P0123: OBD-II code P0123 means the throttle position sensor A is reporting a signal higher than possible — typically an open ground or a failed sensor.
HighPowertrainAir Intake
Symptoms
- Check engine light is on, often with reduced-power mode active and a warning message on the dashboard.
- Poor throttle response, high idle, or the throttle may feel stuck open due to a falsely high reading.
- The vehicle may refuse to rev beyond a limp-mode limit or behave erratically under acceleration.
Common causes
- A failed TPS/APP sensor with an internally stuck-high signal element.
- An open ground wire between the sensor and the PCM, pulling the signal to reference voltage.
- A corroded connector or a signal wire shorted to 5 V reference or battery voltage.
What to do?
Read live TPS voltage — a stuck-at-5 V reading confirms open ground or a shorted sensor. Check ground continuity from the sensor connector to the PCM. Backprobe the signal wire and sweep the pedal — voltage should rise smoothly. Replace the sensor and perform a throttle relearn.