00 4Runner throttle position sensor

[gelato]

Check engine light came on a few months ago with code P0120 - TPS / Pedal Position Sensor. Light went off after a while and I didn't think anything of it.

Last week, my 4Runner stalled for the first time at 35K miles. Can a malfunction in the throttle position sensor cause the car to stall / lose all power suddenly? Is this something I need to replace, or can the current sensor be tightened/cleaned/adjusted?

[forest_grump]

TPS stands for throttle position sensor...it only senses what position throttle valve shaft is at in relation to the throttle body and because there is a cable from there that leads to gas pedal is how it is influanced by...pressing gas.

Unplug wires to TPS and check for corrosion and dirty connection and clean as nessasary.....if connection is clean when inspected and it acts up again with check engine light...I would recommend replacing TPS and adj. within specs sense you have already got a code finding it at fault.(after making sure it is not a code given due to simply a dirty or wet connection of course)

[gelato]

Thank you. I did check as you suggested and the wires are clean. Think I will go ahead and replace the sensor.

[Brian R.]

Be careful to not bung up the screw heads that hold the sensor on. That will make a tough job out of an easy one. Put a drop of pentrating oil on the screws before you start and let it sit a while.

[forest_grump]

You're welcome.