Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSMERCURY1998SABLE V6-3.0L DOHC VIN SREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISTRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAINTRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMSTESTING AND INSPECTIONDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DESCRIPTIONSTHROTTLE POSITION (TP) SENSOR
1998 Mercury Sable V6-3.0L DOHC VIN S
Throttle Position (TP) Sensor
1998 Mercury Sable V6-3.0L DOHC VIN SSECTION Throttle Position (TP) Sensor
DESCRIPTION
The Throttle Position (TP) Sensor is a potentiometer mounted on the throttle body. The TP sensor detects the position of the throttle plate and sends this information to the powertrain control module as a varying voltage signal. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses the monitored voltage level of the TP sensor for control of electronic pressure control (EPC) pressure, torque converter clutch operation and shift scheduling. If a malfunction occurs in the TP sensor circuit, the PCM will recognize that the TP sensor signal is out of specification. The PCM will then operate the AX4N transaxle in a high capacity mode to prevent transaxle damage.
SYMPTOMS
Harsh engagements, firm shift feel, abnormal shift schedule, torque converter clutch does not engage, torque converter clutch cycling.
DTCs
P0122, P0123, P1120
The Throttle Position (TP) Sensor is a potentiometer mounted on the throttle body. The TP sensor detects the position of the throttle plate and sends this information to the powertrain control module as a varying voltage signal. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses the monitored voltage level of the TP sensor for control of electronic pressure control (EPC) pressure, torque converter clutch operation and shift scheduling. If a malfunction occurs in the TP sensor circuit, the PCM will recognize that the TP sensor signal is out of specification. The PCM will then operate the AX4N transaxle in a high capacity mode to prevent transaxle damage.
SYMPTOMS
Harsh engagements, firm shift feel, abnormal shift schedule, torque converter clutch does not engage, torque converter clutch cycling.
DTCs
P0122, P0123, P1120
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.