Apex Automotive & Emissions
Book NowWhat's Wrong?
OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code

P2138Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Voltage Correlation

Critical — Do Not Drive

At a Glance

What It Means

The two throttle/pedal position sensor signals do not agree with each other.

System

Engine — Throttle Control

Can I Drive?

No — stop driving immediately.

Severity

Critical

Symptoms

  • Reduced engine power / limp mode
  • Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Accelerator pedal may feel unresponsive
  • Engine may idle only

Common Causes

01Faulty accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor assembly
02Wiring issue or intermittent connection
03Corroded connector pins
04Faulty throttle body (if the code references throttle position)

How We Diagnose P2138

01

Scan & Verify

Confirm P2138 and check for related codes that may share a root cause.

02

Live Data Review

Pull real-time sensor data to isolate whether the fault is electrical, mechanical, or software-related.

03

Component Test

Perform targeted tests on the specific circuit or component flagged by the code.

04

Root Cause Repair

Repair or replace only what is confirmed faulty — no parts-swapping guesswork.

05

Verify & Clear

Clear the code, perform a drive cycle, and confirm the monitor passes before returning the vehicle.

Related Services

Frequently Asked

Will code P2138 clear itself?

OBD-II codes do not clear themselves. The underlying fault must be repaired and the monitor must pass during a drive cycle before the light extinguishes.

Can I pass an Arizona emissions test with P2138 active?

No. Any active check engine light is an automatic emissions test failure in Arizona. The code must be resolved and the relevant monitor must complete before testing.

How long does a diagnostic take?

Most diagnostic appointments at Apex take 45–90 minutes. Complex electrical faults may require additional time for circuit testing.