P0120 is a generic OBD-II trouble code that means: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) – Circuit Malfunction. You can drive carefully for a short time, but have it fixed promptly. Ignoring it can reduce performance and damage other parts.
What does P0120 mean?
P0120 is a generic OBD-II trouble code that means: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) – Circuit Malfunction. The engine control module (ECM) stores this code when it detects a fault related to: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).
Can I still drive?
You can drive carefully for a short time, but have it fixed promptly. Ignoring it can reduce performance and damage other parts.
Symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Hesitation or jerking when accelerating
- Engine stalls
- Loss of power
- Car goes into limp mode
- Harsh or delayed gear shifts
Common causes
- Faulty sensor or component
- Damaged wiring or a loose/corroded connector
- Dirty throttle body
- ECM software issue or internal fault
How to fix it
- Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with an OBD-II scanner
- Inspect the wiring and connectors for damage, corrosion or looseness
- Clean the throttle body and idle air passages
- Test the sensor with a multimeter against the manufacturer's specification
- Replace the faulty component with a quality part
- Clear the code and road-test the car to confirm the repair
Frequently asked questions
What does code P0120 mean?
P0120 is a generic OBD-II trouble code that means: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) – Circuit Malfunction. The engine control module (ECM) stores this code when it detects a fault related to: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).
What causes code P0120?
The most common causes are: Faulty sensor or component; Damaged wiring or a loose/corroded connector; Dirty throttle body; ECM software issue or internal fault.
How do I fix code P0120?
Start with these steps: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with an OBD-II scanner; Inspect the wiring and connectors for damage, corrosion or looseness; Clean the throttle body and idle air passages; Test the sensor with a multimeter against the manufacturer's specification.
Is it safe to drive with code P0120?
Severity: Medium. You can drive carefully for a short time, but have it fixed promptly. Ignoring it can reduce performance and damage other parts.