AutoCodes – Toyota – P0120 1998 Toyota Camry

P0120 1998 Toyota Camry Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

The throttle position sensor (TPS) 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 1998 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 11,788
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 P0120 1998 Toyota Camry 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 P0120 1998 Toyota Camry - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com
P0120 1998 Toyota Camry Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0120 1998 Toyota Camry?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0120 1998 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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0120 1998 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 1998 Toyota Camry code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0120 1998 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 1998 Toyota Camry Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0120 in a 1998 Toyota Camry?

- Common symptoms include stalling, poor acceleration, rough idling, and difficulty maintaining a steady speed.

2. What does the OBDII code P0120 for a 1998 Toyota Camry indicate?

- The code P0120 indicates a malfunction in the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit.

3. What are the possible causes of the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit malfunction in a 1998 Toyota Camry?

- Possible causes include a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or a problem with the throttle body itself.

4. How can I diagnose the issue causing OBDII code P0120 in my 1998 Toyota Camry?

- You can use a scan tool to read the code and further diagnose by checking the throttle position sensor's voltage, wiring integrity, and overall condition.

5. Can I still drive my 1998 Toyota Camry with OBDII code P0120?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with code P0120 as it can lead to further damage and unsafe driving conditions.

6. How can I repair the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit malfunction in my 1998 Toyota Camry?

- Repair options include replacing the throttle position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or cleaning the throttle body.

7. Are there any DIY tips for fixing OBDII code P0120 in a 1998 Toyota Camry?

- While some basic troubleshooting can be done at home, it's recommended to seek professional help for accurate diagnosis and repair of the issue.

8. Can a dirty throttle body cause OBDII code P0120 in a 1998 Toyota Camry?

- Yes, a dirty throttle body can affect the sensor readings and lead to code P0120. Cleaning the throttle body may help resolve the issue.

9. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P0120 in a 1998 Toyota Camry?

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

10. Will resetting the OBDII code P0120 in my 1998 Toyota Camry make the issue go away?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but the underlying issue causing code P0120 will still need to be addressed to prevent further problems.

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