P0124: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Intermittent
Can you still drive? Driving is risky as the throttle may respond unpredictably. Repair this code promptly to avoid dangerous situations on the road.
What Does P0124 Mean?
Code P0124 indicates that the throttle position sensor signal is fluctuating or cutting out intermittently. The ECU detects sudden jumps or drops in the TPS voltage that do not correspond to actual throttle movement. This can cause momentary hesitation, surging, or unexpected shifts.
Need to read your codes?
An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.
Browse OBD-II Scanners on AmazonCommon Causes
- Worn TPS with internal dead spots
- Loose TPS electrical connector
- Damaged wiring in the TPS circuit
- Carbon buildup affecting throttle plate movement
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Intermittent hesitation on acceleration
- Sudden surging while driving
- Erratic transmission shifting
- Occasional limp mode
Diagnostic Steps
- 1Read and document freeze frame data
- 2Monitor TPS voltage live data while slowly opening and closing the throttle
- 3Look for voltage dropouts or sudden jumps in the TPS signal
- 4Wiggle the TPS connector while watching live data
- 5Clean the throttle body and retest
- 6Replace TPS if dead spots or erratic signals are found
Recommended Parts & Tools
throttle position sensor
throttle body cleaner
Estimated Repair Cost
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Repair Cost Range | $50 - $400 |
Get a Personalized AI Diagnostic Report
Get a detailed AI diagnosis for code P0124 specific to your vehicle. Includes step-by-step repair instructions, exact parts needed, and a cost breakdown tailored to your make and model.
Chat with AI About P0124Commonly Affected Vehicles
Related Recalls
5 Active Recalls — 2026 Ford Explorer
The following NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for this vehicle. Contact your dealer to check if your vehicle is affected.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Lincoln Corsair, Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The windshield glass may have visible air bubbles, which can obscure the driver's visibility. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the windshield as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 6, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C60. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 27, 2025.
ENGINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer, Mustang, Lincoln Corsair, and 2025 Maverick vehicles. The cylinder head may have been improperly manufactured, which can cause the ball plugs to fail, resulting in an oil leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cylinder head assembly, free of charge. All affected vehicles are still within dealership inventory and therefore no owner notification letters will be mailed. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on November 24, 2025.
TRAILER HITCHES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Explorer and 2024-2026 Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The trailer hitch assembly bolts may be loose.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and tighten the trailer hitch bolts, or replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 29, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA3. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2026 Explorer vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Remedy: Dealers will remove and replace the windshield, free charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C02. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 22, 2026.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Explorer vehicles. The Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) system software may cause the passenger-side headlight to turn in the wrong direction when driving through curves in the road. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: The headlight control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C12. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dead spots in a TPS?
The TPS uses a resistive element that wears over time. Repeated throttle movement wears grooves in the element, creating spots where the signal drops out momentarily.
Is P0124 dangerous?
It can be. An intermittent TPS signal can cause unexpected hesitation or surging while driving, which could be dangerous in traffic. Get it repaired promptly.
Community Fix Reports
Community reports are user-submitted and not verified by Auto AI Buddy. Results may vary.
Related Codes
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase products through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us maintain this free resource. We only recommend products we believe will help you diagnose and repair your vehicle. Prices shown are estimates and may vary.