Engine-CodesMercury – P1120 Mercury

P1120 Mercury Code - Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range

Quick Answer

When the diagnostic trouble code P1120 appears on a Mercury vehicle, it indicates that the throttle position sensor is out of range. Common causes include Faulty throttle position sensor, Wiring issues or a poor connection, Dirty throttle body. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P1120 Mercury indicates Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty throttle position sensor, Wiring issues or a poor connection, Dirty throttle body.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 10, 2024
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Code P1120 Mercury Description

When the diagnostic trouble code P1120 appears on a Mercury vehicle, it indicates that the throttle position sensor is out of range. The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a crucial component of the engine management system, as it provides information to the engine control module (ECM) about the position of the throttle. This information is used to regulate fuel injection, ignition timing, and other important engine functions.

OBDII Code P1120 Mercury - Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range
P1120 Mercury Code - Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range

Common Causes of P1120 Mercury

  1. Faulty throttle position sensor
  2. Wiring issues or a poor connection
  3. Dirty throttle body
  4. Malfunctioning engine control module
  5. Incorrect sensor calibration

Symptoms of P1120 Mercury

  1. Rough idling
  2. Stalling
  3. Hesitation during acceleration
  4. Lack of power
  5. Reduced fuel efficiency

How to Fix P1120 Mercury

  1. Diagnose the issue by using a scan tool to read the trouble code and checking the TPS for proper operation.
  2. Inspect the wiring harness and connectors for any signs of damage or corrosion, repairing or replacing as necessary.
  3. Clean the throttle body to ensure smooth operation and proper sensor readings.
  4. Test the TPS voltage and resistance to confirm if it is out of range, replacing it if necessary.
  5. Reset the ECM and perform a test drive to verify that the issue has been resolved.

Cost to Fix P1120 Mercury

The typical repair costs for addressing a throttle position sensor out of range issue on a Mercury vehicle can range from $150 to $400, depending on the specific cause of the problem and the cost of parts and labor. It's important to note that diagnosis time and labor rates at auto repair shops can vary, so it's advisable to check with local shops for a more accurate estimate based on your location and vehicle specifics.

When is the Code Detected?

Malfunction is detected when voltage from the sensor is sent to Engine Control Module (ECM) is out of range.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1120 Mercury Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1120 mean for a Mercury vehicle?

P1120 indicates that the throttle position sensor (TPS) is reading values outside the expected range, signaling a potential issue with the sensor or its circuit.

2. What are the common symptoms of P1120 in a Mercury vehicle?

Symptoms may include poor acceleration, rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, reduced fuel efficiency, and the check engine light turning on.

3. What causes the P1120 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the TPS circuit, or a malfunctioning PCM (powertrain control module).

4. How can I diagnose the P1120 code?

Start by checking the TPS and its wiring for physical damage or loose connections. Use a multimeter to measure voltage and continuity in the TPS circuit.

5. Can a dirty throttle body cause the P1120 code?

A dirty throttle body is unlikely to trigger P1120 directly, but it can cause related issues that affect throttle performance. Cleaning the throttle body might help eliminate other potential problems.

6. How do I fix the P1120 code on my Mercury vehicle?

Repairs may involve replacing the throttle position sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or updating/replacing the PCM if it’s faulty.

7. Can I still drive my Mercury with the P1120 code?

Driving may be possible, but it’s not recommended as the vehicle may experience reduced performance or unsafe driving conditions like sudden acceleration or stalling.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P1120 code?

Repair costs can vary, but replacing a TPS typically costs $100-$300, including parts and labor. Wiring or PCM repairs may cost more depending on the extent of the damage.

9. Does the P1120 code always mean the TPS is bad?

Not necessarily. The issue could be related to wiring, connectors, or the PCM, so proper diagnosis is essential.

10. Will resetting the check engine light clear the P1120 code permanently?

Resetting the light may clear the code temporarily, but the issue will persist if the underlying problem isn’t fixed, causing the code to return.

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