Throttle Position Sensor P0120 Code?

Hi,
I have a high idle issue with my 2001 Tacoma 4x4 w/2.7L engine. It goes into high idle and then I have to slap the gas peddle to get it to stop. when I do this, the check engine light comes on for about 50 miles or so then goes out. I took it to the autozone and had the code read. PO120 Throttle Position Sensor.

Question: Is this something I can easliy change myself? I don't have lots of tools or a garage. Just basic wrenches and such.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Thanks for the schematics. Mine is a 2001. I assume the 2003 is the same? I don't have lots of tools or ohm meters and air compressors. Should I just take it into the shop and get this done? What would something like this cost? Thanks

 

I was running the same code two months ago. I cleaned the Throttle Body with Seafoam using this write-up:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/50153-how-cleaning-throttle-body.html

It was very easy and satisfying to do and I haven't had any problems since. Good luck!

 

AWESOME! Thanks for the help. Great forum!

 

No prob

 

A few more questions: The throttle assembly is pretty simple to remove right? No new gaskets required or anything else like adjustments or cables for putting it back together? Just 4 bolts and a few hoses? I have very few tools and don't want to screw this up.

If I decided to clean it with just the spray, how would I go about doing this? Where would I spray the stuff and should I have it running or not? Any pcitures or instructions available for doing this? Thanks.

 

Yes, the TB (throttle body) is very easy to remove. The air intake can be a pain to get out of the way, but when you do it's just 4 bolts and a few hoses.

The only tools you'll need are:
wrench
toothbrush
philips head screw driver

I did not need any new gaskets when I did mine. As far as I know, you'll only need a new gasket if you take off the IAC valve (which I do not reccomend doing). This is explained further in the thread I posted for you, but you do not want to get the sludge or even the seafoam in the IAC! It will foul it up and you'll have more problems. In order to not get anything down there, when I cleaned mine, I just used a piece of tape to cover the hole. I then just scrubbed very carefully around that area.

You simply spray the seafoam into the TB (holding the butterfly open), scrub, repeat as necessary, rinse with seafoam, and then wipe it down with a soft cloth. The only place you don't want to allow any sludge/seafoam to run into is the IAC. Make sure the TB is completely dry before re-installing it and tuning on your engine.

When I did this to my truck, I just used the information and pictures contained in the thread I posted above. Thankfully everthing worked like it was mentioned. Just look over the thread before doing this so you're prepared. You should be fine.

 

Just curious if the problem was ever fixed. Did you clean the Throttle Body? I hope everything worked out.

 

The weather has been pretty bad and I just got around to trying to take it out. (I don't have a garage).

I gave up when I couldn't break the bolts with my socket set despite spraying the day before with PB Blaster. Had to use a tiny 1/4" drive wrench as that's all I had that would fit. Looks like I'll be taking it into the shop. Now to find one that won't rip me off too bad. I refuse to take it to the dealer and pay $500.

Thanks for the help but I live in the city, and can't really work on my vehicle due to lack of tools and no garage. Need to get out of here soon.

Anyone know of a Tacoma guru shop near Buffalo NY?

 

Ah, sorry about that... :/ $500 is ridiculous!

and... BUMP for anyone that lives near Buffalo!

 

I am glad I found this! My truck just started throwing the code but the throttle has been acting funny for a while. Before I spend $50 on the new sensor, I am going to try cleaning the throttle body. Thanks guys!

 

How do you re-install the sensor? I cleaned my TB and while doing it I took tr throttle position sensor off. Now the ga pedal goes in half way before the motor revs up. What do i need to do?

 

Hi these write up no longer loads. Can someone refer me to a site or post that gives you instructions on how to clean the throttle body, preferably with images? Thanks