P0124 code meaning
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P0124 means
Sensor A is, in practice, throttle position sensor 1 at the throttle body; the accelerator pedal has its own codes (P2120 onwards). With a cable-operated throttle there is a single potentiometer (about 0.5 V closed to 4.5 V wide open). Electronic throttles have two sensors sharing a 5 V reference and ground, usually running in opposite directions – on GM throttle sensor 1 falls from 3–4 V at idle to below 1 V at full throttle. P0124 covers short, recurring dropouts of sensor A. The only manufacturer source naming it is Ford's 2020–2023 summary for digital SENT throttle sensors: an error lasting more than 0.4 s sets P0124, one lasting more than 4 s sets P0120, so brief dropouts are kept apart from lasting faults; MIL and wrench lamp come on. GM does not use P0124 in the tables checked – its low/high monitors already catch intermittent shorts. For analogue sensors the description rests on CARB and component information. Typical causes are loose contacts, a chafed harness or a worn potentiometer track.
P0124 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0124
- Check engine light, possibly only intermittently
- Brief hesitation or power drop
- Limp mode that disappears after restart
- Rough idle
Common causes of P0124
- Most likelyLoose contact in the connector (spread terminals, corrosion)
- PossibleChafed or partly broken wire in the harness
- PossibleWorn potentiometer track (dropout at a certain position)
- Less likelySensor electronics faulty (SENT)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Throttle position sensorThrottle bodySensor wiringSensor reference voltage
What each part of P0124 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 24 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0124 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0124
What does P0124 mean?
P0124 means "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Intermittent". Sensor A is, in practice, throttle position sensor 1 at the throttle body; the accelerator pedal has its own codes (P2120 onwards). It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0124?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0124 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0124 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0124 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0124 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0124 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.