Contaminated or worn accelerator pedal position sensor tracks inside the pedal assembly; Loose, corroded, or damaged electrical connector at the accelerator pedal sensor; Chafed, shorted, or open wiring in the pedal sensor circuits between the pedal and the PCM; Failed accelerator pedal assembly, where one sensor's output drifts or becomes erratic; PCM software calibration issue or internal fault in the pedal signal processing circuit; Water intrusion or debris in the pedal connector causing intermittent signal loss

DTC codes / Ford codes / P1258

P1258 · FordPedal Correlation PDS1 and PDS2

Q: What does code P1258 mean?

Pedal Correlation PDS1 and PDS2. P1258 on Ford vehicles indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a disagreement between the two independent pedal position sensor signals, known as PDS1 and PDS2, that together monitor the accelerator pedal. The PCM compares the two voltages and expects them to correlate within a tight tolerance; when the relationship falls outside that window, it stores this code and typically limits engine power to a safe default.

P1258 on Ford vehicles indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a disagreement between the two independent pedal position sensor signals, known as PDS1 and PDS2, that together monitor the accelerator pedal. The PCM compares the two voltages and expects them to correlate within a tight tolerance; when the relationship falls outside that window, it stores this code and typically limits engine power to a safe default.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeFord specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light or wrench light on the instrument cluster
Reduced engine power or limp mode, often limiting vehicle speed
Poor or delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator pedal
Engine idle that may be higher or lower than normal
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent
Possible hesitation or stumble during acceleration

Common causes, most likely first

Contaminated or worn accelerator pedal position sensor tracks inside the pedal assembly
Loose, corroded, or damaged electrical connector at the accelerator pedal sensor
Chafed, shorted, or open wiring in the pedal sensor circuits between the pedal and the PCM
Failed accelerator pedal assembly, where one sensor's output drifts or becomes erratic
PCM software calibration issue or internal fault in the pedal signal processing circuit
Water intrusion or debris in the pedal connector causing intermittent signal loss

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and read live data for both pedal position sensor voltages (PDS1 and PDS2) while slowly pressing and releasing the pedal to confirm the correlation fault.
Visually inspect the accelerator pedal connector and wiring for corrosion, loose pins, or chafing, and repair as needed.
Back-probe the sensor connectors and check reference voltage, ground, and signal return circuits for opens or shorts with a multimeter.
Compare the two sensor voltage sweeps on a graph; a smooth, proportional rise and fall on both confirms the pedal assembly is likely at fault.
If the pedal assembly is suspect, replace it with a quality unit and clear the codes, then recheck live data to verify proper correlation.
Check for any applicable PCM calibration updates or technical service bulletins related to pedal correlation before condemning the PCM.
After repairs, perform a road test with the scan tool recording to ensure the code does not return and that throttle response is normal.

Pedal Correlation Code Misdiagnosis Traps

A common mistake is replacing the accelerator pedal assembly without first checking the connector and wiring, since a partially seated or corroded plug can mimic a failed sensor.
Intermittent P1258 codes often appear only during certain temperature or humidity conditions, so a wiggle test of the harness while watching live data is more reliable than a static inspection.
The two pedal sensors are not identical signals; one typically reads roughly half the voltage of the other, so comparing them directly without understanding the design leads to false conclusions.
A weak or failing battery or charging system can cause voltage irregularities that affect sensor readings, so always verify battery and ground integrity before condemning the pedal.
Aftermarket floor mats or debris that obstructs pedal travel can cause the sensors to report implausible correlation, so check for physical interference before any electrical diagnosis.

Can I keep driving with P1258?

The vehicle is usually safe to drive to a repair shop, but expect reduced engine power and avoid situations that require quick acceleration or merging into fast traffic. Do not continue driving if the throttle response becomes erratic or the vehicle enters limp mode repeatedly.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Ford vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.