AutoCodes – Ford – P1120 1997 Ford F150

P1120 1997 Ford F150 Code - Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range

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: P1120 1997 Ford F150 indicates Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range.
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.

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Code Popularity 5,844

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 Apr 25, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1120 1997 Ford F150 Description

The Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) responds to the accelerator pedal movement. The TPS is a rotary potentiometer sensor that provides a signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that is linearly proportional to the throttle plate/shaft position. As the TPS is rotated by the throttle shaft, the following operating conditions are determined by the PCM:
• Closed throttle (includes idle or deceleration)
• Part throttle (includes cruise or moderate acceleration)
• Wide open throttle (includes maximum acceleration or de-choke on crank)
• Throttle angle rate

OBDII Code P1120 1997 Ford F150 - Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range - AutoCodes.com — P1120 1997 Ford F150 Code - Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1120 1997 Ford F150?

Faulty throttle position sensor
Throttle position sensor harness is open or shorted
Throttle position sensor circuit poor electrical connection
Throttle position sensor not properly adjusted

How to Fix the DTC P1120 1997 Ford F150?

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

The TP sensor circuit is monitored by the PCM for a low TP rotation angle (or voltage) input below the closed throttle position through the comprehensive component monitor (CCM). If during key ON engine OFF or key ON engine running the TP rotation angle (or voltage) remains within the calibrated self-test range but falls between 3.42 and 9.85% (0.17 and 0.49 volt), the test fails.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1120 1997 Ford F150 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.

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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 P1120 1997 Ford F150 Code

What does the OBD-II code P1120 mean on a 1997 Ford F150?

The P1120 code indicates that the throttle position sensor (TPS) is reporting a voltage reading that is outside the expected range.

What are the common symptoms of P1120 on a 1997 Ford F150?

Symptoms may include poor acceleration, hesitation, engine stalling, rough idling, and the check engine light being illuminated.

What causes the P1120 code on a 1997 Ford F150?

Common causes include a malfunctioning throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or a misaligned throttle body.

How do I test the throttle position sensor for P1120 on a 1997 Ford F150?

Using a multimeter, check the TPS voltage output while slowly opening the throttle. The voltage should smoothly increase from around 0.5 volts at idle to about 4.5 volts at wide-open throttle.

Can a faulty TPS cause the engine to go into limp mode?

Yes, a faulty TPS can cause the engine to enter limp mode, limiting performance to protect the engine.

Is it safe to drive with a P1120 code on a 1997 Ford F150?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it can cause unpredictable throttle response and may lead to unsafe driving conditions.

How do you fix the P1120 code on a 1997 Ford F150?

Repairs may involve replacing the throttle position sensor, repairing damaged wires or connectors, or recalibrating the sensor.

Do I need to reset the ECU after replacing the TPS?

Yes, after replacing the TPS, you should clear the code using an OBD-II scanner and allow the ECU to relearn the sensor's position.

Can dirty throttle components cause the P1120 code?

Yes, carbon buildup or dirt in the throttle body can affect the sensor's readings and trigger this code.

What tools are needed to fix the P1120 code on a 1997 Ford F150?

Youâ€™ll typically need a multimeter, an OBD-II scanner, and basic hand tools like screwdrivers and wrenches to inspect and replace the throttle position sensor.