P0124: Throttle position sensor circuit intermittent
Can I drive with P0124?
Yes, but drive carefully and get it checked soon. Signal drops out momentarily over bumps, causing jerky acceleration and transmission confusion.
What does P0124 mean?
P0124 stands for Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Intermittent.
Symptoms you may notice
- Sudden 'Reduced Engine Power' warning on dashboard
- Gas pedal feels dead or vehicle will not accelerate past 25-30 mph
- Jerky throttle response and abrupt engine surging
How much does it cost to fix?
Repair costs for code P0124 depend on the specific underlying root cause, ranging from simple DIY checks to component replacement. The table below lists the most common causes and rough price ranges in USD:
- Loose or spread terminal pins in throttle connector
- Worn wiper arm inside TPS sensor
- Frayed wire strand inside the engine harness
- Engine vibration causing bracket flex
What to do next
- Perform a terminal pin-drag test on the throttle connector.
- Graph the sensor signal on an OBD2 scanner while tapping the sensor body lightly.
- Secure wire harness with cable ties to prevent movement.
Related codes
About this code
P0124 reflects an intermittent contact problem inside the throttle sensor or its external connector. When driving over washboard roads or accelerating hard, the car may stutter or briefly illuminate the traction control or check engine light. Re-tensioning the connector pins and replacing worn sensors restores seamless driving.