AutoCodes – Toyota – P0120 2005 Toyota Corolla

P0120 2005 Toyota Corolla Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction 3ZZ-FE Engine

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 2005 Toyota Corolla indicates Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction 3ZZ-FE Engine.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 5,743
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 2005 Toyota Corolla 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 2005 Toyota Corolla - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction 3ZZ-FE Engine - AutoCodes.com
P0120 2005 Toyota Corolla Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction 3ZZ-FE Engine

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0120 2005 Toyota Corolla?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0120 2005 Toyota Corolla?

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 2005 Toyota Corolla 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 2005 Toyota Corolla code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0120 2005 Toyota Corolla 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 2005 Toyota Corolla Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0120 in a 2005 Toyota Corolla?

- Common symptoms include issues with acceleration, poor throttle response, and in some cases, the vehicle may go into limp mode.

2. What causes the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in a 2005 Toyota Corolla with a 3ZZ-FE engine?

- The code P0120 can be triggered by a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors related to the sensor, or issues with the throttle body itself.

3. How can I diagnose the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in my 2005 Toyota Corolla?

- Diagnosing the issue involves checking the throttle position sensor's wiring and connectors for damage, testing the sensor's functionality, and inspecting the throttle body for any issues.

4. Can a dirty throttle body cause the P0120 code in a 2005 Toyota Corolla?

- Yes, a dirty or clogged throttle body can cause erratic readings from the throttle position sensor, leading to the P0120 code being triggered.

5. Is it safe to drive my 2005 Toyota Corolla with the P0120 code present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the P0120 code active, as it can lead to performance issues and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

6. How can I repair the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in my 2005 Toyota Corolla?

- Repairing the issue may involve replacing the throttle position sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, cleaning the throttle body, or resetting the system after the repair.

7. Can I reset the OBDII code P0120 in my 2005 Toyota Corolla without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code temporarily, it will likely return if the root cause of the issue is not addressed.

8. How much does it cost to replace the throttle position sensor in a 2005 Toyota Corolla?

- The cost of replacing the throttle position sensor can vary depending on the part's brand and where the repair is done, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300.

9. Will disconnecting the battery reset the P0120 code in a 2005 Toyota Corolla?

- Disconnecting the battery may clear the code temporarily, but it is not a guaranteed fix. It is recommended to diagnose and repair the underlying issue causing the code to appear.

10. Can a DIY enthusiast replace the throttle position sensor in a 2005 Toyota Corolla?

- While replacing the throttle position sensor is within reach for some DIY enthusiasts, it may require some mechanical knowledge and the right tools. If unsure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.

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