Mini P0120 Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Malfunction

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0120 Mini

Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0120 Mini definition:
The TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) is a potentiometer that is mounted to the throttle body. It detects the throttle blade angle. As the throttle blade moves, the TPS sends a signal to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). Usually a three wire sensor: A 5 volt reference from the PCM to the TPS, a ground from the PCM to the TPS, and a signal return from the TPS to the PCM.

The TPS sends the throttle position information back to the PCM on this signal wire. When the throttle is closed the signal is near .45 volts. At WOT (Wide Open Throttle) the TPS signal voltage will approach a full 5 volts. When the PCM sees a voltage that is outside of normal operating range, P0120 Mini will set.

NOTE: The PCM knows that any large change in throttle position means a cooresponding change in manifold pressure (MAP). On some models the PCM will monitor MAP and TPS operation for comparison. Meaning that if the PCM sees a large percentage change in throttle position, it expects to see a cooresponding change in manifold pressure and vice versa. If it doesn’t see this comparitive change, P0120 Mini may set. This doesn’t apply to all models.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0120 Mini
Potential symptoms include:

MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) illumination
Misfiring at idle or at highway speed
Poor idle quality
Possibly won’t idle
Possibly starts and stalls

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0120 Mini
Potential causes of the P0120 Mini code include:

Sticking throttle return spring
MAP or TPS connector corrosion
Misrouted harness causing chafing
Bad TPS
Bad PCM

Possible Solutions

If you have access to a scan tool, with KOEO (Key on engine off) observe the TPS voltage. With throttle closed, voltage should be about .45 volts. It should gradually sweep upwards to approximately 4.5 to 5 volts as you depress the throttle. Sometimes only a scope can capture an intermittent glitch in the TPS signal voltage. If you notice a glitch in the TPS sweep voltage, replace the TPS.

NOTE: Some TPS sensors require fine adjustment. If you aren’t comfortable with using a DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm meter) to adjust the new TPS, then it’s best to take the vehicle to a shop. If the voltage is not .45 volts (+or- .3 volts or so) with the throttle closed or if the reading is “stuck” then unplug the TPS connector. With KOEO check for 5 volts reference voltage present at the connector and a good ground. You can check the signal circuit for continuity by jumping a fused wire between the ground circuit of the TPS connector and the signal circuit. If the TPS reading on the scan tool now reads zero, then replace the TPS. However if that doesn’t change the reading to zero, then check for an open or a short on the signal wire and if none is found, suspect a bad PCM. If manipulating the TPS wiring harness causes any change in idle, then suspect bad TPS.

Related Codes

P0121 Mini P0122 Mini P0123 Mini P0124 Mini


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Mini:

2013 Mini Vision Concept,2013 Mini Roadster,2013 Mini Cooper,2013 Mini Countryman,2013 Mini Clubvan Camper,2013 Mini Clubvan,2013 Mini Clubman Bond Street,2012 Mini Rocketman Concept,2012 Mini Coupe,2012 Mini Clubvan Concept,2012 Mini Bayswater,2012 Mini Baker Street,2011 Mini WRC,2010 Mini Scooter,2009 Mini Cooper,2008 Mini One,2008 Mini Cooper,2008 Mini Clubman,2007 Mini Cooper,2006 Mini Concept,2005 Mini Cooper,2004 Mini XXL,2004 Mini Cooper,2002 Mini Cooper,2000 Mini Seven,2000 Mini Cooper

 

Note:

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