AutoCodes – Toyota – P0120 2011 Toyota Camry

P0120 2011 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 2011 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 3,153

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 2011 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 2011 Toyota Camry - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P0120 2011 Toyota Camry Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0120 2011 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011 Toyota Camry code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0120 2011 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 2011 Toyota Camry Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0120 in a 2011 Toyota Camry?

The common symptoms of code P0120 include issues with acceleration, lack of power, stalling, and in some cases, the vehicle may go into "limp mode" with limited performance.

2. What does the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction mean in a 2011 Toyota Camry?

The code P0120 indicates a malfunction in the circuit related to the throttle pedal position sensor or switch 'A' in the 2011 Toyota Camry, affecting the communication between the accelerator pedal and the engine control unit.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0120 in a 2011 Toyota Camry?

Common causes of code P0120 in a 2011 Toyota Camry include a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the throttle pedal circuit, or issues with the engine control module.

4. How can I diagnose the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Malfunction in my 2011 Toyota Camry?

Diagnosing code P0120 typically involves using an OBDII scanner to read the code, checking the throttle pedal sensor's wiring and connections, and testing the sensor's output voltage to determine if it is functioning properly.

5. Can I still drive my 2011 Toyota Camry with OBDII code P0120?

It is not recommended to drive your 2011 Toyota Camry with code P0120 as it can lead to performance issues, stalling, or safety concerns due to the throttle pedal position sensor malfunction.

6. How do I repair OBDII code P0120 in my 2011 Toyota Camry?

Repairing code P0120 involves replacing the faulty throttle pedal position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the code with an OBDII scanner after the repairs are completed.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P0120 in my 2011 Toyota Camry make the issue go away?

Resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying issue causing code P0120 is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear once the problem is detected again by the vehicle's systems.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0120 in a 2011 Toyota Camry?

Depending on your skill level and access to tools, a DIY enthusiast may be able to fix code P0120 by replacing the throttle pedal position sensor or repairing wiring issues. However, thorough diagnosis and proper repair are crucial to ensure the problem is resolved correctly.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P0120 in a 2011 Toyota Camry?

The cost of repairing code P0120 in a 2011 Toyota Camry can vary depending on the specific issue causing the code, the labor rates in your area, and whether you choose to repair it yourself or take it to a professional mechanic. Costs may include parts and labor.

10. Is OBDII code P0120 a common issue in 2011 Toyota Camry vehicles?

While code P0120 may not be extremely common in 2011 Toyota Camry vehicles, it is a known issue that can arise due to sensor malfunctions or wiring problems, especially as the vehicle ages. Regular maintenance and prompt diagnosis can help prevent this code from occurring.