Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0120 Mercedes
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0120 Mercedes 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 Mercedes 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 Mercedes may set. This doesn’t apply to all models.
Symptoms
Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0120 Mercedes
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 Mercedes
Potential causes of the P0120 Mercedes 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.
The OBD2 Code Information Be Applicable For Mercedes-Benz:
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT,2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG,2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550,2013 Mercedes-Benz SL500,2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class,2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4Matic,2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class,2013 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG,2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class,2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 Concept,2013 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG,2013 Mercedes-Benz G550,2013 Mercedes-Benz G350 Bluetec,2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class,2013 Mercedes-Benz E300 BlueTEC Hybrid,2013 Mercedes-Benz Citan,2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake,2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class AMG Sport,2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class,2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster,2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG,2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350,2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 CDI,2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class,2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG,2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class,2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon,2012 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG,2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG,2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550,2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS350 CDI,2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class,2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG,2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class,2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class,2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito,2011 Mercedes-Benz Viano,2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG,2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG,2011 Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Guard,2011 Mercedes-Benz R-Class,2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG,2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class,2011 Mercedes-Benz F125 Concept,2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet,2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet,2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Wagon,2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class L,2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet,2011 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG,2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG,2011 Mercedes-Benz CL500,2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class,2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class DR 520,2011 Mercedes-Benz B55 Concept,2011 Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL,2011 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Concept,2010 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG,2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG,2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID,2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class,2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid,2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class,2010 Mercedes-Benz GL550,2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate,2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG,2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe,2010 Mercedes-Benz E550,2010 Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe,2010 Mercedes-Benz E350,2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class,2010 Mercedes-Benz Biome Concept,2010 Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell,2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG,2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG,2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class,2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG,2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class,2009 Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG,2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class,2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG,2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 280,2009 Mercedes-Benz CLC,2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class,2009 Mercedes-Benz A-Class,2008 Mercedes-Benz SL,2008 Mercedes-Benz SLR,2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class,2008 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG,2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG,2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class,2007 Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG,2007 Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard,2007 Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC,2007 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG,2007 Mercedes-Benz S550,2007 Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG,2007 Mercedes-Benz G-Class,2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG,2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600,2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 500,2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG,2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI,2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG,2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 600,2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG,2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 500,2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 350,2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG SS,2006 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class,2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class,2006 Mercedes-Benz R500,2006 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG,2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500,2006 Mercedes-Benz ML350,2006 Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI,2006 Mercedes-Benz GL450,2006 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class,2006 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG,2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class,2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG,2006 Mercedes-Benz B200 CDI,2006 Mercedes-Benz B150,2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK350,2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS500,2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK350,2005 Mercedes-Benz AClass
Note:
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