01 It's Easier Than You Think To Make Your Headlights Look Bra… • 02 Milling Machine Basics: A Complete Guide for Beginners • 03 Types of Spanners: Uses, Advantages, and Material Compositi… • 04 10 Lathe Machine Processes That Every Manufacturer Should K… • 05 Who is at Fault When a Car Turns Right and a Bike Goes Stra… • 06 How to tell if a broken timing belt damaged the engine? • 07 Troubleshooting Turbocharger Failures: Causes and Solutions… • 08 Don't Panic! Understanding Why Water Is Coming From Your Ca… • 09 Starter Motor: Functions, Parts, Troubleshooting, and Commo… • 10 Fuel Injectors: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Anatomy, Fun… •

DTC codes / P21xx · Fuel and air metering / P2140

P2140Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'E' / 'F' Voltage Correlation

P2140 indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected a voltage correlation error between throttle or pedal position sensor/switch 'E' and 'F'. The ECM compares the two signals and sets the code when their voltages do not agree within the expected range during key-on or while the throttle is being operated.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • Reduced engine power or limp mode, limiting acceleration
  • Hesitation or stumble when pressing the accelerator pedal
  • Unresponsive or erratic throttle behavior
  • Poor fuel economy or increased idle speed
  • In rare cases, the engine may stall or refuse to start

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty throttle position sensor or accelerator pedal position sensor 'E' or 'F'
  2. Wiring damage such as open circuits, chafed wires, or corrosion in the sensor harness
  3. Poor electrical connections at the sensor or ECM connectors
  4. Contaminated or sticking throttle body causing sensor misalignment
  5. ECM software issue or internal fault in the throttle control circuit
  6. Aftermarket electronic throttle controllers or improper modifications interfering with signals

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Perform a visual inspection of the throttle body, pedal assembly, and related wiring for obvious damage or contamination
  2. Use a scan tool to read live data from sensors 'E' and 'F' and compare their voltages through the full throttle range
  3. Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or software updates for the vehicle make and model
  4. Measure resistance and continuity of the sensor wiring between the sensor and ECM, repairing any opens or shorts
  5. Clean the throttle body and perform a throttle relearn or calibration procedure if applicable
  6. Replace the faulty throttle position sensor or accelerator pedal assembly if voltage correlation remains incorrect
  7. Clear the code and verify the repair by test-driving the vehicle and monitoring live data for correlation errors

Why sensor correlation codes mislead

  • A voltage correlation code between sensors 'E' and 'F' often points to a poor connection or chafed wire rather than a failed sensor, so always inspect the harness before replacing parts.
  • On many vehicles, the throttle body must be cleaned and a relearn procedure performed after any sensor or throttle body service, or the code may return immediately.
  • Aftermarket throttle controllers or piggyback tuners can alter sensor signals and trigger correlation codes even when the factory sensors are healthy.
  • The ECM may set this code intermittently if the battery voltage is low or unstable, so check the charging system before condemning sensors.
  • This code does not always mean the throttle body is faulty; a misadjusted or sticking accelerator pedal assembly can produce the same voltage mismatch.

Can I keep driving with P2140?

If the vehicle is in limp mode or the throttle response is erratic, avoid driving until the fault is diagnosed to prevent unsafe acceleration. If the only symptom is the check engine light and the car drives normally, you may drive cautiously to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration or towing.

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

Running on fumes Free guides aren't free to make. Top up the tank. Any amount, one time. Fuel the Garage