P2137 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch Voltage Correlation Code

Explanation of Code P2137: “Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch ‘D’/’E’ Voltage Correlation”


Severity

  • Level: 🔴 High (risk of complete loss of throttle control).
  • Urgency:
  • Engine may stall while driving (immediate danger).
  • Limp mode activated (reduced power).

Common Symptoms

  • 🚨 Check Engine Light on (MIL) with code P2137.
  • 🛑 Throttle stuck (engine RPM frozen).
  • 🐌 Sudden loss of power (even at cruising speed).
  • 🔄 Unstable idle or stalling at stop.

Main Causes

  1. Wiring issues:
  • Corroded/deformed throttle body connector (“pigtail”).
  • Wires shorted to ground or exposed wires.
  1. Electronic throttle body failure:
  • Stuck gears (warped cover).
  • Failed throttle motor.
  1. Faulty accelerator pedal sensor:
  • Incorrect or intermittent signal.
  1. PCM/ECM error:
  • Reprogramming needed (e.g., after throttle body replacement).

Diagnostic Procedure (Detailed Steps)

Step 1: Check Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

  • Example: TSB NTB14-058 for Nissan (stalling issues related to code P2137).

Step 2: Inspect the “Pigtail” Connector

  • Location: On the throttle body (common models: Nissan Altima, Renault Mégane IV).
  • Action:
  • Disconnect and inspect the female terminals (corrosion, bent pins).
  • Clean with CRC contact spray and apply dielectric grease.

Step 3: Test the Accelerator Pedal Sensor

  • Multimeter:
  • Measure voltage on the signal wire (0.5V to 4.5V progressive).
  • If voltage jumps or is absent → Replace the sensor.

Step 4: Check the Throttle Body

  • Remove the cover: Check plastic/metal gears for wear or binding.
  • Throttle motor test:
  • Direct 12V power → Throttle should open/close.
  • If no movement → Throttle body is faulty.

Solutions & Costs

Problem Solution Average Cost
Faulty throttle body Replacement (new or used) €200 – €800
Failed pedal sensor Replacement €80 – €150
Wiring repair Replace “pigtail” connector €30 – €100
PCM reprogramming At dealership €100 – €300

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forcing gears: Risk of breaking plastic teeth.
  • Forgetting the relearn procedure: Required after replacement (e.g., Nissan = 5 pedal presses).

Commonly Affected Models

  • Nissan Altima (2013-2018): Recurring connector issues.
  • Renault Mégane IV (1.2 TCe): Fragile throttle body.
  • Toyota Camry (2015-2020): Pedal sensor failure.

Practical Case

  • Problem: Code P2137 on a 2016 Nissan Altima with stuck throttle.
  • Diagnosis: Corroded throttle body connector (oxidized terminals).
  • Solution: Cleaning + connector replacement (€40).

Pro Tips

  1. Handle with care: The electronic throttle system is highly sensitive.
  2. Relearn procedure:
  • Nissan: Ignition ON → 5 quick pedal presses → Wait 7s → Start.

If the code persists, consult a professional equipped with manufacturer diagnostic tools (e.g., Consult III+ for Nissan)! 🔧🚗⚠️

P2138 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P2138 code can range from stalling when you come to a stop, complete lack of power, no acceleration, sudden loss of power at cruising speeds, or a throttle stuck at the current RPM. Additionally, the check engine light will illuminate and the code will be set.

Potential Causes of P2138 DTC

From my experience, the wiring connector or “pigtail” on the throttle body causes issues in the form of a poor connection. The female terminals on the pigtail corrode or pull out of the connector.

  • Possible bare wire on a pigtail shorting to ground.
  • The upper cover of the throttle body is warped, preventing the gears from turning properly.
  • The electronic throttle body is faulty.
  • The accelerator pedal sensor or its wiring has failed.
  • The engine management computer has failed.

The TPS sensors did not correlate for a few seconds and the computer needs to go through its relearn phase to restore active throttle body response, or the computer needs to be reprogrammed at the dealership.

Diagnostic Steps / Repair

A few points about the electronic throttle control. This system is incredibly sensitive and vulnerable to damage, more than any other system. Handle it and its components with extreme care. One drop or rough handling and it’s history.

Aside from the accelerator pedal sensor, the rest of the components are located in the throttle body. During inspection, you will notice a flat plastic cover on top of the throttle body. This houses the gears to operate the throttle plate. The motor has a small metal gear that protrudes through the housing under the cover. It drives a large “plastic” gear attached to the throttle plate.

The pin that centers and supports the gear fits into the throttle body housing and the upper pin fits into the “thin” plastic cover. If the cover is warped in any way, the speed will be compromised requiring the entire throttle body to be replaced.

  • The first thing to do is go online and get the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for your vehicle regarding the code. These TSBs result from customer complaints or recognized issues and the factory-recommended repair procedure.
  • Check online or in a service manual for a possible relearn procedure to reset the computer. For example, on a Nissan, turn the ignition on and wait 3 seconds. Within the next 5 seconds, press and release the pedal 5 times. Wait 7 seconds, press and hold the pedal for 10 seconds. When the check engine light starts flashing, release the pedal. Wait 10 seconds and press the pedal again for 10 seconds and release. Turn off the ignition.
  • Pull the electrical connector off the throttle body. Inspect it carefully for missing or bent female terminals. Look for corrosion. Clean any corrosion using a small pocket screwdriver. Place a small amount of electrical grease on the terminals and plug it back in.
  • If the terminal connector has twisted or missing pins, you can buy a new “pigtail” at most auto parts stores or from the dealer.
  • Inspect the upper cover on the throttle body for cracks or warping. If there are any, call the dealer and ask if they sell just the upper cover. Otherwise, replace the throttle body.
  • Using a voltmeter, probe the accelerator pedal sensor. It will have 5 volts for reference and next to it a variable signal. Turn the key and slowly press the pedal. The voltage should climb smoothly from 0.5 to 5.0. Replace it if the voltage jumps or if there is no voltage on the signal wire.
  • Look online for the cable terminal identification on your vehicle’s throttle body. Probe the throttle body connector to power the throttle motor. Have an assistant turn the key on and lightly press the pedal. If no power is present, the computer is faulty. If there is power, the throttle body is malfunctioning.

P2139 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P2139 code can range from stalling when you stop, complete lack of power, no acceleration, sudden loss of power at cruising speeds, or a throttle stuck at the current RPM. Additionally, the check engine light will illuminate and the code will be set.

Potential Causes of P2139 DTC

Based on my experience, the wiring connector or “pigtail” on the throttle body causes issues in the form of a poor connection. The female terminals on the pigtail corrode or pull out from the connector.

  • Possible bare wire on a pigtail shorting to ground.
  • The upper cover of the throttle body is deformed, preventing the gears from turning properly.
  • The electronic throttle body is faulty.
  • The accelerator pedal sensor or its wiring has failed.
  • The engine management computer has failed.
  • The TPS sensors did not correlate for a few seconds and the computer needs to go through its relearn phase to restore active throttle body response, or the computer needs to be reprogrammed at the dealership.

Diagnostic Steps / Repair

A few points about the electronic throttle control. This system is incredibly sensitive and vulnerable to damage, more than any other system. Handle it and its components with extreme care. One drop or rough handling and it’s history.

Aside from the accelerator pedal sensor, the rest of the components are located in the throttle body. During inspection, you will notice a flat plastic cover on top of the throttle body. This houses the gears to operate the throttle plate. The motor has a small metal gear that protrudes through the housing under the cover. It drives a large “plastic” gear attached to the throttle plate.

The pin that centers and supports the gear fits into the throttle body housing and the upper pin fits into the “thin” plastic cover. If the cover is deformed in any way, the speed will be compromised requiring the complete replacement of the throttle body.

  • The first thing to do is go online and get the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for your vehicle regarding the code. These TSBs result from customer complaints or recognized issues and the factory-recommended repair procedure.
  • Check online or in a service manual for a possible relearn procedure to reset the computer. For example, on a Nissan, turn the ignition on and wait 3 seconds. Within the next 5 seconds, press and release the pedal 5 times. Wait 7 seconds, press and hold the pedal for 10 seconds. When the check engine light starts flashing, release the pedal. Wait 10 seconds and press the pedal again for 10 seconds and release. Turn off the ignition.
  • Pull the electrical connector off the throttle body. Inspect it carefully for missing or bent female terminals. Look for corrosion. Clean any corrosion using a small pocket screwdriver. Place a small amount of electrical grease on the terminals and reconnect it.
  • If the terminal connector has twisted or missing pins, you can buy a new “pigtail” at most auto parts stores or from the dealership.
  • Inspect the upper cover on the throttle body for cracks or deformation. If there are any, call the dealer and ask if they sell just the upper cover. Otherwise, replace the throttle body.
  • Using a voltmeter, probe the accelerator pedal sensor. It will have 5 volts for reference and next to it a variable signal. Turn the key and slowly press the pedal. The voltage should climb smoothly from 0.5 to 5.0. Replace it if the voltage jumps or if there is no voltage on the signal wire.
  • Look online for the cable terminal identification on your vehicle’s throttle body. Probe the throttle body connector for power to the throttle motor. Have an assistant turn the key on and lightly press the pedal. If no power is present, the computer is faulty. If there is power, the throttle body is malfunctioning.

P213A EGR Gas Control Circuit B Open

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P213A engine code may include:

Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminated
Active post-treatment regeneration time longer than normal (it will take more time for the exhaust system to heat up and burn off soot accumulated inside the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter)

Potential Causes

Typically, the causes for this code to set are as follows:

  • Open in the signal circuit between the EGR throttle control valve and the PCM
  • Short to voltage in the signal circuit to the EGR throttle control valve
  • Short to ground in the signal circuit to the EGR throttle control valve
  • Faulty EGR throttle control valve – internally shorted
  • Failed PCM – unlikely

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. Your issue may be a known problem with a known fix published by the manufacturer and can save you time and money when diagnosing.

Next, locate the EGR throttle control valve on your specific vehicle. This valve is located between the intake manifold and the air filter, similar to a throttle body. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scratches, rubbing, bare wires, burns, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they appear burnt or have a greenish tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush if cleaning the terminals is necessary. Let it dry and apply dielectric silicone grease where the terminals make contact.

If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if this code returns. If it does not, the connections were likely your problem.

If the P213A code returns, we will need to test the EGR throttle control valve and its associated circuits. Typically, there are 3 or 4 wires at the EGR throttle control valve. Disconnect the harness going to the EGR throttle control valve. With a digital voltmeter (DVOM), test the signal circuit of the EGR throttle control valve (red wire to the valve signal circuit, black wire to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts at the valve, or if you see 12 volts at the valve, repair the wiring from the PCM to the valve, or possibly a faulty PCM.

If that is okay, ensure you have a good ground at the EGR throttle control valve. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery terminal (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the EGR throttle control valve circuit ground. If the test light does not illuminate, that would indicate a circuit problem. If it lights up, wiggle the wire harness going to the EGR throttle control valve to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.

If all previous tests have passed and you continue to get a P213A, this would most likely indicate a faulty EGR throttle control valve, although a failed PCM cannot be ruled out until the EGR throttle control valve has been replaced.

P213B – EGR Throttle Position Control Circuit Range/Performance B

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P213B engine code may include:

  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
  • Active post-treatment regeneration time longer than normal (it will take more time for the exhaust system to heat up and burn off soot accumulated inside the diesel particulate filter
  • catalytic converter)

Causes

Possible causes for this code definition are as follows:

  • Open circuit in the signal path between the EGR throttle control valve and the PCM
  • Short to power in the signal circuit to the EGR throttle control valve
  • Short to ground in the signal circuit to the EGR throttle control valve
  • Faulty EGR throttle control valve – internally shorted
  • Failed PCM – unlikely

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. Your issue might be a known problem with a published fix from the manufacturer, which can save you time and money during diagnosis.

Next, locate the EGR throttle control valve on your specific vehicle. This valve is situated between the intake manifold and the air filter, similar to a throttle body. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scratches, rubbing, exposed wires, burns, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. Check if they appear burnt or have a greenish tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic-bristled brush if terminal cleaning is necessary. Allow it to dry and apply dielectric silicone grease where the terminals make contact.

If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from the memory and see if this code returns. If it does not, the connections were likely your issue.

If the P213B code returns, we will need to test the EGR throttle control valve and its associated circuits. Typically, there are 3 or 4 wires at the EGR throttle control valve. Disconnect the harness going to the EGR throttle control valve. With a digital voltmeter (DVOM), test the signal circuit of the EGR throttle control valve (red lead to the valve’s signal circuit, black lead to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts at the valve, or if you see 12 volts at the valve, repair the wiring from the PCM to the valve, or possibly a faulty PCM.

If that is okay, ensure there is a good ground at the EGR throttle control valve. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery terminal (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the EGR throttle control valve circuit ground. If the test light does not illuminate, that would indicate a problem with the ground circuit. If it lights up, wiggle the wiring harness going to the EGR throttle control valve to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.

If all previous tests pass and you continue to get a P213B, it would most likely indicate a faulty EGR throttle control valve, although a failed PCM cannot be ruled out until the EGR throttle control valve has been replaced.

P213C EGR B Throttle Position Control Circuit Low

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P213C engine code may include:

  • Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Active post-treatment regeneration time longer than normal (it will take more time for the exhaust system to heat up and burn off the soot accumulated inside the diesel particulate filter / catalytic converter)

Causes

Possible causes for this code definition are:

  • Short circuit to voltage, ground, or other fault in the EGR throttle control valve signal circuit
  • Faulty EGR throttle control valve – internally shorted
  • Failed PCM – unlikely

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. Your issue might be a known problem with a published fix from the manufacturer, which can save you time and money during diagnosis.

Next, locate the EGR throttle control valve on your specific vehicle. This valve is located between the intake manifold and the air filter, similar to a throttle body. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scratches, rubbing, exposed wires, burns, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. Check if they appear burnt or have a greenish tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic-bristled brush if terminal cleaning is necessary. Allow it to dry and apply dielectric silicone grease where the terminals make contact.

If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if this code returns. If it does not, the connections were likely your problem.

If the P213C code returns, we will need to test the EGR throttle control valve and its associated circuits. Typically, there are 3 or 4 wires at the EGR throttle control valve. Disconnect the harness going to the EGR throttle control valve. With a digital voltmeter (DVOM), test the EGR throttle control valve signal circuit (red lead to the valve signal circuit, black lead to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts at the valve, or if you see 12 volts at the valve, repair the wiring from the PCM to the valve, or possibly a faulty PCM.

If that checks out, ensure there is a good ground at the EGR throttle control valve. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery terminal (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the EGR throttle control valve circuit ground. If the test light does not illuminate, this would indicate a circuit problem. If it lights up, wiggle the wiring harness going to the EGR throttle control valve to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.

If all previous tests pass and you continue to get a P213C, this would most likely indicate a failing EGR throttle control valve, although a faulty PCM cannot be ruled out until the EGR throttle control valve has been replaced.

P213D EGR B Position Control Circuit High

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P213D engine code may include:

  • Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Active post-treatment regeneration time longer than normal (it will take more time for the exhaust system to heat up and burn off soot accumulated inside the diesel particulate filter/catalytic converter)

Causes

Possible causes for this code definition include:

  • Short to voltage in the signal circuit to the EGR throttle control valve
  • General electrical issue in the EGR throttle control valve circuit
  • Faulty EGR throttle control valve – internally shorted
  • Failed PCM – unlikely

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. Your issue might be a known problem with a published fix from the manufacturer, which can save you time and money during diagnosis.

Next, locate the EGR throttle control valve on your specific vehicle. This valve is located between the intake manifold and the air filter, similar to a throttle body. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scratches, rubbing, exposed wires, burns, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connectors. Check if they appear burnt or have a greenish tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush if terminal cleaning is needed. Let it dry and apply dielectric silicone grease where the terminals make contact.

If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if this code returns. If it doesn’t, the connections were likely your problem.

If the P213D code returns, we’ll need to test the EGR throttle control valve and its associated circuits. Typically, there are 3 or 4 wires at the EGR throttle control valve. Disconnect the harness going to the EGR throttle control valve. With a digital voltmeter (DVOM), test the EGR throttle control valve signal circuit (red wire to the valve signal circuit, black wire to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts at the valve, or if you see 12 volts at the valve, repair the wiring from the PCM to the valve, or possibly a faulty PCM.

If that checks out, ensure there is a good ground at the EGR throttle control valve. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery terminal (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the EGR throttle control valve circuit ground. If the test light does not illuminate, that would indicate a circuit problem. If it lights up, wiggle the wiring harness going to the EGR throttle control valve to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.

If all previous tests pass and you continue to get a P213D, this would most likely indicate a faulty EGR throttle control valve, although a failed PCM cannot be ruled out until the EGR throttle control valve has been replaced.

P213E Fuel Injection System Malfunction – Forced Engine Shutdown

How severe is this DTC?

Any code related to the fuel system should be considered severe and treated with great urgency. Since this is a fuel shutoff code, you probably won’t have a choice.

What are some symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P213E diagnostic code may include:

  • No start condition
  • Fuel leaks
  • Additional drive and fuel codes

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes of this P213E code may include:

  • Fuel leak near fuel injectors or injection rail
  • Faulty fuel injector
  • Defective fuel pressure sensor
  • Faulty fuel pressure/volume regulator
  • PCM failure or PCM programming error

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P213E?

Tools needed to diagnose a P213E code include:

  • A diagnostic scanner
  • A digital volt/ohmmeter
  • A fuel pressure tester with adapters and fittings
  • A reliable vehicle information source

Use your vehicle information source to obtain fuel system specifications and testing procedures for fuel system components. You should also find wiring diagrams, connector face views, connector pinout diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts that will assist in your diagnosis.

You’ll need to clear this code before activating the fuel pump and performing a fuel system pressure test or leak check. Connect the scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector and retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data. Record this information in case you need it later. After that, clear the codes and try to start the engine. If possible, have one person turn the ignition key while another looks for fuel leaks near the fuel injection rail and fuel injectors. If a fuel leak is discovered, you’ve likely found the problem. Repair it and drive the vehicle until the PCM enters readiness mode or the P213E resets.

If no fuel system leak is found, use the fuel pressure tester and follow manufacturer guidelines to perform a manual fuel pressure test. You’ll need to connect the tester near the fuel injection rail. With fuel pressure test results in hand, perform appropriate repairs and retest the system.

If fuel pressure is insufficient, suspect a fuel filter or fuel pump issue.

If fuel pressure is excessive, suspect a fuel pressure regulator problem.

If fuel pressure meets specifications and no leaks are present, follow manufacturer recommendations for testing fuel pressure sensors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel volume regulator.

  • A faulty fuel injector is not necessarily the cause of this code being stored
  • High-pressure diesel fuel systems should only be serviced by qualified personnel

P213F Fuel Pump System Failure – Forced Engine Shutdown

How severe is this DTC?

Any code related to the fuel system should be considered severe and treated with great urgency. Since this is a fuel shut-off code, you probably won’t have a choice.

What are some of the symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P213F diagnostic code may include:

  • No start condition
  • Fuel leaks
  • Additional drive and fuel codes

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P213F code may include:

  • Faulty fuel pump
  • Clogged fuel filter
  • Fuel leak
  • Faulty fuel pressure sensor
  • Bad fuel pressure/volume regulator
  • PCM failure or PCM programming error

What are the diagnostic and troubleshooting steps for P213F?

Tools needed to diagnose a P213F code include:

  • A diagnostic scanner
  • A digital volt/ohmmeter
  • A fuel pressure tester with adapters and fittings
  • A reliable vehicle information source

Use your vehicle information source to obtain fuel system specifications and testing procedures for fuel system components. You should also find wiring diagrams, connector face views, connector pinout diagrams, and diagnostic flowcharts that will assist you in your diagnosis.

You’ll need to clear this code before activating the fuel pump and performing a fuel system pressure test or leak check. Connect the scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector and retrieve all stored codes and freeze frame data. Record this information in case you need it later. After that, clear the codes and try to start the engine. If possible, have one person turn the ignition key while another looks for fuel leaks near the fuel supply lines. If a fuel leak is discovered, you’ve likely found the problem. Repair it and drive the vehicle until the PCM enters readiness mode or the P213F resets.

If no fuel system leak is discovered, use the fuel pressure tester and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to perform a manual fuel pressure test. You’ll need to connect the tester near the fuel pump. If the vehicle has an external fuel filter, I would place the fuel pressure test between the fuel pump and the fuel filter for the initial test. If my initial test revealed that fuel pressure met specifications, I would move my fuel pressure tester to the output side of the fuel filter and perform another test. If fuel pressure is too low at the fuel filter output, I would consider it clogged (bad). With fuel pressure test results in hand, perform appropriate repairs and retest the system.

If fuel pressure is excessive, suspect a fuel pressure regulator problem.

If fuel pressure meets specifications and no leaks are present, follow manufacturer recommendations for testing fuel pressure sensors, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel volume regulator.

  • If the fuel pump circuit is overloaded after the engine reaches normal operating temperature, suspect the fuel pump is faulty
  • High-pressure diesel fuel systems should only be serviced by qualified personnel

P2140 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Voltage Correlation DTC

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P2140 code can range from stalling when you come to a stop, a complete lack of power, no acceleration, sudden loss of power at cruising speeds, or a throttle stuck at the current RPM. Additionally, the check engine light will illuminate and the code will be set.

Potential Causes of P2140 DTC

From my experience, the wiring connector or “pigtail” on the throttle body causes issues in the form of a poor connection. The female terminals on the pigtail corrode or pull out from the connector.

  • Possible bare wire on a pigtail shorting to ground.
  • The upper cover of the throttle body is warped, preventing the gears from turning properly.
  • The electronic throttle body is defective.
  • The accelerator pedal sensor or its wiring has failed.
  • The engine management computer has failed.
  • The TPS sensors did not correlate for a few seconds and the computer needs to go through its relearn phase to restore active throttle body response, or the computer needs to be reprogrammed at the dealership.

Diagnostic Steps / Repair

A few points about the electronic throttle control system. This system is incredibly sensitive and vulnerable to damage, more than any other system. Handle it and its components with extreme care. One drop or rough handling and it’s history.

Apart from the accelerator pedal sensor, the rest of the components are located in the throttle body. During inspection, you will notice a flat plastic cover on top of the throttle body. This houses the gears to operate the throttle plate. The motor has a small metal gear that protrudes through the housing under the cover. It drives a large “plastic” gear attached to the throttle plate.

The pin that centers and supports the gear fits into the throttle body housing and the upper pin fits into the “thin” plastic cover. If the cover is warped in any way, the speed will be compromised requiring the complete replacement of the throttle body.

  • The first thing to do is go online and get the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for your vehicle regarding the code. These TSBs result from customer complaints or recognized issues and the factory-recommended repair procedure.
  • Check online or in a service manual for a possible relearn procedure to reset the computer. For example, on a Nissan, turn the ignition on and wait 3 seconds. Within the next 5 seconds, press and release the pedal 5 times. Wait 7 seconds, press and hold the pedal for 10 seconds. When the check engine light starts flashing, release the pedal. Wait 10 seconds and press the pedal again for 10 seconds and release. Turn off the ignition.
  • Pull the electrical connector off the throttle body. Inspect it carefully for missing or bent female terminals. Look for corrosion. Clean any corrosion using a small pocket screwdriver. Place a small amount of electrical grease on the terminals and reconnect it.
  • If the terminal connector has twisted or missing pins, you can buy a new “pigtail” at most auto parts stores or from the dealership.
  • Inspect the upper cover on the throttle body for cracks or warping. If there are any, call the dealer and ask if they sell just the upper cover. Otherwise, replace the throttle body.
  • Using a voltmeter, probe the accelerator pedal sensor. It will have 5 volts for reference and next to it a variable signal. Turn the key and slowly press the pedal. The voltage should climb smoothly from 0.5 to 5.0. Replace it if the voltage jumps or if there is no voltage on the signal wire.
  • Look online for the cable terminal identification on your vehicle’s throttle body. Probe the throttle body connector for power to the throttle motor. Have an assistant turn the key on and lightly press the pedal. If no power is present, the computer is faulty. If there is power, the throttle body is malfunctioning….