Parts for your 2012 Honda Cr-v-Throttle position sensors

2012 Honda CR‑V Throttle Position Sensor: What it does and when to service it

Based on Honda’s own technical documentation, the 2012 Honda CR‑V absolutely uses a throttle position sensor (TPS). The factory Service Manual for the 2012–2016 CR‑V describes an electronic throttle control (drive‑by‑wire) system with dual TP Sensor circuits (Sensor A and B) built into the throttle body, feeding position data to the ECM/PCM. Honda’s electronic parts catalogue lists the complete throttle body assembly (e.g., 16400‑R5A‑xxx) and does not list a separate, serviceable TPS, confirming it’s integrated and non‑adjustable.

On this model, the TPS tells the engine computer exactly how far the throttle plate is open. That info, compared with accelerator pedal position and other sensors, lets the ECM manage fuel, ignition and idle speed smoothly. Because it’s a drive‑by‑wire setup, accuracy is crucial—hence the twin tracks (A/B) inside the unit for redundancy and safety.

As part of routine servicing on a 2012 CR‑V, the TPS itself isn’t a scheduled replacement item, but the throttle body it lives in deserves attention. Keeping it clean helps the sensor read consistently and keeps idle quality tidy.

• Inspection: At roughly 60,000–100,000 kilometres, check for carbon build‑up around the throttle plate. Don’t force the plate open under the bonnet, use the ignition/scan tool to command it or open it gently by hand only if the workshop manual allows.
• Cleaning: Use throttle‑body‑safe cleaner on a lint‑free cloth. Avoid drowning the electronics or spraying directly into the motor housing.
• Idle/TP learn: After cleaning or battery disconnect, perform the Honda idle learn procedure (engine at operating temp, all loads off, let it idle for several minutes). A scan tool relearn is ideal.

Replacement advice: If the TPS fails or sets DTCs such as P0121, P0122, P0123 or correlation faults between Sensor A/B, the fix on this CR‑V is to replace the entire throttle body assembly with a new gasket—there’s no separate TPS to swap or adjust. After fitting, a throttle/idle relearn is required, and clearing codes with a scan tool is recommended. Typical symptoms that prompt replacement include erratic idle, hesitation, sudden limp‑home behaviour, harsh shifting (auto), poor fuel economy, and a glowing MIL.

Pro tip: Don’t confuse the TPS with the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor. The APP lives at the pedal, the TPS is on the throttle body. Both talk to the ECM, but faults and test procedures differ—always follow the Honda workshop manual for diagnostics.

Popular questions about 2012 Honda CR‑V throttle position sensors

Does the 2012 CR‑V have a throttle position sensor?
Yes. It’s integrated into the electronic throttle body with dual sensor tracks (A/B). Honda doesn’t supply the TPS separately, so any TPS fault is addressed by replacing the throttle body assembly and performing an idle/throttle relearn.

What are the common signs the TPS/throttle body is playing up?
Drivers may notice rough or high idle, hesitation, surging, poor fuel economy, or limp‑mode behaviour. The check engine light often appears with codes like P0121–P0123 or TP correlation faults. A proper scan and live‑data check helps confirm.

Can the TPS be replaced on its own?
Not on this model. The TPS is non‑serviceable and built into the throttle body. The correct repair is a complete throttle body replacement, then clearing codes and running a relearn so the ECM knows the new plate positions.