P0123 on 2012-2019 Nissan Versa: Throttle Position Sensor Circuit High Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2012-2019 Nissan Versa

For the second-generation Nissan Versa (2012-2019) and its platform mates with the HR16DE engine, the throttle position sensor (TPS) is not sold as a separate, replaceable part. It is permanently integrated into the electronic throttle body assembly. This design means that if the sensor fails—the most common cause of P0123—the entire throttle body unit must be replaced. This makes the repair more expensive and complex than on older vehicles where the sensor could be swapped out independently.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• No throttle response (pressing the gas pedal does nothing)
• Engine goes into 'limp mode' with severely reduced power
• Rough, high, or unstable idle (may idle at 2000+ RPM)
• Engine may stall unexpectedly, especially at low speeds
• Sluggish performance, unable to accelerate past a certain speed (e.g., 60 mph)

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Electronic Throttle Body Assembly (Integrated TPS) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Injection Throttle Body The internal contacts of the throttle position sensor wear out over time, a common failure on many drive-by-wire systems. On this platform, the sensor is integrated into the throttle body assembly, meaning the entire unit is a single point of failure and must be replaced when the sensor fails.
   How to confirm: Using a scan tool's live data, observe the 'TP Sensor 1' or 'TPS A' voltage with the key on, engine off. If the voltage is stuck high (e.g., at 5.0V) and does not change as the gas pedal is pressed, the sensor has failed. Since it's integrated, this condemns the throttle body. A multimeter check at the disconnected sensor should show an open or shorted circuit internally.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire electronic throttle body assembly. A mandatory 'Idle Air Volume Learn' procedure must be performed immediately after replacement to stabilize the idle.
   Est. part cost: $450-$900 (OEM), $180-$500 (Aftermarket)
2. Wiring or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness connector at the throttle body is exposed to engine heat and vibration, which can lead to frayed wires, loose pins, or corrosion over time, causing a short to power or an open circuit.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the throttle body for any signs of melting, chafing, or corrosion. Unplug the connector and check for bent, pushed-out, or corroded pins. Use a multimeter to check for a stable 5-volt reference and good ground at the connector with the key on. Wiggle the harness while monitoring voltage to check for intermittent shorts.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
3. Blown Fuse ⚪ Low Probability A short circuit in a related component can blow a fuse that supplies power or reference voltage to the throttle control system, leading to erratic sensor readings.
   How to confirm: Check the fuses in the under-hood fuse box (IPDM - Intelligent Power Distribution Module) related to the ECM or engine controls. A YouTube video demonstrated a case on a Nissan where a blown fuse in the IPDM was the root cause for P0123 and P0223, 🎬 Watch this video showing how a blown fuse causes these codes. as it cut the 5V reference to the throttle body.
   Typical fix: Find and fix the source of the short circuit, then replace the blown fuse with one of the same amperage.
   Est. part cost: $1-$5

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (ECM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is extremely rare. The ECM should only be suspected after the throttle body, wiring, and fuses have been exhaustively tested and confirmed to be good. An ECM failure is the least likely cause.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner and confirm P0123 is present. Check for other related codes like P0223 or P2135, which strongly point to the throttle body.
🎬 See a real-world diagnostic walkthrough of these exact codes.
2. View live data on the scanner. Observe the 'TP Sensor 1' or 'TPS A' voltage. With the key on and engine off, it should be around 0.5V-0.7V. If it's stuck at or near 5.0V, the circuit has a fault.
3. Perform a visual inspection of the throttle body connector and its wiring harness. Look for any obvious signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
4. If the wiring looks good, disconnect the throttle body connector. Use a multimeter to verify a 5-volt reference signal and a good ground are present at the correct pins on the harness side with the ignition ON.
5. If the 5V reference or ground is missing, inspect the engine control fuses in the IPDM (under-hood fuse box) before suspecting a wiring break or a bad ECM.
6. If the reference voltage and ground are good at the harness, the fault is almost certainly within the throttle body assembly itself.
7. After replacing the throttle body, you MUST perform the 'Accelerator Pedal Released Position Learn', 'Throttle Valve Closed Position Learn', and 'Idle Air Volume Learn' procedures. This can be done manually with a stopwatch and a series of timed key cycles and pedal presses, but it is often easier and more reliable with a professional scan tool.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Electronic Throttle Body Assembly (OEM #16119-3AN1E) — The throttle position sensor (TPS) that causes code P0123 is integrated into this assembly and cannot be replaced separately on the 2012-2019 Versa.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Hitachi (OEM Supplier, Part #ETB0093), Aisin, Dorman
  OEM price range: $550-$900
  Aftermarket price range: $180-$500

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0223 — This code is for 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor 'B' Circuit High'. The Versa uses two redundant sensors (TPS1 and TPS2) in the throttle body for safety. When both P0123 (TPS1) and P0223 (TPS2) appear together, it is a very strong indication of an internal failure of the throttle body assembly itself or a loss of the shared 5V reference/ground circuit.
• P2135 — This code means 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A'/'B' Voltage Correlation'. The ECM is seeing that the signals from the two throttle position sensors do not agree with each other. This directly points to a fault within the throttle body assembly where one or both sensors are failing.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Nissan Service Campaign PM562: While not for P0123, Nissan issued this voluntary service campaign to reprogram the Transmission Control Module (TCM) on 2012-2014 Versa models to address issues with the CVT transmission, a major known issue on this platform.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Owner Experience: Sluggish After Cleaning: A 2015 Versa Note owner on Reddit reported codes for the TPS and MAF sensor. After cleaning the throttle body and replacing the MAF, the car no longer stalled but remained extremely sluggish (unable to pass 60 mph). This highlights that cleaning is often insufficient for an internal electrical fault and replacement is necessary.
• Repair Cost Confirmation: RepairPal estimates the total shop cost for a throttle body replacement on a 2012-2019 Versa to be between $686 and $1064, with the OEM part alone costing upwards of $564.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) 'A' Signal Voltage (Key On, Engine Off, Throttle Closed) — expected: 0.3V - 0.7V. Failure: A reading stuck at or near 5.0V indicates a short to power or internal sensor failure, triggering P0123.
• Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) 'A' Signal Voltage (Key On, Engine Off, Wide Open Throttle) — expected: 4.5V - 4.8V. Failure: Voltage that does not change smoothly from closed to open throttle, or is stuck high, indicates a faulty sensor.
• 5V Reference Voltage at Throttle Body Connector — expected: ~5.0V (typically 4.95V). Failure: No voltage indicates a blown fuse (often in the IPDM), a wiring break, or a faulty ECM.
• Idle Air Volume Learn - Required Preconditions — expected: Battery >12.9V (at idle), Engine Temp 158-212°F, transmission in Park/Neutral, all electrical loads OFF, steering wheel straight.. Failure: The relearn procedure will fail if any of these conditions are not met.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT or compatible professional scan tool: Idle Air Volume Learn — This is a mandatory function to be used after replacing the electronic throttle body. It commands the ECM to learn the new throttle body's base idle airflow characteristics. Failure to perform this will result in a high or unstable idle.
• Nissan CONSULT or compatible professional scan tool: Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning — This should be performed before the Idle Air Volume Learn. It teaches the ECM the voltage reading of the new sensor at its fully closed, resting state.
• Nissan CONSULT or compatible professional scan tool: Accelerator Pedal Released Position Learning — This is the first of the three relearn procedures. It calibrates the ECM to the resting (zero input) position of the accelerator pedal sensor.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Ground (Main) — A primary ground strap typically runs from the intake manifold area or transmission case directly to the negative battery terminal or a nearby chassis point.. A poor engine ground can cause floating voltages and unstable sensor readings, including the TPS, potentially leading to a false P0123 code.
• Throttle Body Connector — A 6-pin electrical connector directly on the electronic throttle body assembly.. This is the single point of connection for the dual throttle position sensors and the throttle motor. All voltage and signal tests (5V reference, ground, TPS1 signal, TPS2 signal) are performed here.
• IPDM E/R (Intelligent Power Distribution Module Engine Room) — Located in the engine bay, typically behind the battery.. This module contains the fuses and relays that supply power and reference voltage to the engine sensors, including the throttle body. A blown fuse or internal fault in the IPDM can cut the 5V reference, causing P0123 and P0223.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube - Mecanica YM (Nissan Versa (year not specified, but relevant generation)) — Vehicle was accelerating on its own, multiple codes including P0123, P0223, P2135.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced accelerator pedal, Replaced throttle body
  ✅ What actually fixed it The Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) was faulty and burning out the new components. Replacing the IPDM along with the throttle body finally resolved the issue.
• YouTube - NISSAN MECHANIC (Nissan Sunny (similar platform)) — No throttle response, codes P0123 and P0223 present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed towards a bad throttle body.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A diagnostic check found no 5V reference at the throttle body connector. The cause was a single blown fuse inside the IPDM. Replacing the fuse restored power and fixed the problem without needing to replace the throttle body.
• NHTSA ODI #10874118 (Nissan Altima) — An owner reported that the same codes, P0223, P0123, and P2135, appeared repeatedly, which the mechanic identified as an electronic throttle control actuator fault.
• NHTSA ODI #10958658 (Nissan Xterra) — A report describes a situation where error codes P0122, P0128, and P0123 would come and go intermittently even after other intake and steering repairs were performed.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 16119-3AN0A, 16119-3AN0B, 16119-3AN0C, 16119-3AN0D, 16119-3AN1D → 16119-3AN1E — Standard part revision and consolidation by the manufacturer over the vehicle's production run.
  Heads up: All previous part numbers are replaced by 16119-3AN1E, which is the current and correct OEM part for the entire 2012-2019 model year range.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• CVT Transmission Failure/Hesitation 🔴 High — Extremely common, often occurring between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. Symptoms include shuddering, jerking, loss of power, and complete failure. (Ref: Multiple class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions (e.g., to 84 months/84,000 miles) have been issued. Service campaign PM562 involved a TCM reprogram for some model years.)
• Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) Malfunction 🟠 Medium — Can occur over the vehicle's lifetime, causing a wide range of electrical problems like non-functional headlights, wipers, or AC clutch.
• Canister Vent Control Valve Failure 🟡 Low — A common cause for EVAP-related check engine lights (P0442, P0455, P0456). The valve gets stuck, causing a large leak detection.
• Worn Ignition Lock Cylinder 🟠 Medium — Reported in 2013-2016 models, the key becomes hard to turn or sticks, eventually leading to a no-start condition.
• Prematurely Noisy Wheel Bearings 🟡 Low — Some vehicles are prone to noisy wheel bearings that require replacement before 100,000 miles.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used OEM throttle body from a low-mileage, late-model (e.g., 2017-2019) donor vehicle can be a cost-effective alternative to a new aftermarket part, as OEM electronics are often more reliable. However, it is a gamble as the part's history is unknown.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 60000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Check for the absence of heavy carbon buildup or oily residue around the throttle plate.
• Ensure the electrical connector pins are clean, straight, and free of corrosion.
• Verify the part number matches the OEM supersession list (ending in 3AN1E is ideal).
• Ask the seller for the donor vehicle's VIN to verify its year and mileage if possible.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• While not strictly OEM-only, many forum users and mechanics express a strong preference for OEM or the OEM supplier (Hitachi) for critical electronic components like the throttle body to avoid compatibility and longevity issues often seen with cheaper aftermarket brands.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Hitachi (OEM supplier)
• Aisin
• Dorman (often cited, but with mixed reviews depending on the platform)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unnamed, low-cost brands found on sites like eBay or Amazon often have higher failure rates and may not perform the relearn procedure correctly. A brand like ECCPP is an example of a budget-focused option.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0223 — Often appears with P0123 when the 5V reference to the throttle body is lost due to a blown fuse in the IPDM or a faulty throttle body assembly.
• P2135 — A throttle position sensor voltage correlation code that strongly points toward a failing electronic throttle body.
• P1121 — An engine control code related to the throttle actuator/sensor that can appear alongside P0123 during a throttle body failure.
• P0442 — An EVAP system leak code related to the Canister Vent Control Valve, another known common issue on this vehicle platform.
• P0455 — A large EVAP leak code often caused by a stuck Canister Vent Control Valve, frequently seen on the Versa.
• P0456 — A very small EVAP leak code associated with the same vent valve failure common to this platform.

Frequently Asked Questions