P0122: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor A Circuit Low
The throttle position sensor signal voltage is lower than a working sensor can produce. Usually a short to ground, a damaged wire, or a failed sensor.
Green, yellow, red: three ways P0122 can look
The same code can be a quick fix or a reason to pull over. Match your situation to the closest example.
Keep an eye on it
Code set once and the vehicle drives normally.
Schedule a repair
Code keeps returning or you notice drivability changes. Get the sensor and wiring tested.
Stop and get help
Reduced power warning and the throttle won't respond. Don't drive in traffic.
Symptoms you might notice
- Check engine light
- Possible rough running or poor economy
Common causes, cheapest first
- Failed throttle position sensor
- Shorted or chafed wire
- Corroded connector
- 5-volt reference circuit problem
What you can check before calling
- Check the throttle position sensor connector is fully seated and clean
- Look for damaged wiring near hot or moving parts
A code points to a system, not a part. Replacing parts based on the code alone is how people spend money without fixing the problem. Testing confirms the cause first.
Generic codes (second character 0) mean the same thing on every vehicle. Some manufacturers add their own details, so check service information for your exact vehicle.
Related codes
More engine sensors codes
Look up another code
Cummins fault code (like 1922), J1939 SPN and FMI (like SPN 3251 FMI 0), or an OBD-II code (like P0420).
Questions
What does P0122 mean?
P0122 means "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor A Circuit Low". The throttle position sensor signal voltage is lower than a working sensor can produce. Usually a short to ground, a damaged wire, or a failed sensor.
Can I drive with code P0122?
It depends on what the vehicle is doing. Green: Code set once and the vehicle drives normally. Yellow: Code keeps returning or you notice drivability changes. Get the sensor and wiring tested. Red: Reduced power warning and the throttle won't respond. Don't drive in traffic.
What causes P0122?
The most common causes are: failed throttle position sensor; shorted or chafed wire; corroded connector.
Is P0122 a serious code?
It can be. Reduced power warning and the throttle won't respond. Don't drive in traffic.
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