READ VALUE USING INTELLIGENT TESTER (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR)
CHECK HARNESS AND CONNECTOR (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR - ECM)
REPLACE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY
CHECK WHETHER DTC OUTPUT RECURS (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR DTCS)
DTC P0120 Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "A" Circuit Malfunction
DTC P0121 Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "A" Circuit Range / Performance Problem
DTC P0122 Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "A" Circuit Low Input
DTC P0123 Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "A" Circuit High Input
DTC P0220 Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "B" Circuit
DTC P0222 Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "B" Circuit Low Input
DTC P0223 Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "B" Circuit High Input
DTC P2135 Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "A" / "B" Voltage Correlation
Description DTC P0120 P0121 P0122 P0123 P0220 P0222 P0223 P2135
The TP sensor is mounted on the throttle body, and detects the opening angle of the throttle valve. This sensor is a non-contact type. It 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 TP sensor has 2 sensor circuits, each of which transmits a signal, VTA1 and VTA2. VTA1 is used to detect the throttle valve angle and VTA2 is used to detect malfunctions in VTA1. The sensor signal voltages vary between 0 V and 5 V in proportion to the throttle valve opening angle, and are transmitted to the VTA terminals of the ECM.
As the valve closes, the sensor output voltage decreases and as the valve opens, the sensor output voltage increases. The ECM calculates the throttle valve opening angle according to these signals and controls the throttle actuator in response to driver inputs. These signals are also used in calculations such as air fuel ratio correction, power increase correction and fuel-cut control.

DTC Code | DTC Detection Condition | Trouble Area |
P0120 | The output voltage of VTA1 quickly fluctuates beyond the lower and upper malfunction thresholds for 2 seconds when the accelerator pedal is depressed (1 trip detection logic). |
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P0121 | The difference between the VTA1 and VTA2 voltages is below 0.8 V, or higher than 1.6 V for 2 seconds (1 trip detection logic). |
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P0122 | The output voltage of VTA1 is 0.2 V or less for 2 seconds when the accelerator pedal is depressed (1 trip detection logic). |
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P0123 | The output voltage of VTA1 is 4.535 V or higher for 2 seconds when the accelerator pedal is depressed (1 trip detection logic). |
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P0220 | The output voltage of VTA2 quickly fluctuates beyond the lower and upper malfunction thresholds for 2 seconds when the accelerator pedal is depressed (1 trip detection logic). |
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P0222 | The output voltage of VTA2 is 1.75 V or less for 2 seconds when the accelerator pedal is depressed (1 trip detection logic). |
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P0223 | The output voltage of VTA2 is 4.8 V or higher, and VTA1 is between 0.2 V and 2.02 V for 2 seconds when the accelerator pedal is depressed (1 trip detection logic). |
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P2135 | Either condition (a) or (b) is met (1 trip detection logic): (a) The difference between the output voltages of VTA1 and VTA2 is 0.02 V or less for 0.5 seconds or more. (b) The output voltage of VTA1 is 0.2 V or less and VTA2 is 1.75 V or less for 0.4 seconds or more. |
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HINT:
- When any of these DTCs are output, check the throttle valve opening angle by entering the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Data List / ETCS / Throttle Position No.1 and Throttle Position No.2.
- Throttle Position No.1 is the VTA1 signal, and Throttle Position No.2 is the VTA2 signal.
Reference (Normal Condition) Tester Display Accelerator Pedal Fully Released Accelerator Pedal Fully Depressed Throttle Position No.1 0.5 to 1.1 V 3.2 to 4.8 V Throttle Position No.2 2.1 to 3.1 V 4.6 to 5.0 V
Monitor description
The ECM uses the Throttle Position (TP) sensor to monitor the throttle valve opening angle. There are several checks that the ECM performs to confirm the proper operation of the TP sensor.
- A specific voltage difference is expected between the sensor terminals, VTA1 and VTA2, for each throttle valve opening angle. If the difference between VTA1 and VTA2 is incorrect, the ECM interprets this as a malfunction in the sensor, and stores a DTC.
- VTA1 and VTA2 each have a specific voltage range. If VTA1 or VTA2 is outside the normal operating range, the ECM interprets this as a malfunction in the sensor, and stores a DTC.
- VTA1 and VTA2 should never be close to the same voltage level. If VTA1 is within 0.02 V of VTA2, the ECM determines that there is a short circuit in the sensor, and stores a DTC.
If the malfunction is not repaired successfully, a DTC is stored 10 seconds after the engine is next started.
Fail-safe
When any of these DTCs, as well as other DTCs relating to ETCS (Electronic Throttle Control System) malfunctions are stored, the ECM enters fail-safe mode. During fail-safe mode, the ECM cuts the current to the throttle actuator, and the throttle valve is returned to a 6° throttle angle by the return spring. The ECM then adjusts the engine output by controlling the fuel injection (intermittent fuel-cut) and ignition timing, in accordance with the accelerator pedal opening angle, to allow the vehicle to continue at a minimal speed. If the accelerator pedal is depressed firmly and gently, the vehicle can be driven slowly.
Fail-safe mode continues until a pass condition is detected, and the ignition switch is then turned off.
Wiring diagram

Inspection procedure
HINT:
- These DTCs relate to the Throttle Position (TP) sensor.
- Read freeze frame data using the intelligent tester. Freeze frame data records the engine condition when malfunctions are detected. When troubleshooting, freeze frame data can help determine if the vehicle was moving or stationary, if the engine was warmed up or not, if the air fuel ratio was lean or rich, and other data from the time the malfunction occurred.
1.READ VALUE USING INTELLIGENT TESTER (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR)
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Connect the intelligent tester to the DLC3.
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Turn the ignition switch to ON and turn the tester on.
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Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / Data List / ETCS / Throttle Position No.1 and Throttle Position No.2.
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Check the values displayed on the tester.
Result Throttle Position No.1 Throttle Position No.2 Throttle Position No.1 Throttle Position No.2 Trouble Area Proceed to When Accelerator Pedal Released When Accelerator Pedal Depressed 0 to 0.2 V 0 to 0.2 V 0 to 0.2 V 0 to 0.2 V VC circuit open A 4.5 to 5.0 V 4.5 to 5.0 V 4.5 to 5.0 V 4.5 to 5.0 V E2 circuit open 0 to 0.2 V, or 4.5 to 5.0 V 2.1 to 3.1 V (Fail-safe) 0 to 0.2 V, or 4.5 to 5.0 V 2.1 to 3.1 V (Fail-safe) VTA1 circuit open or ground short 0.5 to 1.1 V (Fail-safe) 0 to 0.2 V, or 4.5 to 5.0 V 0.5 to 1.1 V (Fail-safe) 0 to 0.2 V, or 4.5 to 5.0 V VTA2 circuit open or ground short 0.5 to 1.1 V 2.1 to 3.1 V 3.2 to 4.8 V (Not fail-safe) 4.6 to 5.0 V (Not fail-safe) TP sensor circuit normal B
HINT:
- DTC P0121 is stored when the voltages output from VTA1 and VTA2 are not consistent with the characteristics of the sensors. Therefore, check the Freeze Frame Data when this DTC is output. Use the following formula to confirm relative fluctuations in voltage.
- VTA2 x 0.8 is approximately equal to VTA1 + 1.11 V
- VTA1: Throttle Position No. 1
- VTA2: Throttle Position No. 2
- If DTC P0121 is output, proceed to the "CHECK HARNESS AND CONNECTOR (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR - ECM)".
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2.CHECK HARNESS AND CONNECTOR (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR - ECM)
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Disconnect the throttle body connector.
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Disconnect the ECM connector.
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Measure the resistance according to the value(s) in the table below.
Standard Resistance (Check for Open):
for LHD Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition C3-5 (VC) - C45-96 (VCTA) Always Below 1 ? C3-6 (VTA) - C45-98 (VTA1) Always Below 1 ? C3-4 (VTA2) - C45-99 (VTA2) Always Below 1 ? C3-3 (E2) - C45-97 (ETA) Always Below 1 ? for RHD Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition C3-5 (VC) - C46-96 (VCTA) Always Below 1 ? C3-6 (VTA) - C46-98 (VTA1) Always Below 1 ? C3-4 (VTA2) - C46-99 (VTA2) Always Below 1 ? C3-3 (E2) - C46-97 (ETA) Always Below 1 ? Standard Resistance (Check for Short):
for LHD Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition C3-5 (VC) or C45-96 (VCTA) - Body ground Always 10 k? or higher C3-6 (VTA) or C45-98 (VTA1) - Body ground Always 10 k? or higher C3-4 (VTA2) or C45-99 (VTA2) - Body ground Always 10 k? or higher for RHD Tester Connection Condition Specified Condition C3-5 (VC) or C46-96 (VCTA) - Body ground Always 10 k? or higher C3-6 (VTA) or C46-98 (VTA1) - Body ground Always 10 k? or higher C3-4 (VTA2) or C46-99 (VTA2) - Body ground Always 10 k? or higher
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3.INSPECT ECM (VC VOLTAGE) |
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Measure the voltage according to the value(s) in the table below.
Standard Voltage:
Tester Connection Switch Condition Specified Condition C3-5 (VC) - C3-3 (E2) Ignition switch ON 4.5 to 5.5 V
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OK | |
4.REPLACE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY |
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Replace the throttle body assembly.
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5.CHECK WHETHER DTC OUTPUT RECURS (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR DTCS)
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Connect the intelligent tester to the DLC3.
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Turn the ignition switch to ON and turn the tester on.
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Clear the DTCs.
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Start the engine.
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With the vehicle stationary, fully depress and release the accelerator pedal.
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Idle the engine for 2 seconds or more.
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Enter the following menus: Powertrain / Engine and ECT / DTC.
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Read the DTCs.
Result Result Proceed to P0120, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0220, P0222, P0223 and/or P2135 A No output B
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