Citroen P0120 Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Malfunction

Description

OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0120 Citroen

Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0120 Citroen 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 Citroen 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 Citroen may set. This doesn’t apply to all models.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0120 Citroen
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 Citroen
Potential causes of the P0120 Citroen 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 Citroen P0122 Citroen P0123 Citroen P0124 Citroen


The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Citroen :

2013 Citroen Technospace Concept,2013 Citroen DS Wild Rubis Concept,2013 Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing Concept,2013 Citroen Cactus Concept,2013 Citroen C4 L,2013 Citroen C4 Aircross,2013 Citroen C3 Picasso,2013 Citroen C1,2013 Citroen C-Elysee,2012 Citroen Numero 9 Concept,2012 Citroen DS5,2012 Citroen DS4 Racing Concept,2012 Citroen DS4,2011 Citroen Tubik Concept,2011 Citroen DS3 Racing,2011 Citroen DS3 R3,2011 Citroen DS3,2011 Citroen C5,2011 Citroen C4,2011 Citroen C-Zero,2010 Citroen Survolt Concept,2010 Citroen Metropolis Concept,2010 Citroen Lacoste Concept,2010 Citroen GQ Concept,2010 Citroen DS High Rider Concept,2010 Citroen C3,2009 Citroen REVOLTe Concept,2009 Citroen DS Inside Concept,2009 Citroen C4 Coupe,2009 Citroen C4,2009 Citroen C3 Pluriel Charleston,2009 Citroen C3 Picasso,2009 Citroen C2,2009 Citroen C1,2009 Citroen Berlingo Multispace,2008 Citroen Hypnos Concept,2008 Citroen GT Concept,2008 Citroen C5 Estate,2008 Citroen C5,2008 Citroen C4 notchback,2008 Citroen C4 WRC HYmotion4 Concept,2008 Citroen C4 Sedan,2007 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso,2007 Citroen Cruise Crosser Concept,2007 Citroen C5 Airscape Concept,2007 Citroen C4 Picasso,2007 Citroen C-Crosser,2007 Citroen C-Cactus Concept,2006 Citroen C6,2006 Citroen C3 X-TR,2006 Citroen C3 VTR,2006 Citroen C3 Pluriel,2006 Citroen C3,2006 Citroen C1 5door,2006 Citroen C1 3door,2006 Citroen C-Metisse Concept,2006 Citroen C-Buggy Concept,2005 Citroen C5 Break,2005 Citroen C5,2005 Citroen C4 Coupe with Panoramic Sunroof,2005 Citroen C4 Coupe Enterprise,2005 Citroen C4 Coupe,2005 Citroen C4,2005 Citroen C-SportLounge Concept Car,2005 Citroen C-Airplay Concept,2004 Citroen Xsara Picasso,2004 Citroen C4 Sport Concept,2004 Citroen C3 Pluriel HDi 70,2004 Citroen C2,2003 Citroen CAirlounge Concept,2003 Citroen C8 Exclusive,2002 Citroen C-Airdream Concept,2001 Citroen Xsara Picasso,2001 Citroen C-Crosser Concept

 

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