OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0122 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low Input
P0122 means sensor A voltage is below the minimum valid level. This usually points to a lost 5V reference, an open signal wire, a short to ground, or a failed sensor.
Severity 4/5
Truck-relevant
Stop within 50 mi
Severity
Stop within 50 mi
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low Input
Code
P0122
Category
Powertrain
Subsystem
Throttle
Truck-relevant
Yes
What this means for truckers
Stop within ~50 miles on a Cummins X15, Detroit DD15, PACCAR MX-13. Driving longer risks damaging adjacent components (turbo housing, head gasket, aftertreatment) and turning a $300 fix into a $3,000 fix.
Before you replace parts — try this first
P0122 on the Throttle system is most often open or shorted 5v reference — not a dead part. On commercial diesels especially, work these in order before spending money on parts:
- Confirm the symptoms. Match what your truck is doing to the Symptoms section below. If the code is set but the symptoms are not there, clear the code and re-test after a drive cycle — it may not return.
- Clean and dry the sensor connector. Water, road salt, or oil seeping into a connector is the #1 fake sensor failure. Disconnect, look for green corrosion or moisture, spray with electrical contact cleaner, dry, reseat. Many faults clear here for $0.
- Inspect the wiring harness. Trace the wire from the sensor toward the ECM — look for chafing against the engine block, melted insulation near the turbo or exhaust, or pinch points where a clamp has rubbed through.
- Test the sensor before swapping it. Most Common Causes (below) list the expected voltage or resistance range — a $20 multimeter saves a $300 sensor swap that does not fix the problem.
- Only then, replace the part. Use the OEM or a tier-1 aftermarket. Cheap sensors throw the same code in two weeks.
Symptoms
Engine stuck at idle or limp-mode speed, no pedal response, and a check engine light. Other 5V sensors may also set codes if the reference is shorted.
Common causes
- CommonOpen or shorted 5V reference ($100–$500)
- CommonOpen signal wire or bad connector ($50–$300)
- CommonFailed pedal or throttle position sensor ($150–$600)
- RareECM fault ($900–$2500)
How to fix
Check 5V reference at the sensor, and check for codes on other 5V sensors
When to use: First step
Check the signal wire for an open or a short to ground
When to use: When the reference is good
Replace the pedal or throttle position sensor
When to use: When wiring is good but the signal is low
Affects most
No specific vehicle pattern found in our complaint database. This code can appear on any vehicle that supports OBD-II diagnostics.
Related
- → Browse all DTC trouble codes
- → Decode a VIN to check codes for your truck
- → Owner-operator maintenance guides
- → P0100 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit
- → P0101 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance
- → P0102 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input
- → P0103 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
- → P0104 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Intermittent
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0122?
Drive with caution. P0122 is severity 4 — stop within ~50 miles. Most commercial diesel codes at this severity (turbo, fuel rail, transmission solenoid) can damage adjacent expensive components if left unrepaired. Get to a service location before highway-speed loads.
How much does it cost to fix P0122 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $50–$2500 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Open or shorted 5V reference — which is also the most common. On commercial trucks the cost is usually higher than passenger vehicles due to part availability and shop labor rates ($120–185/hour at most truck shops, vs $90–130 at general auto shops). DIY-capable fixes (sensors, hoses, filters) are at the low end; major component replacements (turbo actuator, high-pressure fuel pump, transmission solenoid pack) are at the high end. Always diagnose with a scan tool BEFORE replacing parts — guessing wrong on a $1,500 turbo actuator when the actual issue was a $30 boost hose is a common expensive mistake.
Will P0122 fail a DOT inspection?
P0122 is generally not a direct DOT inspection fail item by itself. Inspectors focus on safety-critical systems (brakes, steering, tires, lights, hours-of-service). However, the check engine light alone can trigger additional inspection scrutiny. Best practice: fix the code and clear it before a planned inspection.
What's the difference between P0122 and related codes?
P0122 is closely related to: P0100 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit), P0101 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance), P0102 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input), P0103 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input). These codes share the same subsystem (throttle) and often appear together. If you see this code, scan for the full code list — fixing the root cause usually clears multiple companion codes at once. If only P0122 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent P0122 from coming back after a repair?
For P0122 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low Input), prevention centers on the throttle system. Clean throttle body at 100K mile intervals. Don't let carbon build up. Avoid extended idle time.