AutoCodes – Toyota – P0120 2006 Toyota Camry

P0120 2006 Toyota Camry Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

The TP sensor is mounted on the throttle body, and detects the opening angle of the throttle valve. 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 2006 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 3,424
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 2006 Toyota Camry Description

The TP sensor is mounted on the throttle body, and detects the opening angle of the throttle valve. This sensor is a non-contact type. 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. The TP sensor has two sensor circuits which each transmits a signal, VTA1 and VTA2. VTA1 is used to detect the throttle valve angle and VTA2 is used to detect malfunctions in VTA1. The sensor signal voltages vary between 0 V and 5 V in proportion to the throttle valve opening angle, and are transmitted to the VTA terminals of the ECM.
As the valve closes, the sensor output voltage decreases and as the valve opens, the sensor output voltage increases. The 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.
OBDII Code P0120 2006 Toyota Camry - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com
P0120 2006 Toyota Camry Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0120 2006 Toyota Camry?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0120 2006 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 2006 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 2006 Toyota Camry code?

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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 2006 Toyota Camry Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0120 in a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- Common symptoms include issues with acceleration, decreased engine power, stalling, and problems with the vehicle's idle speed.

2. What causes the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- The P0120 code is typically triggered by a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring, a defective throttle body, or issues with the vehicle's electronic control module (ECM).

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0120 in my 2006 Toyota Camry?

- You can diagnose the issue by using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific trouble code, visually inspecting the throttle position sensor and related wiring, and conducting voltage tests to check for proper sensor operation.

4. Is it safe to drive my 2006 Toyota Camry with the P0120 code present?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with the P0120 code active, as it can lead to potential safety hazards and further damage to the engine and emission control system.

5. Can I repair the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in my 2006 Toyota Camry on my own?

- While some DIY enthusiasts may attempt to replace the throttle position sensor or repair wiring issues themselves, it is advisable to seek professional help for accurate diagnosis and proper repair.

6. How much does it typically cost to fix the P0120 code in a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- The cost of repairing the P0120 code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P0120 in my 2006 Toyota Camry make it go away permanently?

- Simply resetting the code without addressing the underlying issue will not make it disappear permanently. It is crucial to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem to prevent the code from reoccurring.

8. Can a dirty throttle body cause the P0120 code in a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- Yes, a dirty or malfunctioning throttle body can disrupt the throttle position sensor's operation and trigger the P0120 code. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the throttle body, can help prevent this issue.

9. Will a low battery voltage trigger the P0120 code in a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- Low battery voltage can sometimes affect the throttle position sensor's performance and lead to the P0120 code. Ensuring proper battery health and charging system operation is essential in diagnosing this issue.

10. How long does it typically take to repair the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- The repair time for addressing the P0120 code can vary based on the specific cause of the malfunction, but it may take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours for a professional technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

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