If you’re driving a vehicle from 1996 or later, the P0122 code indicates checking under the hood. In some cases, the problems are fixable with mediocre automotive knowledge through some DIY fixes. However, if your idea of automotive fixes is essential, it is good to consult a mechanic.
P0122 indicates that the throttle position sensor has low voltage than usual. Typically, the bar is between 0.17 to 0.20V or lower for older vehicles. Any amount less than 0.17v is the trigger point of the code. TPS is responsible for detecting the throttle position. Any irregularities of the TPS usually result in the display of check engine notifications.
Hence, today’s article will focus on the causes, fixes, and indications of the P0122 code. So, if you are new to the automotive field, this is all you need to know about the code. Let’s dive in.
- About P0122
- Causes Of This Code
- Throttle Position Sensor
- Symptoms Of Code P0122
- Diagnosis Of The Code
- Fix Code P0122
- Replacement Cost
- Common Mistakes To Avoid
P0122 Code
Trouble codes in a vehicle can occur at any time, anywhere. Hence, the ‘’check engine light’’ flashes to inform the user to check under the hood. The displayed code makes the problem much more visible and easier to troubleshoot. All of the principles are unique and indicate different problems individually.
The position sensor ‘A’ in power shortage, typically lower than 0.17, displays the P0122 code. As the name suggests, TPS determines the location of the throttle position. The code is displayed on the computer. Other times the vehicle blinks the ‘’service engine’’ light to indicate checking under the hood.
The code helps focus on the single part of the vehicle to effectively and efficiently fix the problems. Suppose you go to the repair shop and communicate with the mechanic. They will be able to concentrate on a single part rather than going through the diagnosis of the whole system.
Now, the best part about the code is that the severity of the code is not as severe as in other codes. The throttle position sensor problems do not demand an immediate fix. So, you can go for a few weeks without fixing the problem. However, we recommend going to the mechanic as soon as you can if possible. For DIY code p0122 fix, check out this video.
What Causes A P0122 Code
The throttle position sensor problems may indicate a voltage shortage in the OBD II diagnosis. It might happen for a wide range of reasons. Although the problem is not severe, we recommend finding the cause early for a proper fix. So, here are some indicators:
- A relatively loose mounting of the throttle position sensor may trigger the code.
- The sensor might be faulty, or the connection corrodes and requires changing.
- The sensor circuit might suffer an electrical shortage through another wire or the ground.
- An issue with the Powertrain Control Module
- Bad wiring of the sensor
- The TPS switch is faulty
Though the mechanic can detect the problem fairly quickly, the fix is relatively easy. Hence, we advise you to check it with a professional. The throttle position sensor diagram shows that the sensor’s connectors can have electrical short circuits.
The short circuit will result in a low throttle and thus a lower speed. Vehicles might suffer from a speed cap of around 20-30 MPH. This low speed on most of the roads is hazardous. So, to avoid such a catastrophe, our recommendation, as always, is to get help from professionals. If you wish to know more, here are some additional causes of code p0122.
Throttle Position Sensor and All You Need to Know About It
TPS or Throttle position sensor monitors the engine’s air intake. If the airflow is inappropriate for the machine or overflow occurs, the sensor will show P0122 Code. You can locate the TPS in the butterfly shaft. And corrosion is present when a foreign object or dirt blocks the connector or the air valve.
So, it is good to reset the sensor and clear the code before troubleshooting in these cases. Although, if the code comes back, going through each component to find the problem is necessary.
The throttle position sensor detects and measures the real-time position and is controlled by the gas paddle of the vehicle. The failure of the sensor can be devastating. It can cause sudden acceleration, gear shifting issues, or hesitation on acceleration. Hence, the sensor’s failure can cause a sifting problem in the automatic transmission. So, here are some standard cars that might suffer from the P0122 Code:
P0122 Chevy
Chevy Silverado commonly suffers from TPS issues. You may find throttle response issues in the vehicle. If the TPS is faulty when pushing the gas, the system will not know how much throttle it should generate. So, it might result in ideal speed issues.
P0122 Honda
Honda vehicles display a ‘’Service Engine’’ light when the TPS suffers issues. Diagnosing such a problem is time-consuming as the problem may be from numerous sources. Engine Control Module or ECM detects the situation when a low voltage is supplied to the TPS.
P0122 Ford
TPS issues in Ford cars are a common find. However, serious issues with a throttle may cause the code. But, resetting the TPS might fix most of the problems. A manual check is a good option if the problem persists after resetting the TPS. Hence, it helps to find the source of the problem.
P0122 Dodge
In Dodge cars, it is a prevalent issue. As it is a powertrain code, the meaning of the code is similar to the general cause of the case. A faulty TPS or the plug may cause it. Generally, clearing the code and resetting the TPS solve the problem if the issue is not mechanical.
P0122 Jeep
When TPS is faulty, or the connection is causing lower voltage, it can cause throttle difficulties. The nature of the problem and solutions are similar to a car.
As the general connection and sensors have the same functionalities, you can sort it out through chronological troubleshooting. So, if you own a Jeep and see the P0122 code, hold your horses. There are sure-shot solutions.
P0122 Code: How Severe Is It?
P0122 code, in most cases, is not as harmful as engine failure issues. However, there are catastrophic outcomes if you don’t fix them. Your car might accelerate to 30-40 MPH and stop the acceleration. Sometimes the vehicle might sit idle even after pushing the gas, or the engine might misfire.
The most severe outcome is that the car might accelerate on its own and get out of control. Some say that TPS failure is not that serious and does not require concrete attention. However, that is not true for all. If you are new to the car world, consider getting professional help.
What Are the Symptoms of Code P0122 Code?
Symptoms for code P0122 are different from vehicle to vehicle. Several indicators might indicate the P0122. Here are a few to be aware of:
- Check Engine/Service Engine light indication
- The surge in engine throttle
- Idling issues
- Acceleration issues (low to zero acceleration)
- Low/Rough/High fluctuation in idling
You can refer to this post to find more. It talks about the symptoms to look out for and be ready for subtle indicators of problems with the TPS.
Diagnosis of the Code (DIY)
The TPS code P0122 indicates throttle position sensor problems. Several variables can cause it. It is triggered by the control module when the TPS output a lower voltage than usual. This lower voltage is typically less than 0.17V. Diagnosis can be carried out by an expert professional or by yourself.
If you have decent automotive knowledge, you can start with ”accelerator pedal position sensor testing”. Here you can find what accelerator pedal position sensor testing is. After that, check the TPS connector for bent pin or corroded connection. If the link is good, start the engine. We recommend clearing the valve so that no blockage in the valve and airflow are consistent.
After the troubleshooting, use the OBD II to clear the code and start the engine again. After scanning, the system waits to see if the code returns. And if the code is not visible anymore good job! But even after the problem persists, you should visit a mechanic. The mechanic will go through a complete one-by-one. After diagnosing all the components, the mechanic will be sure of the source of the problem. Also, the mechanic might check for additional symptoms of TPS that you do not know.
Is It Safe To Drive With P0122 Code
In a word, ‘No’! It is unsafe to run a car if there is a TPS issue. The code P0122 may imply that the sensor is the source of the problem; however, there are numerous reasons why the code is displayed in the article. The most hazardous problem occurs when the car automatically accelerates or fails to accelerate to a certain speed.
People might say the code is not severe, and you can go for weeks before solving the problem. We suggest you get professional help and solve the issue as soon as possible. The car can typically be in a failsafe mode where the acceleration stops working to minimize damage. It can happen anytime, anywhere. You can also learn to test the TPS by checking out this video! In any case, be sure to drive safely.
How to Fix P0122 Code
Repairing the issue requires a proper diagnosis of the problem. It might take hours to find the problem manually. Sometimes the solution to the problem can be straightforward. These include:
- Repairing the wiring if required
- Replacement of TPS
- Change the connector
- Clear the valve
This code generates when there is a throttling issue. The car jerks, hesitate to accelerate, and produces a slower speed. It goes into a failsafe mode where sometimes you cannot drive the vehicle.
After replacing the TPS, it is essential to go through the sensor A and B comparison. It provides definitive data to be sure that the sensor is working. Therefore, concentrating on the problem and fixing it is as essential as checking it later.
The most crucial element in fixing the TPS is a thorough visual inspection. Failing to do so will result in a sudden change of suitable components. Sometimes, there might be a problem with a dirty throttle. So, check for its bad symptoms. In any case, we suggest looking into professional options to have a good fix.
How Much Will It Cost to Fix P0122 Code?
The fix of such problems can be trickier to determine. The proper diagnosis by a professional mechanic will cost on an hourly basis. And the cost will depend on the service and expertise of the mechanic. Sometimes the manual diagnosis can take more than an hour to finish.
The typical cost of a Throttle Positioning sensor can range from 95$-110$, and the labor costs can start from 35$. At an average of 110 to 200 dollars, you can fix P0122 issues.
So, the cost can be slightly reduced if you know what you are doing and follow instructions online. But don’t proceed if you don’t know what you are doing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Fixing P0122 Code
There are a lot of reasons for which a mistake might happen. In most cases, common mistakes occur during the diagnosis of TPS. So, you can check this article out to see the proper diagnosis
steps!
You might fail to go through all the sensor components and connectors during visual inspection. This is one of the reasons why most unnecessary repairs take place. Sometimes the fix is as simple as losing the connector.
You might fail to complete a full system scan and retest through OBD II. It ensures that the TPS failure is not leading to changing the system without verification.
The most common mistake is failing to compare the A and B sensor logs. You should scan once during diagnosis and after fixing the problem. So, the scanning provides a factual verification of the problem and successful fix.
P0122 Code Facts:
- P0122 is a generic OBD-II code that relates to the vehicle’s ECM and TPS Sensor Circuit A output voltage.
- The code triggers when the voltage falls below the sensor’s anticipated range, which is around 4.6 volts.
- If the voltage exceeds or drops below a certain threshold, sensors and systems will stop working correctly or entirely malfunction.
- Symptoms of a P0122 code include the Check Engine Light turning on, throttle response becoming limited, and higher-than-usual idling.
- The most common cause of the P0122 code is a faulty or broken TPS or incorrectly mounted TPS.
- Other possible causes are faulty or frayed TPS wiring, a TPS circuit short to ground, or a faulty pedal position switch or sensor.
- Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the severity of the P0122 code issue can vary, and the car may not encounter any serious problem for quite some time other than the Check Engine light illuminating on the dashboard until the issue worsens.
- Driving with a P0122 code is possible, but professionals strongly discourage it for extended periods.
- Diagnosing a P0122 code issue requires several steps, including scanning the vehicle’s ECM and TPS, analyzing the freeze frame data, and testing the TPS per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Before replacing the TPS, qualified technicians will always physically inspect the TPS to see if the problem may be fixed by attending to any bad connections or replacing any damaged wiring.
Conclusion
Vehicle trouble codes can appear at any time and at any location. The ‘’check engine light’’ illuminates to alert the driver to look beneath the hood. Thus, the provided code helps to make the problem more apparent and fixable.
When the throttle position sensor ‘A’ runs out of power, it shows the P0122 code, usually less than 0.17. TPS, as the name implies, determines the position of the throttle. Hence, fixing the problem before it gets bigger and causes extensive damage is better.
FAQ
Here are some popular FAQs:
How Do I Fix Code P0122
The code P0122 can be caused by several factors that may lead to a TPS failure. Maybe faulty wiring damaged cables, or a short circuit by a wire or the sensor damaged.
So, if you are looking for ways to fix the problem, you got your work cut out. The DIY fix is labor-intensive and requires at least an intermediate understanding of automotive equipment and tools. Thus, you can skip this portion if you have only basic knowledge of a vehicle’s system and components.
Through Scanning Of The Issue
Use OBD II to thoroughly scan the car to get adequate data for their code. Check if any other codes flash in the system. If there are more codes, the steps to fix them will differ. Move to the second step for the cars that only flash the P0122 code.
Check The TPS Wiring
Go through the wiring and visually inspect all the connectors to check the proper connection of the cables. Also, it is a good idea to check if the wiring is fried or not. If there are problems in the wiring, then fix the wiring and connectors and clear the code. Restart your car again and check if the code comes back.
Check The Mount
Check to see if the mount is in the correct position. When the sensor is not mounted correctly, it can give off a lower voltage than usual. Make required adjustments if such problems occur.
If the sensor still gives the same code after the fix, you need to change the sensor entirely.
The wiring often gets fried, and the system flashes the code. Without proper visual inspection, you might conclude that the sensor is faulty. So, to avoid such common mistakes, you must be cautious. And for the systems causing a constant flash of code, we recommend that you see a mechanic.
What Causes A P0122 Code
The code P0122 means that the throttle position sensor (TPS) switch ‘A’ circuit is getting lower than expected. So, the voltage shortage in the OBD II diagnosis may be displayed. The problem can either be as minimum as a loose connection or the malfunction of the sensor.
There are a couple of reasons you might see the code in an automatic diagnosis. A fairly loose mounting of the throttle position sensor may trigger a signal to check the engine. It might hesitate to accelerate as well. Thus, the sensor might be faulty, or the connection may be corroded and might cause the code to flash.
Other reasons might be that the sensor circuit might suffer an electrical shortage by an adjacent wire or the ground. There might be an issue with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). So, the sensor wiring might be wrong, or the switch might be faulty.
Avid enthusiasts of vehicles can detect the problem reasonably quickly and fix it quite easily. However, it is good to inspect it by a professional.
During the malfunction of the TPS, the car might go into failsafe mode and stop working. Sometimes vehicles might suffer from a speed cap of around 20-30 MPH. Therefore, be careful with the code P0122.
What Does Code P0122 Mean
The TPS is located in the butterfly shaft. When the TPS gets a lower voltage than usual, the sensor will send signals and flash a code P0122. It means that the intake voltage is lower than 0.17V, which is lower than the normal voltage flow in the sensor.
While fixing the issue, it is good to reset the sensor and clear the code before troubleshooting. And if the code returns, then going through each component of the Throttle Position Sensor through visual inspection is necessary.
The throttle position sensor is an integral part of the vehicle. The sensor’s failure can be devastating as a critical player in the fuel management system. Hence, it can cause sudden acceleration, gear shifting issues, or hesitation in acceleration. The sensor’s failure can also cause a sifting problem in the automatic transmission.
How To Fix The Throttle Position Sensor
Fixing the code P0122 requires close observation of the throttle position sensor symptoms. Proper diagnosis is the key to a good fix. When the TPS fails to get adequate voltage, it starts to malfunction.
The vehicle will always display the check engine light and might go into failsafe mode. It may also stop the acceleration in a few cases. These symptoms showcase the problem. Thus, you can diagnose the problem through OBD II or visual inspection. So, we suggest both avoid common diagnosis mistakes.
After proper diagnosis, the fix can be repairing the wiring, replacing TPS, changing the connector, or clearing the valve. Although the fix may sound easy to conduct, extra support from experts will have better results in the long run.
There is no open way to fix the code P0122. It requires close observation and a proper diagnosis. For most of the mistakes that occur during the inspection of the system, we recommend a thorough diagnosis.
What Does The Throttle Position Sensor Do
When you press the acceleration paddle, the throttle valve gets opened. A throttle position sensor controls the total amount of airflow in the engine’s intake. It regulated how far the valve would open. So, the car will accelerate and move smoothly if the TPS works correctly. And in that case, the fuel efficiency will be optimum, and fuel economy will be good.
The TPS is mounted in the throttle body and measures the relative and open movement of the throttle valve. The ECM (engine control module) monitors this info. The module also monitors the engine RPM, temperature, and mass airflow (MAF). So, TPS is responsible for the continuous airflow measurement through the air valve.
