Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Circuit Intermittent
The P0124 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Circuit Intermittent. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $50 - $400 (TPS sensor $30-$150; throttle body $150-$350; labor $50-$100)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on, may be intermittent
- Erratic or surging idle speed
- Hesitation or jerking during acceleration
- Engine may momentarily cut power or surge
- Transmission may shift erratically (automatic)
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Worn or failing throttle position sensor Very High
- Loose or corroded TPS connector High
- Damaged wiring in the TPS circuit Moderate
- Carbon buildup on throttle blade affecting sensor readings Moderate
- Faulty electronic throttle body (drive-by-wire vehicles) Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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With key on engine off, slowly open the throttle while monitoring TPS voltage on a scan tool. Voltage should sweep smoothly from 0.5V (closed) to 4.5V (wide open). Any dropouts or spikes indicate a worn sensor.
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Wiggle the TPS connector while monitoring voltage. Signal changes indicate a loose or corroded connector.
-
Inspect the TPS connector for bent, corroded, or pushed-back pins. Clean with electrical contact cleaner.
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On drive-by-wire vehicles, check for carbon buildup on the throttle plate. Clean with throttle body cleaner if needed.
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Check the 5V reference voltage and ground at the TPS connector with the sensor disconnected. Both should be stable.
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0124 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2004-2014 GM 5.3L/6.0L (Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban) Moderate DIY
TPS intermittent — almost always wiring related on LS-series drive-by-wire throttles. Inspect the 6-pin harness connector to the electronic throttle body for bent/corroded pins. Replace the throttle body if no wiring issue found.
Labor: 1-2 hr2005-2014 Ford F-150/Explorer/Mustang Moderate DIY
TPS intermittent signal — clean or replace the electronic throttle body. Perform throttle body relearn with a bidirectional scan tool after installation. Hall-effect TPS sensors inside the throttle body are not separately serviceable.
Labor: 1-2 hr2005-2016 Toyota Camry/Corolla/Tacoma Easy DIY
TPS intermittent — Toyota ETC throttle bodies are reliable but carbon buildup can cause erratic signal tracking. Clean the throttle body with TB-safe cleaner, reinstall, and perform idle relearn (battery disconnect + 10 minute wait on most Toyotas).
Labor: 30-45 minFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0124?
You can drive short distances at low speeds, but an intermittent TPS signal can cause sudden power surges, hesitation, or erratic shifting. The vehicle may go into limp mode. Drive cautiously to a repair shop.
What is the difference between P0121 and P0124?
P0121 indicates the TPS signal is out of expected range, suggesting a consistent problem. P0124 indicates the signal is intermittent -- cutting in and out -- which usually points to a worn sensor, loose connector, or damaged wiring.
Can I adjust a throttle position sensor?
On older vehicles with cable-operated throttle, the TPS can sometimes be adjusted by loosening its mounting screws and rotating it. On modern drive-by-wire vehicles, the TPS is built into the throttle body and requires replacement of the entire unit.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
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