AutoCodes – Toyota – P0120 2010 Toyota Camry

P0120 2010 Toyota Camry Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

The TP sensor is mounted on the throttle body, and detects the opening angle of the throttle valve. Common causes include Faulty Throttle Position Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor circuit is open or shorted, Throttle Position Sensor poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0120 2010 Toyota Camry indicates Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Throttle Position Sensor, Throttle Position Sensor circuit is open or shorted, Throttle Position Sensor poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 3,235

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0120 2010 Toyota Camry Description

The TP sensor is mounted on the throttle body, and detects the opening angle of the throttle valve. This sensor is a non-contact type. It uses Hall-effect elements in order to yield accurate signals even in extreme driving conditions, such as at high speeds as well as very low speeds. The TP sensor has two sensor circuits which each transmits a signal, VTA1 and VTA2. VTA1 is used to detect the throttle valve angle and VTA2 is used to detect malfunctions in VTA1. The sensor signal voltages vary between 0 V and 5 V in proportion to the throttle valve opening angle, and are transmitted to the VTA terminals of the ECM.
As the valve closes, the sensor output voltage decreases and as the valve opens, the sensor output voltage increases. The ECM calculates the throttle valve opening angle according to these signals and controls the throttle actuator in response to driver inputs. These signals are also used in calculations such as air-fuel ratio correction, power increase correction and fuel-cut control.

OBDII Code P0120 2010 Toyota Camry - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P0120 2010 Toyota Camry Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0120 2010 Toyota Camry?

Faulty Throttle Position Sensor
Throttle Position Sensor circuit is open or shorted
Throttle Position Sensor poor electrical connection
ECM

How to Fix the DTC P0120 2010 Toyota Camry?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Very common problem with Toyota models. Before replacing any parts, try cleaning the throttle body and reset the light. If the codes come back, then it will necessary to replaced the throttle position sensor (TPS which is built into the throttle body).

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0120 2010 Toyota Camry code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0120 2010 Toyota Camry code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0120 2010 Toyota Camry code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0120 2010 Toyota Camry Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0120 in a 2010 Toyota Camry?

- Common symptoms include issues with acceleration, decreased power, stalling, and in some cases, the vehicle may go into "limp mode."

2. What does the OBDII code P0120 on a 2010 Toyota Camry indicate?

- The code P0120 indicates a Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in the vehicle's electronic throttle control system.

3. What could cause the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in a 2010 Toyota Camry?

- Possible causes include a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or issues with the electronic control module.

4. How can I diagnose the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in my 2010 Toyota Camry?

- Diagnosis typically involves using an OBDII scanner to read the code, checking the throttle pedal position sensor's voltage, and inspecting related wiring and connectors.

5. Can I continue driving my 2010 Toyota Camry with the P0120 code?

- It's not recommended to drive with this code present, as it can lead to performance issues and potential safety hazards. It's best to address the issue promptly.

6. Are there any quick fixes or temporary solutions for the P0120 code in a 2010 Toyota Camry?

- Temporary solutions are not advised, as they may not address the underlying issue causing the malfunction. It's recommended to properly diagnose and repair the problem.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in a 2010 Toyota Camry?

- The cost of repairs can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

8. Can I reset the OBDII code P0120 in my 2010 Toyota Camry without fixing the issue?

- While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it's crucial to address the underlying problem to prevent further issues and potential damage to the vehicle.

9. Is the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction a common issue in 2010 Toyota Camrys?

- While not extremely common, this issue can occur in 2010 Toyota Camrys due to sensor wear, wiring issues, or electronic control module failures.

10. Can I replace the throttle position sensor in my 2010 Toyota Camry myself?

- While technically possible for experienced DIYers, replacing the throttle position sensor may require specialized tools and knowledge. It's recommended to consult a professional mechanic for this repair.