AutoCodes – Toyota – P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander

P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D' Circuit

Quick Answer

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is mounted on the accelerator pedal to detect the angle of the accelerator pedal. Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) 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
P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander indicates Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D' Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 1,802
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 P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander Description

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is mounted on the accelerator pedal to detect the angle of the accelerator pedal. This sensor is electronically controlled and uses Hall-effect elements.
In the accelerator pedal position sensor, the voltage applied to terminals VPA and VPA2 of the Engine Control Module (ECM) changes between 0 V and 5 V in proportion to the angle of the accelerator pedal. The VPA is a signal to indicate the actual accelerator pedal angle and is used for the engine control. VPA2 is used to detect malfunctions of the sensor itself.
The ECM monitors the accelerator pedal angle from VPA and VPA2 signal outputs, and controls the throttle motor based on these signals.
OBDII Code P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D' Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D' Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander?

  • Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor
  • Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander?

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 P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander 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 P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander 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 P2120 2006 Toyota Highlander Code

1. What does the OBDII code P2120 mean on a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

P2120 indicates a malfunction in the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D' Circuit, which monitors the position of the accelerator pedal.

2. What are the symptoms of P2120 on a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

Common symptoms include reduced engine performance, activation of the check engine light, hesitation or lack of throttle response, and potentially the vehicle entering limp mode.

3. What causes the P2120 code on a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

Possible causes include a faulty throttle pedal position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the vehicle's engine control module (ECM).

4. How is the P2120 code diagnosed on a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

A technician will use an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, visually inspect the wiring and connectors, test the throttle pedal position sensor, and check for proper voltage and signal output.

5. Can I drive my 2006 Toyota Highlander with a P2120 code?

Driving with a P2120 code is not recommended, as it can lead to reduced throttle response or the vehicle entering limp mode, which may compromise safety.

6. How do I fix the P2120 code on a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

Repairs may involve replacing the throttle pedal position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the ECM if necessary.

7. How much does it cost to repair a P2120 code on a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

The cost can vary depending on the repair, but replacing the throttle pedal position sensor typically ranges from $100 to $300, including parts and labor.

8. Can a dirty throttle body cause the P2120 code on a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

No, the P2120 code specifically relates to the throttle pedal position sensor circuit, not the throttle body. However, a dirty throttle body can cause other performance issues.

9. Is the throttle pedal position sensor the same as the accelerator pedal sensor?

Yes, the throttle pedal position sensor is often referred to as the accelerator pedal sensor, as it monitors the position of the accelerator pedal.

10. Will resetting the check engine light fix the P2120 code on a 2006 Toyota Highlander?

Resetting the light may temporarily clear the code, but the underlying issue must be diagnosed and repaired to prevent the code from returning.

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