AutoCodesToyota – P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4

P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4 Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D' Circuit

Quick Answer

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is built into the accelerator pedal sensor assembly and has 2 sensor circuits: VPA (main) and VPA2 (sub). Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal 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
P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4 indicates Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D' Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal 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 259
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 18, 2022
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Code P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4 Description

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is built into the accelerator pedal sensor assembly and has 2 sensor circuits: VPA (main) and VPA2 (sub). This sensor is a non-contact type sensor and 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 voltage, which is applied to terminals VPA and VPA2 of the Engine Control Module (ECM), varies between 0.5 V and 4.75 V in proportion to the operating angle of the accelerator pedal (throttle valve). A signal from VPA indicates the actual accelerator pedal opening angle (throttle valve opening angle) and is used for engine control. A signal from VPA2 conveys the status of the VPA circuit and is used to check the accelerator pedal position sensor itself.
The ECM monitors the actual accelerator pedal opening angle (throttle valve opening angle) through the signals from VPA and VPA2 and controls the throttle actuator according to these signals.
When either the output voltage of VPA or VPA2 deviates from the standard range, or the difference between the output voltages of the 2 sensor circuits is more than the threshold, the ECM determines that there is a malfunction in the accelerator pedal position sensor. The ECM then illuminates the MIL and stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
OBDII Code P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4 - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D' Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4 Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D' Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4?

  • Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor
  • Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4?

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 P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4 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 P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4 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 P2120 2016 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P2120 mean on a 2016 Toyota RAV4?

P2120 indicates a problem with the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D" Circuit, which helps monitor the position of the accelerator pedal.

2. What are the common symptoms of P2120 in a 2016 Toyota RAV4?

Symptoms may include reduced engine power, poor acceleration, the vehicle entering "limp mode," or the Check Engine Light illuminating.

3. What causes the P2120 code on a 2016 Toyota RAV4?

Common causes include a faulty throttle pedal position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

4. Can I drive my 2016 Toyota RAV4 with a P2120 code?

While it may be possible to drive, it's not recommended as the vehicle may lose power unexpectedly, creating safety risks.

5. How do you diagnose the P2120 code?

Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, visually inspecting wiring and connectors, and testing the throttle pedal position sensor for proper operation.

6. How much does it cost to fix the P2120 code on a 2016 Toyota RAV4?

Repair costs vary but may range from $100 to $300 for sensor replacement, depending on labor rates and parts pricing.

7. Can a dirty throttle body cause the P2120 code?

While a dirty throttle body is not a direct cause, it can contribute to related throttle issues, so it’s worth inspecting during diagnostics.

8. How do I reset the P2120 code after repairs?

You can reset the code with an OBDII scanner, but ensure the issue is resolved to prevent the code from returning.

9. Is the throttle pedal position sensor the same as the accelerator pedal sensor?

Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably as both refer to the same component in this context.

10. What happens if the P2120 code is ignored?

Ignoring the code can lead to persistent drivability issues, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential safety hazards due to loss of power.

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