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DTC/P0122

P0122: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low Input

Quick Answer
Moderate SeverityNot safe to driveElectrical

P0122 means the ECU is seeing an abnormally low voltage on throttle position sensor circuit A, typically under 0.2V when it expects 0.5V to 4.5V. Most cars drop into limp mode with capped throttle.

What does P0122 mean?

P0122 means the ECU is seeing an abnormally low voltage on throttle position sensor circuit A, typically under 0.2V when it expects 0.5V to 4.5V. Most cars drop into limp mode with capped throttle.

P0122 is a electrical-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0122 and illuminates the check engine light.

What are the symptoms of P0122?

If your vehicle has triggered P0122, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

  • Check Engine Light on, often paired with a throttle or EPC warning
  • Reduced engine power / limp mode with throttle capped around 25 to 40%
  • Rough or hunting idle between 500 and 1500 rpm
  • No response or long delay when pressing the accelerator
  • Stalling at idle or when coming to a stop
  • Slight decrease in fuel economy from open-loop fueling
  • Transmission holding gears longer or shifting harshly because it has no load signal

What causes P0122?

Here are the most common causes of P0122, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:

highFaulty throttle position sensor or worn contacts inside the throttle body
highCorroded, loose, or backed-out connector at the throttle body
mediumBroken or chafed signal wire between TPS and ECU
mediumOpen or shorted 5V reference wire from the ECU
lowBad ground on the TPS circuit
lowFailed ECU (rare, diagnose last)

Is it safe to drive with P0122?

No - address this immediately. The ECU usually forces the car into limp mode with reduced power and a locked idle. You can limp home, but hard acceleration and highway merging become risky.

How do you diagnose P0122?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0122:

  1. Read all stored codes and note companion codes such as P0113, P0222, or P2135
  2. Watch live data for TPS1 voltage with key on, engine off. Below 0.2V confirms the low input
  3. Wiggle the throttle body connector and harness while watching live data to catch intermittent faults
  4. Backprobe the TPS signal, 5V reference, and ground pins with a multimeter. Reference should read 4.9 to 5.1V
  5. If reference and ground are good but signal stays near 0V, replace the TPS or throttle body
  6. If the 5V reference is missing, check the wiring back to the ECU for a short to ground
  7. After repair, clear codes and run the throttle body relearn per the manufacturer procedure
  8. Road test and confirm TPS voltage sweeps smoothly from ~0.5V at closed throttle to ~4.5V at WOT

How much does P0122 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0122 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:

Repair Parts Cost Labor Cost Total Estimate DIY Difficulty
Clean and reseat throttle body connector €0–€10 €0–€40 €0–€50 Easy
Replace standalone throttle position sensor €30–€120 €40–€90 €70–€210 Easy
Replace electronic throttle body assembly €180–€550 €80–€180 €260–€730 Moderate
Repair damaged wiring or connector pins €10–€40 €60–€180 €70–€220 Moderate
ECU diagnosis and replacement (worst case) €400–€1200 €100–€250 €500–€1450 Professional

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

P0122 on specific vehicles

P0122 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes, known issues, and adjusted cost estimates:

These codes are often seen alongside P0122 or indicate related issues:

P0121P0123P0124P2135P0222

Common questions about P0122

Can I just drive with P0122 until the weekend?

You can move the car short distances, but limp mode caps power and makes merging or overtaking dangerous. Fix it before any highway driving.

Will disconnecting the battery clear P0122 for good?

It'll clear the light, but if the sensor or wiring is faulty the code returns within minutes of driving. You're masking the problem, not fixing it.

Do I need a throttle relearn after replacing the throttle body?

Yes, on almost every drive-by-wire vehicle. Without the relearn the idle will hunt or stall. Most OBD2 apps with bidirectional control can run it in under a minute.

Why did P0122 appear right after I cleaned my throttle body?

The connector probably wasn't fully seated, or carb cleaner seeped into the TPS. Reseat the plug and let it dry overnight before condemning parts.

Can a weak battery or bad alternator trigger P0122?

Yes. If system voltage drops below about 10V during cranking or under load, the 5V reference can sag and log a low-input code. Load-test the battery before chasing sensors.

Read our detailed guides

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