AutoCodes – Toyota – P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander

P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander Code - Throttle Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit High Input

Quick Answer

The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) responds to the accelerator pedal movement. Common causes include Faulty throttle position sensor, Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted, Throttle position sensor circuit 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
P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander indicates Throttle Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit High Input.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty throttle position sensor, Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted, Throttle position sensor circuit 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 2,686
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 P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander 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 P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander - Throttle Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit High Input - AutoCodes.com
P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander Code - Throttle Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit High Input

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander?

  • Faulty throttle position sensor
  • Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Throttle position sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander 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 P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the 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 P0123 2002 Toyota Highlander Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0123 in a 2002 Toyota Highlander?

- Common symptoms include issues with acceleration, rough idling, poor fuel efficiency, and the vehicle going into "limp mode."

2. What can cause the Throttle Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit High Input code P0123 in a 2002 Toyota Highlander?

- The code P0123 is usually triggered by a faulty throttle position sensor, a damaged wiring harness, or a problem with the engine control module.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0123 in my 2002 Toyota Highlander?

- You can use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the code and then perform a visual inspection of the throttle position sensor and its wiring. Testing the sensor's voltage with a multimeter can also help pinpoint the issue.

4. Can I drive my 2002 Toyota Highlander with the P0123 code present?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with the P0123 code active, as it can lead to poor performance and potential safety hazards. It's best to address the issue promptly.

5. How can I repair the Throttle Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit High Input code on my 2002 Toyota Highlander?

- To repair the P0123 code, you may need to replace the throttle position sensor, repair or replace any damaged wiring, or reset the engine control module.

6. Are there any DIY tips for fixing the P0123 code on a 2002 Toyota Highlander?

- If you have experience with automotive repairs, you may be able to replace the throttle position sensor yourself. Just make sure to disconnect the battery before starting the repair.

7. How much does it typically cost to fix OBDII code P0123 on a 2002 Toyota Highlander?

- The cost of repairing the P0123 code can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue. Generally, replacing the throttle position sensor can cost between $100 to $300, including parts and labor.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code P0123 on my 2002 Toyota Highlander make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but if the underlying issue is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear. It's important to address the root cause of the problem.

9. Can a dirty throttle body cause the P0123 code in a 2002 Toyota Highlander?

- While a dirty throttle body can affect the performance of the throttle position sensor, it is not a direct cause of the P0123 code. It's still a good idea to clean the throttle body as part of regular maintenance.

10. Is it safe to continue driving my 2002 Toyota Highlander if the throttle position sensor is malfunctioning?

- Driving with a malfunctioning throttle position sensor can lead to poor engine performance and potential safety risks. It's best to address the issue promptly to ensure safe operation of your vehicle.

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