P2165 OBD-II Throttle/Pedal Pos Sensor C Maximum Stop Perf

P2165 code definition

The code P2165 means that there is a malfunction with the “C” pedal position sensor circuit.

What the P2165 code means

The vehicle’s PCM (powertrain control module) monitors the throttle pedal position sensors. If it stores a P2165 code, then it has detected that the “C” throttle pedal position sensor is malfunctioning.

What causes the P2165 code?

There could be a number of reasons for this code being stored by the PCM:

• A defective throttle actuator control motor is the most common cause
• A defective throttle position sensor, throttle position actuator or pedal position sensor are all common reasons too
• Wiring that is open, corroded or shorted
• Connectors that are open, corroded or shorted
• Problems with the CAN Bus harness
• A broken ground wire
• A loose control module ground strap

If none of the above seems to be the underlying issue, the PCM itself could be malfunctioning, but this is very rare.

What are the symptoms of the P2165 code?

In some models, the problem has to be detected more than once before the Check Engine light will be activated. When this happens, the P2165 code will actually show as pending on the OBD-II scanner. Otherwise, the light is a pretty typical symptom.

There are worse symptoms, though, like an engine that struggles to accelerate or can’t do so at all. The driver may notice black smoke coming from the exhaust when they start the vehicle. Some won’t even be able to start their vehicles at all or, if they do, the car will quickly stall. When idling, the automobile might misfire.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2165 code?

A qualified mechanic will begin diagnosing the problem by using an OBD-II scanner to pull all the stored codes. Unless there are other codes stored that speak to the underlying issue, the technician will move to inspecting the throttle actuator control motor, throttle position sensor, throttle position actuator, and pedal position sensor.

If those are all fine, they’ll want to move on to examining the wiring or connectors in the CAN Bus harness or throttle actuator motor.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2165 code

Code P2165 can be misdiagnosed a number of ways as, at its root, the issue is simply a problem with communication. This can make it difficult to find the true issue behind it. When the code is accompanied by almost any other, many mechanics will take for granted that the two are related, so they’ll address the other code and simply assume this will take care of the P2165 code as well. If they don’t do another scan, they may send their customer back on the road without having ever addressed this other problem.

How serious is the P2165 code?

The problem is a pretty serious one when you consider how it can make an automobile impossible to drive. Even if the owner is able to get it to start, the malfunctioning sensor will most likely keep problem causing problems that make driving inconvenient, to say the least.

What repairs can fix the P2165 code?

The most common repair will simply be to fix the malfunctioning sensor or just replace it. Otherwise, the mechanic will do some combination of the following:

• Replace or repair the pedal position sensor, throttle position sensor, throttle position actuator or throttle actuator control
• Replace or repair bad wires or connectors in the throttle actuator motor or CAN Bus harness
• Fix a control module ground strap that has become loose
• Fix the broken ground wire

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2165 code

As code P2165 often coincides with others and, as we mentioned above, this can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis, it’s important that the codes found during a scan be addressed one at a time in order.

Need help with a P2165 code?

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