AutoCodes – Toyota – P1520 2001 Toyota Echo

P1520 2001 Toyota Echo Code - Stop Light Switch Signal Malfunction

Quick Answer

This signal is used to detect when the brakes have been applied. Common causes include Faulty Stop Light Switch, Stop Light Switch harness is open or shorted, Stop Light Switch 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: P1520 2001 Toyota Echo indicates Stop Light Switch Signal Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Stop Light Switch, Stop Light Switch harness is open or shorted, Stop Light Switch 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 2,274

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 Aug 27, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1520 2001 Toyota Echo Description

This signal is used to detect when the brakes have been applied. The STP signal voltage is the same as the voltage supplied to the stop lights. The STP signal is used mainly to control the fuel cut–off engine speed (The fuel cut–off engine speed is reduced slightly when the vehicle is braking).

OBDII Code P1520 2001 Toyota Echo - Stop Light Switch Signal Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P1520 2001 Toyota Echo Code - Stop Light Switch Signal Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1520 2001 Toyota Echo?

Faulty Stop Light Switch
Stop Light Switch harness is open or shorted
Stop Light Switch circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P1520 2001 Toyota Echo?

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 P1520 2001 Toyota Echo 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 P1520 2001 Toyota Echo code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1520 2001 Toyota Echo 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 P1520 2001 Toyota Echo Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1520 in a 2001 Toyota Echo indicate?

The P1520 code in a 2001 Toyota Echo indicates a malfunction in the stop light switch signal, suggesting that the powertrain control module (PCM) is receiving an incorrect signal from the stop light switch.

2. What are common symptoms of the P1520 code in a 2001 Toyota Echo?

Common symptoms include the brake lights not functioning properly, possible issues with shifting out of park for automatic transmissions, and the illumination of the check engine light.

3. What can cause the P1520 code to appear in a 2001 Toyota Echo?

Potential causes include a faulty stop light switch, damaged wiring or connectors in the stop light circuit, or a problem within the vehicleâ€™s PCM.

4. How can I diagnose the P1520 code in my 2001 Toyota Echo?

Diagnosis should start with a visual inspection of the stop light switch and its circuitry for any obvious signs of damage or wear. Following this, using a multimeter to check for proper voltage and ground at the stop light switch can confirm if the switch is functioning correctly.

5. What steps should be taken to repair a vehicle with the P1520 code?

Repairing a P1520 code may involve replacing the stop light switch if it is found to be defective, repairing any damaged wires or connectors in the circuit, or in rare cases, addressing issues with the PCM.

6. Is it safe to drive a 2001 Toyota Echo with the P1520 code?

Driving with the P1520 code can be risky as it involves brake light malfunction, which can lead to safety issues on the road by not signaling properly to other drivers when braking.

7. How urgent is it to address the P1520 code in a 2001 Toyota Echo?

It is quite urgent to address this issue due to the safety implications of malfunctioning brake lights and potential vehicle control issues related to transmission shifts.

8. Can a faulty brake light switch affect other systems in my 2001 Toyota Echo?

Yes, a faulty brake light switch can interfere with the operation of the cruise control and might also impact the shift interlock system, preventing the vehicle from shifting out of park properly.

9. What tools are needed to fix the P1520 code in a 2001 Toyota Echo?

Common tools include a multimeter for electrical testing, basic hand tools for accessing and replacing the stop light switch, and possibly a scan tool for diagnosing and clearing the error code from the PCM.

10. After repairing the stop light switch, how do I ensure the P1520 code does not reappear?

After repairs, it's advisable to clear the code with an OBDII scanner and conduct a road test to ensure the issue with the stop light switch has been effectively resolved and the code does not reappear.