Description
OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0120 Nissan
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch “A” Circuit
What does this mean?
OBD2 Code P0120 Nissan 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 Nissan 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 Nissan may set. This doesn’t apply to all models.
Symptoms
Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0120 Nissan
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 Nissan
Potential causes of the P0120 Nissan 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 Nissan:
2013 Nissan Pathfinder,2013 Nissan Murano,2013 Nissan Juke Nismo,2013 Nissan GT-R,2013 Nissan Altima Sedan,2013 Nissan Almera,2013 Nissan 370Z,2012 Nissan Tiida,2012 Nissan Sunny,2012 Nissan Qashqai,2012 Nissan Murano,2012 Nissan Micra ELLE,2012 Nissan Micra DIG-S,2012 Nissan Maxima,2012 Nissan Juke Shiro,2012 Nissan GT-R,2012 Nissan Extrem Concept,2011 Nissan X-Trail,2011 Nissan Rogue,2011 Nissan Quest,2011 Nissan Pivo 3 Concept,2011 Nissan Patrol,2011 Nissan Murano,2011 Nissan Micra,2011 Nissan LEAF,2011 Nissan Juke,2011 Nissan GT-R,2011 Nissan 370Z,2010 Nissan Qashqai,2010 Nissan Pathfinder,2010 Nissan Navara,2010 Nissan NV200,2010 Nissan GT-R SpecV,2010 Nissan Cube,2010 Nissan Altima Sedan,2010 Nissan Altima Coupe,2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster,2009 Nissan Xterra,2009 Nissan Pixo,2009 Nissan Note,2009 Nissan Murano,2009 Nissan Maxima,2009 Nissan Frontier,2009 Nissan 370Z,2008 Nissan X-Trail,2008 Nissan Rogue,2008 Nissan Pathfinder,2008 Nissan GT-R,2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R,2007 Nissan Mixim,2007 Nissan Altima,2006 Nissan Urge Concept,2006 Nissan Note,2006 Nissan 350Z,2005 Nissan Zaroot Concept,2005 Nissan Xterra,2005 Nissan Terrano,2005 Nissan Sport Concept,2005 Nissan Primera,2005 Nissan Pivo Concept,2005 Nissan Pickup,2005 Nissan Patrol,2005 Nissan Pathfinder,2005 Nissan Micra,2005 Nissan Altima,2004 Nissan Titan,2004 Nissan Tiida
Note:
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