P0120 Code: What It Means and How to Fix It

How to Diagnose and Fix a P0120 Code Like a Pro

As a diagnostic technician, I’ve seen countless vehicles come in with a P0120 code, and most drivers have no idea what it means. The truth is, this trouble code is one of the most common throttle body faults, and while it sounds intimidating, the root causes are often straightforward.

Let me walk you through what the P0120 code actually means, how your throttle body sensors work, the most common causes, and the proven steps to fix it correctly.

What the P0120 Code Means

When your scan tool shows a P0120 code, it’s telling you that the engine control module (ECM) has detected a fault in the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) A circuit.

All electronic throttle control systems — also called “throttle-by-wire” — rely on multiple sensors to monitor the position of the throttle plate. These sensors provide voltage signals to the ECM that correspond to the angle of the plate. If the signal from sensor A doesn’t match what the ECM expects, or if it’s outside the normal voltage range, the ECM sets the P0120 code.

In simple terms, the P0120 code means the computer doesn’t trust the data coming from one of its throttle position sensors.

When this happens, you may also see other related throttle body codes such as P0121, P0122, P0123, or P0124 — but P0120 is the starting point that indicates a problem in the circuit for TPS “A.”

A Quick Look at An Electronic Throttle Body

All throttle-by-wire throttle systems have the same basic parts:

1) a throttle body with a throttle plate that opens and closes to control the amount of air entering the engine,

2) A motor and gears to move the plate, and

3) Two or more throttle position sensors (TPS). When the throttle body sensors fail, you often see a P0120 code, along with other possible codes listed below.

This image shows the parts of an electronic throttle body

Each TPS uses a variable resistor to change the voltage based on the throttle angle. One sensor’s voltage rises as the throttle opens, while the other’s drops. The ECM constantly compares these signals to make sure they make sense.

When the signals disagree — or the total voltage doesn’t add up to five volts — the ECM flags a P0120 code or another TPS-related fault.

The Most Common Causes of a P0120 Code

In my experience, there are a handful of issues that trigger a P0120 code, and most can be confirmed with basic diagnostic tools.

Here are the most likely causes:

• Wiring problems—  Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring at the throttle body connector is a leading cause of the P0120 code. The sensor signal or reference voltage may drop out intermittently.
• Failed throttle position sensor (TPS)—  Over time, internal wear or contamination can cause dead spots in the sensor, leading to incorrect voltage output.
• Carbon buildup— Excess carbon around the throttle plate can restrict movement or prevent full closure, confusing the ECM and triggering the P0120 code.
• Faulty throttle actuator motor— A weak or sticking motor can prevent the plate from moving correctly, resulting in sensor mismatches.

• ECM issues—  Although rare, internal ECM faults or poor ground connections can cause false throttle position readings.

Symptoms You’ll Notice With a P0120 Code

When the ECM detects a P0120 code, it usually activates the check engine light and may trigger “limp mode” to protect the engine. Here’s what you might experience:

• Sudden loss of throttle response or reduced power.
• The throttle is sticking or surging unexpectedly.
• Rough idle or stalling after startup.
• Poor acceleration or jerky throttle input.

If your car suddenly won’t rev past a certain RPM, it’s a strong indicator that the P0120 code has forced the vehicle into reduced-power mode.

How I Diagnose and Fix a P0120 Code

When diagnosing a P0120 code, I always start with a visual inspection. I check the throttle body connector, wiring harness, and nearby vacuum lines for damage or corrosion.

Next, I connect a scan tool and monitor live data from both throttle position sensors. In a healthy system, the two voltage signals will rise and fall smoothly in opposite directions as the throttle is opened.

If I see dropouts, flat spots, or readings that don’t add up to 5 volts combined, I know I’m dealing with a sensor or wiring issue.

Here’s my step-by-step process:

1)Inspect and clean the throttle body to remove carbon buildup.
2) Test the 5-volt reference signal and ground integrity with a multimeter.
3) Backprobe the TPS signal wires and check for smooth voltage sweep between 0.5V (closed) and 4.5V (wide open).
4) Wiggle the wiring harness to check for intermittent faults.

If everything checks out, replace the throttle body assembly or TPS as required.

Clearing the P0120 code after repairs and retesting ensures the fix is verified and the ECM sees proper correlation between the throttle plate command and feedback signals.

Preventing Future Throttle Body Trouble Codes

You can prevent another P0120 code by keeping the throttle body clean and inspecting electrical connectors during regular maintenance. Modern vehicles are sensitive to voltage fluctuations, so that a clean connection can make all the difference.

Also, make sure your battery and charging system are healthy — low voltage can cause erratic throttle readings that mimic a bad sensor.

My Expert Take on the P0120 Code

When a P0120 code appears, it’s not something to ignore. The car’s computer relies heavily on accurate throttle position feedback for fuel management and safety systems.

While a simple cleaning or wiring repair often solves the issue, continued driving with this fault can lead to more serious problems — including unsafe throttle behavior.

In my shop, I’ve found that about 70% of P0120 code repairs come down to simple cleaning or connector issues. The rest usually require throttle body replacement. Either way, diagnosing it early saves money and prevents driveability headaches later.

Most common electronic throttle body trouble codes

P0120-P0124 are for sensor A.
P0220-P0224 are for sensor B.
P0225-P0229 are for sensor C.

The codes in the three sets cover circuit malfunctions, such as high or low inputs. These codes indicate an issue with the throttle body position sensors, wiring harness, or connectors.

Use the live data on a scan tool or a multimeter to check for proper operation of the throttle position sensors.

The most common electronic throttle body trouble code is P2119 Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Performance. This ECM sets this code when the commanded throttle plate angle does not match the actual throttle position angle reported by the throttle position sensors. This is called a plausibility code, meaning the computer can’t make sense of the incoming data.

The most common causes of P2119

P2119 can be caused by either mechanical or electrical problems. For example, a change in throttle angle should immediately alter the signal sent from the mass airflow sensor or manifold air pressure sensor. If it doesn’t, a P2119 can be set.

Carbon buildup in the throttle body or a dirty MAF sensor can cause this. Check those two items first when diagnosing a P2119

Are there other trouble codes?

Check for codes in other modules for loss of communication. Resolve those trouble codes before addressing the throttle body-related trouble codes.

Diagnose P2119

The scan tool compares live data with the commanded and actual throttle angle values. On most vehicles, these two data PIDs should match. Next, check for proper reference voltages to all throttle position sensors. The reference voltages should all be the same and match specs in the shop manual.

If those values are correct, look at the signal voltages of sensors A and B. For most vehicles, when you add up the two signal voltages, they should equal the reference voltage.

©, 2023 Rick Muscoplat