AutoCodes – Toyota – P0120 2009 Toyota Camry

P0120 2009 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 2009 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 3,432

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0120 2009 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 2009 Toyota Camry - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P0120 2009 Toyota Camry Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0120 2009 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 2009 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.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Very common problem with Toyota models. Before replacing any parts, try cleaning the throttle body and reset the light. If the codes come back, then it will necessary to replaced the throttle position sensor (TPS which is built into the throttle body).

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0120 2009 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 2009 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 2009 Toyota Camry Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0120 in a 2009 Toyota Camry?

- Common symptoms include issues with acceleration, decreased power, stalling, and in some cases, the Check Engine light may illuminate.

2. What does the OBDII code P0120 indicate in a 2009 Toyota Camry?

- The code P0120 indicates a Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in the vehicle's electronic throttle control system.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0120 in a 2009 Toyota Camry?

- Possible causes include a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, issues with the throttle body, or a malfunctioning Engine Control Module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0120 in my 2009 Toyota Camry?

- A diagnostic scan tool can be used to read the code and further diagnose the issue by checking the throttle position sensor's voltage, inspecting wiring connections, and testing the throttle body.

5. Can I still drive my 2009 Toyota Camry with OBDII code P0120?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with code P0120 as it can lead to potential safety hazards and further damage to the engine or transmission.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0120 in a 2009 Toyota Camry?

- Repair methods may include replacing the throttle position sensor, repairing damaged wiring, cleaning the throttle body, or resetting the ECM after addressing the root cause of the malfunction.

7. Will resetting the Check Engine light resolve OBDII code P0120 in a 2009 Toyota Camry?

- Resetting the Check Engine light may temporarily clear the code, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction.

8. Is it safe to continue driving my 2009 Toyota Camry if the Check Engine light is not illuminated with code P0120?

- It is still not safe to continue driving the vehicle, as the underlying issue causing the code may still exist and could potentially worsen without immediate attention.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0120 in a 2009 Toyota Camry?

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

10. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0120 in a 2009 Toyota Camry?

- While some aspects of the repair may be DIY-friendly, diagnosing and fixing the root cause of the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction may require professional expertise and specialized tools.