AutoCodes – Saturn – P0120 Saturn

P0120 Saturn Code - Throttle Position Sensor 1 Circuit

Quick Answer

The Throttle Position (TP) Sensor responds to the accelerator pedal movement. 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 Saturn indicates Throttle Position Sensor 1 Circuit .
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 4,938

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
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0120 Saturn Description

The Throttle Position (TP) Sensor responds to the accelerator pedal movement. This sensor is a kind of potentiometer which transforms the throttle position into output voltage, and emits the voltage signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM). In addition, the sensor detects the opening and closing speed of the throttle valve and feeds the voltage signal to the ECM.
Idle position of the throttle valve is determined by the ECM receiving the signal from the throttle position sensor. This sensor controls engine operation such as fuel cut. On the other hand, the Wide open and closed throttle position switch, which is built into the throttle position sensor unit, is not used for engine control.

OBDII Code P0120 Saturn - Throttle Position Sensor 1 Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P0120 Saturn Code - Throttle Position Sensor 1 Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0120 Saturn?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0120 Saturn?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0120 Saturn 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.

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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.