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DTC codes / Nissan codes / P1246

P1246 · NissanAccelerator Position Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction

P1246 on Nissan vehicles means the engine control module (ECM) has detected an abnormal signal from accelerator position sensor 1, which is the primary pedal-position input used for throttle control. The ECM compares this signal against sensor 2 and the expected voltage range, and it sets the code when the two disagree or the signal falls outside valid limits.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeNissan specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

  • The check engine light or electronic throttle control warning light illuminates steadily.
  • The engine may enter limp mode, limiting RPM to roughly 1,000–1,500 and restricting acceleration.
  • The accelerator pedal may feel unresponsive or require unusually heavy pressure to accelerate.
  • Engine idle may be erratic or higher than normal because the ECM cannot trust the pedal signal.
  • Cruise control may stop working or refuse to engage.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Dirty or worn accelerator pedal position sensor tracks inside the pedal assembly.
  2. Loose, corroded, or chafed wiring in the accelerator pedal sensor circuit.
  3. Poor electrical connection at the pedal sensor connector or the ECM connector.
  4. Failed accelerator pedal assembly, where sensor 1 and sensor 2 no longer track each other correctly.
  5. ECM software calibration issue or internal ECM fault, though this is less common.
  6. Water intrusion or debris in the pedal sensor connector causing signal interference.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules for stored and pending codes, and record freeze-frame data for P1246 before clearing anything.
  2. Inspect the accelerator pedal connector and wiring for corrosion, loose pins, or chafing, and repair as needed.
  3. Back-probe sensor 1 and sensor 2 signal wires at the pedal and compare their voltages through the full pedal travel; they should move in opposite directions and stay within specification.
  4. Check reference voltage and ground at the pedal sensor connector to rule out a supply or ground fault.
  5. If the pedal signals are inconsistent or out of range, replace the accelerator pedal assembly and perform the idle and pedal relearn procedure with a scan tool.
  6. If the pedal and wiring test good, check for ECM software updates or, as a last resort, test the ECM.
  7. Clear codes, road-test the vehicle through several ignition cycles, and confirm P1246 does not return.

What Nissan pedal codes really mean

  • A P1246 is often caused by a dirty or worn track inside the pedal assembly rather than a failed ECM, so replacing the computer first is a costly misdiagnosis.
  • The two accelerator position sensors are designed to read opposite voltages; a technician who checks only sensor 1 will miss a correlation fault that sets this code.
  • Intermittent P1246 codes frequently trace to a loose pedal connector or chafed harness near the pedal bracket, not to the sensor itself.
  • After replacing the pedal assembly, a Nissan consult-style scan tool is usually needed to perform the accelerator pedal released position learning, or the code may reset immediately.
  • A weak battery or poor ground can cause voltage glitches that mimic a pedal sensor fault, so always verify charging system health before condemning parts.

Can I keep driving with P1246?

You can usually drive the vehicle to a shop, but expect reduced power and possible limp mode; avoid highway merging, heavy traffic, and any situation that requires sudden acceleration until the fault is repaired.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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