Failed throttle position sensor; Open ground circuit at the sensor; Signal wire shorted to the 5 V reference or battery voltage; Corroded or water-damaged connector.

How much does it cost to fix P0123?

Usually 60–500 € at an independent workshop in Europe, depending on which part is at fault.

P0123 Throttle/pedal position sensor A circuit high

What P0123 means

The voltage from throttle position sensor A is higher than the engine computer considers possible. It cannot trust the throttle position and usually limits engine power.

P0123 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.

At a glance

Severity: High
Typical repair cost: 60–500 €
Workshop time: 0.5–2.5 h
Repair difficulty: Medium
DIY possible: Yes
Check engine light: Yes
Affects emissions test: Yes
Limp mode possible: Yes

Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Limp mode with reduced power
High or unstable idle
Hesitation or poor pedal response

Common causes

Failed throttle position sensor
Open ground circuit at the sensor
Signal wire shorted to the 5 V reference or battery voltage
Corroded or water-damaged connector

Can I keep driving with P0123?

Get it checked within a day or two. Expect limp mode and poor acceleration until it is fixed.

What to check first

Inspect the throttle body connector for corrosion and water ingress.
Check the sensor ground circuit for continuity.
With the connector unplugged, check the signal wire for a short to voltage.
Replace the throttle body or sensor if wiring is good, then run the throttle adaptation.

Related codes

Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
Updated: 2026-10-24