Faulty chassis accelerator sensor (accelerator pedal position sensor) internal failure; Damaged or corroded wiring harness or connector at the sensor or ECM; Open or short circuit in the sensor signal or reference voltage circuit; Poor electrical ground connection for the sensor or ECM; ECM software glitch or internal fault requiring reprogramming or replacement; Contamination or mechanical binding of the accelerator pedal assembly affecting sensor movement

DTC codes / Kia codes / P1606

P1606 · KiaChassis Accelerator Sensor Signal Circuit Fault

Q: What does code P1606 mean?

Chassis Accelerator Sensor Signal Circuit Fault. P1606 on a Kia indicates that the chassis accelerator sensor, which is a second accelerator pedal position sensor used for chassis control functions, has sent a signal outside the expected range or the circuit has an electrical fault. The engine control module (ECM) or hybrid control unit monitors this sensor and sets the code when the signal voltage is implausible or missing, often affecting throttle response and cruise control.

P1606 on a Kia indicates that the chassis accelerator sensor, which is a second accelerator pedal position sensor used for chassis control functions, has sent a signal outside the expected range or the circuit has an electrical fault. The engine control module (ECM) or hybrid control unit monitors this sensor and sets the code when the signal voltage is implausible or missing, often affecting throttle response and cruise control.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeKia specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaComputer and output circuits

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light or electronic throttle control warning lamp
Reduced engine power or limp mode, limiting acceleration
Hesitation or delayed response when pressing the accelerator pedal
Cruise control may become inoperative or disengage unexpectedly
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the primary accelerator sensor still functions

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty chassis accelerator sensor (accelerator pedal position sensor) internal failure
Damaged or corroded wiring harness or connector at the sensor or ECM
Open or short circuit in the sensor signal or reference voltage circuit
Poor electrical ground connection for the sensor or ECM
ECM software glitch or internal fault requiring reprogramming or replacement
Contamination or mechanical binding of the accelerator pedal assembly affecting sensor movement

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and verify P1606 is current; record freeze frame data and check for other codes
Inspect the accelerator pedal sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or loose pins
Measure reference voltage (typically 5V) and ground continuity at the sensor connector with a multimeter
Backprobe the sensor signal wire and observe voltage changes smoothly as the pedal is depressed
Compare chassis accelerator sensor readings with the primary accelerator sensor on the scan tool data stream
If wiring and voltages are correct, replace the accelerator pedal assembly with the integrated sensor
After repair, clear codes and perform a throttle relearn or ECM reset as required for the Kia model

Chassis Accelerator Sensor Circuit Quirks

The chassis accelerator sensor is often the second track in a dual-track pedal sensor; a failure in one track may not cause noticeable driveability issues but will set P1606.
On some Kia hybrids, this code can be triggered by a low auxiliary battery or poor ground, causing voltage spikes that mimic a sensor fault.
Technicians sometimes replace the accelerator pedal unnecessarily when the real problem is a chafed wire in the harness near the steering column or firewall.
P1606 can be stored intermittently due to water intrusion into the connector, especially on vehicles with clogged sunroof drains or cowl leaks.
A relearn procedure is often required after sensor replacement; skipping it can cause the code to return immediately even with a new part.

Can I keep driving with P1606?

If the vehicle is in limp mode or has severely reduced power, avoid highway driving and seek repair promptly. If only the warning light is on and the car drives normally, you may drive cautiously to a workshop, but do not ignore the code as it can worsen and affect throttle control.

Tools that help

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