AutoCodes – Toyota – P0120 2005 Toyota Prius

P0120 2005 Toyota Prius 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 2005 Toyota Prius 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 6,677
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 Prius 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 Prius - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com
P0120 2005 Toyota Prius Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction

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

  • 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 Prius?

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 Prius 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 Prius code?

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

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

The common symptoms include issues with acceleration, reduced engine power, stalling, and the illumination of the Check Engine light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0120 indicate in a 2005 Toyota Prius?

OBDII code P0120 in a 2005 Toyota Prius indicates a Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0120 in a 2005 Toyota Prius?

The possible causes include a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, an issue with the throttle body, or a problem with the Engine Control Module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0120 in my 2005 Toyota Prius?

Diagnosing the issue involves checking the throttle position sensor's wiring and connectors, testing the sensor's voltage output, inspecting the throttle body for any faults, and scanning the ECM for related error codes.

5. Can I still drive my 2005 Toyota Prius with OBDII code P0120?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with OBDII code P0120 as it can lead to unsafe driving conditions, reduced performance, and potential engine stalling.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0120 in my 2005 Toyota Prius?

Repairing the code may involve replacing the throttle position sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, cleaning or replacing the throttle body, or reprogramming the ECM.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0120 in a 2005 Toyota Prius?

While some aspects of the repair may be DIY-friendly, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for accurate diagnosis and proper repair of OBDII code P0120 in a 2005 Toyota Prius.

8. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P0120 in a 2005 Toyota Prius?

The cost of repairing OBDII code P0120 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, the parts needed for repair, and the labor rates of the repair shop. It is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple mechanics.

9. Will resetting the Check Engine light resolve OBDII code P0120 in a 2005 Toyota Prius?

Resetting the Check Engine light may temporarily turn it off, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing OBDII code P0120. It is essential to diagnose and repair the problem to prevent further damage.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code P0120 from occurring in my 2005 Toyota Prius?

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspecting the throttle body, checking the throttle position sensor's operation, and promptly addressing any related issues, can help prevent OBDII code P0120 from occurring.

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