup on the throttle blade and bore, causing it to stick
Faulty throttle body assembly (worn motor or position sensors)
Damaged or corroded wiring to the throttle body connector
Poor electrical connection at the throttle body harness
Failed ECM (rare, but possible after other causes ruled out)
Intake air leaks downstream of the throttle body
Binding throttle shaft or mechanical interference inside the throttle body

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the throttle body for carbon deposits and clean it with throttle body cleaner and a soft brush
Check the throttle body harness connector for corrosion, loose pins, or damaged wires
Perform a throttle body relearn procedure with a scan tool after cleaning or replacement
Measure resistance of the throttle body motor and position sensors and compare to specifications
Check for intake air leaks between the throttle body and engine
Replace the throttle body if cleaning and wiring checks do not resolve the code
If the code persists after replacing the throttle body, diagnose the ECM and its connections

Common Missteps When Diagnosing P1514

Many technicians replace the throttle body without first cleaning it, but carbon buildup is a frequent cause and cleaning often resolves the issue.
A dirty throttle body can cause the ECM to set P1514 even when the throttle body itself is mechanically sound, so cleaning should always be the first step.
The throttle body relearn procedure is critical after any service; skipping it can cause the code to return immediately.
Wiring problems at the throttle body connector are often overlooked, especially on higher-mileage vehicles where vibration and heat degrade insulation.
P1514 can be set by a low battery or charging system issue that causes voltage spikes, so check battery health and grounds before condemning the throttle body.

Can I keep driving with P1514?

You can often drive with P1514, but the vehicle may enter reduced power mode, limiting acceleration and speed. Avoid heavy throttle and high-speed driving until the fault is repaired, as the throttle may become unresponsive.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for GM vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.