AutoCodesFord – P0123 2003 Ford F150

P0123 2003 Ford F150 Code - Throttle Position Circuit High Input

Quick Answer

The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) responds to the accelerator pedal movement. Common causes include Faulty throttle position sensor, Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted, Throttle position sensor circuit 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
P0123 2003 Ford F150 indicates Throttle Position Circuit High Input .
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty throttle position sensor, Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted, Throttle position sensor circuit 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 4,285
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P0123 2003 Ford F150 Description

The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) 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 P0123 2003 Ford F150 - Throttle Position Circuit High Input  - AutoCodes.com
P0123 2003 Ford F150 Code - Throttle Position Circuit High Input

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0123 2003 Ford F150?

  • Faulty throttle position sensor
  • Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Throttle position sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0123 2003 Ford F150?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0123 2003 Ford F150 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 P0123 2003 Ford F150 code?

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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 P0123 2003 Ford F150 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0123 mean for a 2003 Ford F150?

P0123 indicates that the throttle position sensor (TPS) circuit is reporting a voltage higher than the expected range to the engine control module (ECM).

2. What are common symptoms of code P0123 in a 2003 Ford F150?

Symptoms may include poor acceleration, rough idling, engine stalling, reduced fuel efficiency, and possibly the activation of limp mode.

3. What causes the P0123 code to appear on a 2003 Ford F150?

Common causes include a faulty throttle position sensor (TPS), damaged wiring or connectors in the TPS circuit, or a malfunctioning ECM.

4. Can I drive my 2003 Ford F150 with code P0123?

Driving with P0123 is not recommended, as it can cause poor performance and may lead to further damage if the throttle position sensor issue persists.

5. How do I fix the P0123 code on a 2003 Ford F150?

Start by inspecting the TPS wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion. If they’re intact, test the TPS with a multimeter and replace it if faulty.

6. How much does it cost to fix code P0123 on a 2003 Ford F150?

Repair costs vary but typically range from $100 to $250, depending on whether the TPS or wiring needs replacement.

7. Can a dirty throttle body cause the P0123 code?

A dirty throttle body usually doesn’t cause P0123 directly, but cleaning it is a good maintenance step to rule out any related issues.

8. How do I test the throttle position sensor on a 2003 Ford F150?

Use a multimeter to check the TPS voltage output. The voltage should increase smoothly as the throttle opens. Spikes or constant high voltage may indicate a faulty sensor.

9. Will clearing the P0123 code solve the problem on my 2003 Ford F150?

Clearing the code may turn off the check engine light temporarily, but the underlying issue must be fixed to prevent the code from returning.

10. Can a bad ECM cause the P0123 code on a 2003 Ford F150?

While rare, a malfunctioning ECM can cause P0123. However, it’s more common for the issue to stem from the TPS or its wiring.

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