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DTC/P0123

P0123: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit High Input

Quick Answer
Moderate SeverityNot safe to driveElectrical

P0123 means the ECU sees TPS 'A' signal voltage above the upper threshold (typically 4.8V of the 5V reference). The computer ignores the throttle input and falls back to limp mode.

What does P0123 mean?

P0123 means the ECU sees TPS 'A' signal voltage above the upper threshold (typically 4.8V of the 5V reference). The computer ignores the throttle input and falls back to limp mode.

P0123 is a electrical-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0123 and illuminates the check engine light.

What are the symptoms of P0123?

If your vehicle has triggered P0123, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

  • Check Engine Light on, often with a throttle or wrench warning
  • Reduced engine power / limp mode with RPM capped around 1200-1500
  • Erratic or hesitant acceleration
  • Engine surges or hunts at idle
  • Pedal feels dead - no response above light throttle
  • Hard starting or immediate stall after start
  • Cruise control disabled

What causes P0123?

Here are the most common causes of P0123, ranked by how likely they are to be the culprit:

highFaulty throttle position sensor (worn resistive track or internal short to the 5V reference)
highCorroded or spread pins in the TPS/throttle body connector
mediumTPS signal wire shorted to the 5V reference or to battery voltage
mediumOpen or high-resistance sensor ground circuit
lowFailed drive-by-wire throttle body actuator assembly
lowPCM 5V reference or internal A/D fault

Is it safe to drive with P0123?

No - address this immediately. You can drive short distances, but most vehicles trigger limp mode with reduced throttle response. Sudden power loss is possible, so get it diagnosed before longer trips.

How do you diagnose P0123?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0123:

  1. Scan for all stored codes and freeze frame. Note if P0122, P0222 or P2135 are set alongside - that changes the diagnostic path
  2. Key on, engine off: watch TPS1 voltage on the scan tool. Above ~4.8V at closed throttle confirms the fault
  3. Inspect the TPS connector for bent pins, green corrosion, or water intrusion
  4. Backprobe the 5V reference at the TPS - should read 4.9-5.1V. If it reads battery voltage, the reference is shorted
  5. Check sensor ground continuity to battery negative (should be under 0.1Ω, voltage drop under 50mV with key on)
  6. Unplug the TPS. Signal voltage at the ECU pin should drop to near 0V. If it stays high, the signal wire is shorted to voltage between sensor and PCM
  7. If wiring checks out, substitute a known-good TPS or throttle body and recheck
  8. Only after all above, suspect PCM 5V reference or A/D converter failure

How much does P0123 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0123 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 TPS connector, apply dielectric grease €0–€15 €0–€60 €0–€75 Easy
Replace standalone throttle position sensor (cable throttle) €40–€180 €40–€120 €80–€300 Easy
Replace complete electronic throttle body (drive-by-wire) €180–€650 €80–€220 €260–€870 Moderate
Repair TPS wiring harness (short or open circuit) €20–€90 €90–€260 €110–€350 Moderate
PCM replacement and reprogram €500–€1400 €150–€350 €650–€1750 Professional

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

P0123 on specific vehicles

P0123 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 P0123 or indicate related issues:

P0122P0121P0221P0222P2135

Common questions about P0123

Will P0123 clear itself if I just drive it?

No. It's a hard electrical fault. The MIL might go out after several drive cycles without the fault recurring, but the underlying wiring or sensor issue almost always comes back within minutes.

Will P0123 make my car fail an emissions inspection?

Yes. It's a stored powertrain code with the MIL on, which is an automatic fail at any OBD2 inspection.

Do I need a new throttle body or just the sensor?

On older cable-throttle cars (mostly pre-2005) the TPS is a bolt-on €40-80 part. On drive-by-wire systems the sensor is integrated into the throttle body and you replace the whole assembly.

Why did my car go into limp mode with this code?

The PCM can't trust the throttle signal, so it ignores the pedal and holds the throttle at a fixed low opening (usually 1200-1500 RPM) to prevent unintended acceleration.

Do I need to relearn the throttle after replacing it?

Yes, on nearly all drive-by-wire cars. Most brands need a specific idle/throttle relearn procedure (Toyota, Honda, VW, BMW all have their own). Skipping this leaves rough idle even after a good part is fitted.

Read our detailed guides

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