AutoCodesToyota – P0123 Toyota

P0123 Toyota Code - Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch 'A' Circuit High Input

Quick Answer

The throttle position sensor is mounted on the throttle with motor body assembly and detects the opening angle of the throttle valve. Common causes include Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (built into Throttle Body Assembly), 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
P0123 Toyota indicates Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch 'A' Circuit High Input.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (built into Throttle Body Assembly), 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 41,549
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 23, 2022
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0123 Toyota Description

The throttle position sensor is mounted on the throttle with motor body assembly and detects the opening angle of the throttle valve. This sensor is a non-contact type sensor. 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.
As the valve closes, the sensor output voltage decreases and as the valve opens, the sensor output voltage increases. The Engine Control Module (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.
The ECM uses the throttle position sensor to monitor the throttle valve opening angle. There are several checks that the ECM performs to confirm the proper operation of the throttle position sensor.
This sensor transmits two signals, if the output voltage difference between the two signals deviates from the normal operating range, the ECM interprets this as a malfunction in the throttle position sensor. The ECM illuminates the MIL and stores the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
OBDII Code P0123 Toyota - Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch 'A' Circuit High Input - AutoCodes.com
P0123 Toyota Code - Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch 'A' Circuit High Input

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0123 Toyota?

  • Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (built into Throttle Body Assembly)
  • Throttle Position Sensor circuit is open or shorted
  • Throttle Position Sensor poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0123 Toyota?

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 Toyota 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 Toyota code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0123 Toyota code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0123 Toyota code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Toyota Models

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 Toyota Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0123 mean on a Toyota?

P0123 indicates that the Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor (TPS) 'A' circuit has a high input voltage, meaning the sensor is reporting a voltage above its expected range.

2. What are the symptoms of a P0123 code in a Toyota?

Common symptoms include poor engine performance, difficulty accelerating, high or erratic idle, stalling, and the check engine light being illuminated.

3. What causes the P0123 code to appear on a Toyota?

Possible causes include a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a stuck throttle body, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. How do I diagnose a P0123 code on my Toyota?

Start by inspecting the TPS and its wiring for damage or corrosion, check the throttle body for proper operation, and use a multimeter to test the TPS voltage range.

5. Can I drive my Toyota with a P0123 code?

Driving with a P0123 code is not recommended, as it may cause poor performance, stalling, or unsafe driving conditions.

6. How do I fix the P0123 code on a Toyota?

Repairs may involve replacing the throttle position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, cleaning the throttle body, or, in rare cases, replacing the ECM.

7. How much does it cost to fix a P0123 code on a Toyota?

The cost depends on the specific repair needed. Replacing a TPS typically costs $100–$300 for parts and labor, but wiring repairs or ECM replacement may be more expensive.

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

Yes, a dirty or sticking throttle body can cause incorrect voltage readings from the TPS, potentially triggering the P0123 code.

9. How do I prevent the P0123 code from recurring?

Regular maintenance, including cleaning the throttle body, inspecting the TPS and wiring, and addressing check engine lights promptly, can help prevent recurrence.

10. Will clearing the P0123 code with a scanner fix the problem?

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

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0123 Toyota OBDII Code

Code P0123 Toyota comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play