OBD Guide
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P0120

Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit

P0120 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit. Common causes: faulty throttle position sensor, open or short circuit in tps wiring. Estimated repair cost: $17–167.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Limited driving only, diagnose soon
Approx. repair cost
$17–167 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Unstable idle speed
  • Poor responsiveness to the gas pedal
  • Jerks and dips during acceleration
  • The engine may stall at idle speed
  • Enabling Limp Mode
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Check Engine Light Is On

Causes

  • Faulty throttle position sensor
  • Open or short circuit in TPS wiring
  • Oxidation or corrosion of connector contacts
  • Mechanical damage to the throttle assembly
  • Throttle valve contamination
  • Engine ECU malfunction
  • Calibration failure after replacing components

How to Fix

  1. Connect a diagnostic scanner and read all error codes
  2. Check the supply voltage at the TPS sensor (should be 5V)
  3. Measure the resistance and voltage of the TPS signal at different throttle positions
  4. Visually inspect wiring and connectors for damage
  5. Clean the connector contacts and treat them with contact lubricant.
  6. If necessary, replace the throttle position sensor
  7. Clean the throttle assembly from carbon deposits and dirt
  8. Perform adaptation or calibration of the throttle assembly
  9. Clear error codes and test drive

Related codes

P0121P0122P0123P0220P0222P0223P2135

Error P0120 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the P0120 code mean?

P0120 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit

What causes a P0120 error code?

The most common causes of P0120 include: Faulty throttle position sensor; Open or short circuit in TPS wiring; Oxidation or corrosion of connector contacts; Mechanical damage to the throttle assembly.

How do I fix a P0120 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0120: Connect a diagnostic scanner and read all error codes. Check the supply voltage at the TPS sensor (should be 5V). Measure the resistance and voltage of the TPS signal at different throttle positions. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0120?

Limited driving only, diagnose soon

How much does it cost to fix P0120?

The estimated repair cost for P0120 is $17–167. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

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