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DTC codes / P21xx · Fuel and air metering / P2133

P2133Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'F' Circuit High Input

P2133 indicates that the powertrain control module detected an abnormally high voltage signal on the throttle or pedal position sensor circuit designated as 'F'. This sensor is part of a redundant system that tells the computer how far the driver has pressed the accelerator pedal, and a high input means the signal wire is seeing voltage above the expected range, often near reference voltage. The code sets when the computer compares this signal to other throttle sensors and finds it out of correlation or above the maximum threshold.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

  • The engine may enter limp mode, limiting power and speed to a fast idle or a low cap.
  • The accelerator pedal may feel unresponsive or require excessive travel to accelerate.
  • A rough or fluctuating idle may occur as the computer struggles to determine the correct throttle opening.
  • The electronic throttle control warning light or check engine light illuminates on the dashboard.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent and the redundant sensor still provides a usable signal.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A short to voltage on the signal wire between the pedal position sensor and the powertrain control module.
  2. A faulty accelerator pedal position sensor 'F' internally shorted or damaged.
  3. Corroded, bent, or pushed-back pins at the sensor connector or the powertrain control module connector.
  4. Water intrusion into the pedal sensor connector or wiring harness causing a voltage leak.
  5. A chafed wire harness rubbing against metal and contacting a power wire.
  6. A failed powertrain control module driver circuit for the sensor reference or signal return.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules for stored codes and freeze-frame data, then record the pedal position sensor voltages with a scan tool while slowly pressing and releasing the pedal.
  2. Visually inspect the accelerator pedal sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, water, loose pins, or chafing, and repair any obvious damage.
  3. Backprobe the sensor 'F' signal wire at the connector and measure voltage with the key on, engine off, comparing it to the specified range in the service information.
  4. Disconnect the sensor and the powertrain control module, then measure resistance from the signal wire to ground and to battery voltage to check for a short to voltage or ground.
  5. If the wiring tests good, substitute a known-good accelerator pedal assembly and clear the code to see if it returns.
  6. If the code persists with a known-good pedal and verified wiring, test the powertrain control module internally or replace it after confirming all other possibilities.

Before you replace the accelerator pedal

  • A common mistake is replacing the accelerator pedal assembly without checking for a short to voltage on the signal wire, which often runs near the brake pedal switch or other power circuits.
  • The code can be set by a weak or failing battery or charging system that causes reference voltage spikes, so always check battery voltage and ground quality first.
  • On many vehicles, the pedal position sensor 'F' is part of a dual or triple redundant system, and a high input on one sensor may not disable the car if the others still agree.
  • Water leaks from a clogged sunroof drain or cowl can drip onto the pedal connector and cause intermittent high voltage codes that only appear in wet weather.
  • A scan tool that can graph all pedal position sensor voltages simultaneously is far more useful than a simple code reader for catching an intermittent short.

Can I keep driving with P2133?

If the vehicle is in limp mode or the accelerator is unresponsive, do not drive it on public roads because you may not be able to accelerate or maintain speed safely. If the only symptom is a warning light and the car drives normally, you can drive cautiously to a repair shop, but avoid heavy throttle and have it checked soon.

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 all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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