Trouble Lights

I have a 2010 tacoma TRD 4x4 6cyl. The check engine light and the slip indicator light came on. I had them reset. After a couple of days the trouble lights came back on. Any help on this one, besides taking the truck to a dealer.
Thank you
Joe Kusnersyk

 

Step one: find out what codes it's telling you.

 

P0122

 

Throttle Position Sensor

 

P0122 - Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch "A" Circuit Low Input.

HINT: These DTCs relate to the Throttle Position (TP) sensor.

DESCRIPTION:

This ETCS (Electronic Throttle Control System) does not use a throttle cable. The Throttle Position (TP) sensor is mounted on the throttle body, and detects the opening angle of the throttle valve. This sensor is a non-contact type, and uses Hall-effect elements, in order to yield accurate signals, even in extreme driving conditions, such as at high speeds as well as very low speeds. The TP sensor has two sensor circuits which each transmits a signal, VTA1 and VTA2. VTA1 is used to detect the throttle valve angle and VTA2 is used to detect malfunctions in VTA1. The sensor signal voltages vary between 0 V and 5 V in proportion to the throttle valve opening angle, and are transmitted to the VTA terminals of the ECM. As the valve closes, the sensor output voltage decreases and as the valve opens, the sensor output voltage increases. The ECM calculates the throttle valve opening angle according to these signals and controls the throttle actuator in response to driver inputs. These signals are also used in calculations such as air-fuel ratio correction, power increase correction and fuel-cut control.

Detection Conditions:

Output voltage of VTA1 0.2 V or less for 2 seconds (1 trip detection logic)

Probable Trouble Areas:

•TP sensor (built into throttle body)
•Short in VTA1 circuit
•Open in VC circuit
•ECM

Check the wiring and Harness going to the Throttle Position Sensor.