Troubleshooting
DTC P0120 - Throttle Position Circuit Malfunction
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
Throttle position sensor is mounted on the throttle body and it has the 2 sensors to detect the throttle opening angle and the malfunction of the throttle position sensor's own.
The voltage applied to the terminals VTA and VTA2 of the ECM changes between 0 V and 5 V in proportion to the opening angle of the throttle valve.
The ECM judges the current opening angle of the throttle valve from these signals input from terminals VTA and VTA2, and the ECM controls the throttle motor to make the throttle valve angle properly in response to driving condition.
If this DTC is stored, the ECM shuts down the power for the throttle motor and the electromagnetic clutch, and the throttle valve is fully closed by the return spring.
However, the opening angle of the throttle valve can be controlled by the accelerator pedal through the throttle cable.
DETECTING CONDITIONS
HINT: After confirming DTC P0120, use the OBD II scan tool or TOYOTA hand-held tester to confirm the throttle valve opening percentage and closed throttle position switch condition.
WIRING DIAGRAM
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
HINT:
- If DTC P0110 (Intake Air Temp. Circuit Malfunction), P0115 (Engine Coolant Temp. Circuit Malfunction), P0120 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Malfunction), P0450 (Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor Malfunction) and P1120 (Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction) are output simultaneously, E2 (Sensor Ground) may be open.
- Read freeze frame data using TOYOTA hand-held tester or OBD II scan tool. Because freeze frame records the engine conditions when the malfunction is detected, when troubleshooting it is useful for determining whether the vehicle was running or stopped, the engine warmed up or not, the air-fuel ratio lean or rich, etc. at the time of the malfunction.
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TOYOTA hand-held tester
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OBD II scan tool (excluding TOYOTA hand-held tester)