Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor 2 (internal failure or worn tracks); Open or high-resistance in the sensor 2 signal circuit (broken wire, poor terminal tension); Corroded or damaged connector at the APP sensor or ECM; Short to ground on the sensor 2 signal circuit; Low reference circuit (ground) for sensor 2 is open or has excessive resistance; Water intrusion into the APP sensor connector or pedal assembly

DTC codes / GM codes / P1282

P1282 · GMAccelerator Pedal Position Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage

Q: What does code P1282 mean?

Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage. P1282 on a GM vehicle means the engine control module (ECM) has detected a low-voltage condition on the signal circuit from accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 2. The ECM expects a specific voltage range from this second sensor to cross-check the primary APP sensor, and a sustained low reading indicates a fault in the sensor, its wiring, or the reference circuit.

P1282 on a GM vehicle means the engine control module (ECM) has detected a low-voltage condition on the signal circuit from accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor 2. The ECM expects a specific voltage range from this second sensor to cross-check the primary APP sensor, and a sustained low reading indicates a fault in the sensor, its wiring, or the reference circuit.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGM specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

Reduced engine power or limp mode, often limiting vehicle speed
The accelerator pedal may feel unresponsive or require excessive travel to accelerate
Illuminated check engine light and possibly a flashing electronic throttle control (ETC) warning
Hesitation or stumble during acceleration
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor 2 (internal failure or worn tracks)
Open or high-resistance in the sensor 2 signal circuit (broken wire, poor terminal tension)
Corroded or damaged connector at the APP sensor or ECM
Short to ground on the sensor 2 signal circuit
Low reference circuit (ground) for sensor 2 is open or has excessive resistance
Water intrusion into the APP sensor connector or pedal assembly

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules for stored codes and freeze-frame data to confirm P1282 is current and not history
Visually inspect the APP sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, water, or chafing, and repair as needed
Backprobe the sensor 2 signal circuit at the ECM and compare voltage with the sensor 1 signal while slowly moving the pedal through its range
Check the low reference circuit for continuity to ground and measure resistance; repair open or high-resistance faults
If wiring and connectors are good, replace the accelerator pedal assembly with the integrated APP sensors
Clear codes and perform an idle relearn or throttle body calibration if required by the vehicle
Road test under various throttle conditions to verify the repair and ensure no pending codes return

Why APP Sensor 2 Codes Mislead

A low-voltage code on sensor 2 is often caused by a poor ground or reference circuit rather than the sensor itself, so always check the low reference wire before condemning the pedal assembly.
Intermittent P1282 can be set by a worn spot on the sensor track that only loses contact at a specific pedal position, so a static voltage check may pass while a sweep test reveals the fault.
The ECM cross-checks APP sensor 1 and sensor 2; a fault in sensor 1 can sometimes cause a low-voltage code for sensor 2 as the ECM tries to rationalize the signals, so inspect both circuits.
Water or debris intrusion into the connector is a common cause on vehicles with floor-mounted pedals, especially after carpet cleaning or in high-humidity climates.
Replacing the pedal assembly without checking the wiring harness for chafed or pinched wires near the steering column or kick panel often leads to a repeat code.

Can I keep driving with P1282?

You can usually drive the vehicle to a repair shop, but expect reduced engine power and possible limp mode; avoid heavy acceleration, towing, or highway merging until the fault is fixed because the ECM may limit throttle response unpredictably.

Tools that help

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