P0120 on Volvo
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
P0120 on Volvo vehicles indicates throttle/pedal position sensor circuit malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 4 Volvo models — most commonly on C70, S70, V40. This code indicates a malfunction in the throttle position or accelerator pedal position sensor circuit. These sensors tell the computer how far the throttle plate is open or how far you've pressed the pedal, which the computer uses to control engine power and, on drive-by-wire systems, the throttle itself. When the signal is out of range, erratic, or doesn't make sense relative to other inputs, P0120 sets. Symptoms can include hesitation, surging, stalling, or the vehicle entering a reduced-power 'limp' mode for safety. Typical repair costs on Volvo range from $300 to $800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0120
- •Failed throttle position sensor
- •Corroded or loose TPS/pedal sensor connector
- •Damaged or shorted sensor wiring
- •Carbon buildup or a sticking throttle body
- •Worn throttle body or throttle plate
- •Poor sensor reference voltage or ground
- •Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor
- •Faulty PCM/ECM (rare)
P0120 on Volvo by Model
Volvo C70(1 issue)
- Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure1999-2005
Same ETM failure as other P2 platform Volvos. The early C70 (1998-2005, first gen) is most susceptible.
Volvo S70(1 issue)
- Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure1999-2000
The S70 ETM (drive-by-wire throttle body) develops internal contact wear causing intermittent stalling, reduced power mode, and check engine light. This was subject to a Volvo extended warranty and is one of the most common P2 platform failures.
Volvo V40(1 issue)
- Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure2000-2004
The S40/V40 first generation (2000-2004) uses the same problematic ETM as other Volvos of the era. Internal contact wear causes throttle position sensor errors and reduced power mode.
Volvo V70(1 issue)
- Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure1999-2002
Same ETM failure as S70/S60/S80 of the era. The drive-by-wire throttle body contacts wear internally. Early P2 V70s (1999-2002) are most affected.
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View P0120 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0120 mean on Volvo?▼
P0120 stands for "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction." This code indicates a malfunction in the throttle position or accelerator pedal position sensor circuit. These sensors tell the computer how far the throttle plate is open or how far you've pressed the pedal, which the computer uses to control engine power and, on drive-by-wire systems, the throttle itself. When the signal is out of range, erratic, or doesn't make sense relative to other inputs, P0120 sets. Symptoms can include hesitation, surging, stalling, or the vehicle entering a reduced-power 'limp' mode for safety. On Volvo specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0120 on Volvo vehicles?▼
Common causes on Volvo: Failed throttle position sensor, Corroded or loose TPS/pedal sensor connector, Damaged or shorted sensor wiring, Carbon buildup or a sticking throttle body, Worn throttle body or throttle plate. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0120 on a Volvo?▼
Repair costs on Volvo range from $300 to $800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Volvo models have P0120 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0120 on 4 Volvo models: C70, S70, V40, V70.