Posts Tagged: throttle position sensor
What a P0121 Code Means and How to Fix It Fast
P0121 Code: What It Means, What Causes It, and How I Diagnose It Quick Summary A P0121 code is defined as: a Throttle Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/Performance Problem. This means the ECM is seeing a mismatch between the expected and actual throttle position data. In most cases, the root cause is a faulty throttle position sensor, a dirty or sticking throttle body, or wiring issues. The key to fixing a P0121 code is verifying the signal integrity between the throttle body and the ECM. If you follow a structured … Read More
P0120 Code: What It Means and How to Fix It Fast
P0120 Code: Diagnosis and Repair Guide Quick Summary A P0120 code is defined as: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor ‘A’ Circuit. It means the engine computer is having trouble trusting the data from one of the throttle position sensors (TPS). The throttle position sensors tell the computer exactly how far the throttle plate is open. When that signal becomes inaccurate, inconsistent, or out of range, the computer sets the P0120 code and may put the vehicle into reduced-power or limp mode. The most common causes of a P0120 code are a failing … Read More
Throttle position sensor TPS
Diagnose and replace throttle position sensor TPS What does a throttle position sensor do? A throttle position sensor is a potentiometer that changes voltage as it moves. It’s tells the ECM how far the driver is opening the throttle. In older vehicles it’s mounted right on the throttle body. However, in newer cars, the TPS is located right on the gas pedal inside the cabin. The manufacturers eliminated the cable to the throttle body and rely instead on stepper motors to open and close the throttle plate. What goes wrong … Read More