P2126 OBD-II Trouble Code: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Range/Performance

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront


Cost of diagnosing the P2126 code

P2126 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Range/Performance". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P2126 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): P2126

P2126 code definition

Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Range/Performance

Related Trouble Codes:

  • P2120: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit
  • P2121: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit Range/Performance
  • P2122: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit Low Input
  • P2123: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit High Input
  • P2124: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit Interm
  • P2125: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit
  • P2127: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Low Input
  • P2128: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit High Input
  • P2129: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Interm
  • P2130: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch F Circuit
  • P2131: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch F Circuit Range/Performance
  • P2132: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch F Circuit Low Input
  • P2133: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch F Circuit High Input
  • P2134: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch F Circuit Interm

What the P2126 code means

The P2126 diagnostic trouble code is an indication that there is a range/performance issue with the E circuit of the throttle/pedal position sensor switch.

The correct amount of air and fuel are required for engines to run smoothly. The accelerator pedal opens the throttle plate when it is pressed down in order to allow air into the engine. The throttle plate, which is located on the throttle body assembly, allows or restricts air from getting into the engine when it is opened or closed by the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor sends information to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) through a voltage signal. This voltage signal dictates how much the throttle body plate should open. When the APP sensor is not working properly, the PCM will store the P2126 diagnostic trouble code and the Check Engine Light will come on.

What causes the P2126 code?

  • Faulty APP sensor
  • APP sensor harness is open or shorted
  • APP sensor wiring is frayed or broken
  • APP sensor circuit has a poor electrical connection
  • APP sensor connector is corroded or has bent pins
  • Defective throttle actuator control motor
  • Defective throttle position (TP) actuator
  • Defective TP sensor
  • Corroded, open, or shorted wiring or connectors in the throttle actuator motor
  • Loose control module ground strap or broken ground wire
  • Faulty PCM

What are the symptoms of the P2126 code?

  • Check Engine Light is on
  • No acceleration
  • Poor acceleration
  • Car may lack engine power
  • Black smoke when starting car
  • Car won’t start
  • Misfire condition
  • Stalling condition

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2126 code?

  • Uses an OBD-II scanner to collect all trouble codes that have been stored by the PCM, as well as freeze frame data.

  • Inspects the APP sensor connector for corrosion, bent pins, or damaged plastic (repairs or replaces connector as necessary)

  • Inspects the APP sensor wiring for shorts, breaks, or frays (repairs or replaces as necessary)

  • Clears all stored trouble codes from the PCM and completes a test drive to see if the P2126 trouble code comes back

  • If the P2126 trouble code does come back, compares the voltage signal reading of the APP sensor with the manufacturer’s predetermined specifications

If the voltage signal reading of the APP sensor does not fall within specifications, the APP sensor will need to be replaced.

  • Clears all stored trouble codes from the PCM and completes a test drive to see if the P2126 trouble code comes back

  • If the P2126 trouble code does come back, checks the voltage signal of the TP sensor

  • Compares the voltage signal reading of the TP sensor with the manufacturer’s predetermined specifications

If the voltage signal reading does not fall within specifications, the TP sensor will need to be replaced.

  • Clears all stored trouble codes from the PCM and completes a test drive to see if the P2126 trouble code comes back.

  • If the P2126 trouble code does come back, compares the voltage signal of the TP actuator with the manufacturer’s predetermined specifications (it is important to note that this test should be done while the motor is running)

If the voltage signal reading does not fall within specifications, the TP actuator is faulty

If the voltage signal reading does fall within specifications, the throttle actuator control motor is faulty

To properly repair and replace the TP actuator and/or the throttle actuator control motor, the throttle body assembly will need to be replaced.

  • Diagnoses any other diagnostic trouble codes that have been stored by the PCM in the order that they have been listed

If diagnosis and repair of all listed trouble codes have been completed and pass inspection, it is possible that there is a problem with the PCM, which is rare, but possible.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2126 code

  • Replacing the APP sensor when the throttle body assembly should have been replaced

  • Failing to inspect the wiring and connectors before replacing the APP sensor and/or the throttle body assembly

How serious is the P2126 code?

The P2126 diagnostic trouble code can cause the vehicle to lose power or acceleration when it is necessary to maneuver through traffic. This makes driving conditions extremely dangerous. For this reason, the P2126 diagnostic trouble code is considered serious and should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.

What repairs can fix the P2126 code?

  • Replacing the APP sensor

  • Replacing or repairing APP sensor wiring harness opens and/or shorts

  • Repairing or replacing APP sensor wiring that is frayed or broken

  • Repairing or replacing APP sensor circuitry that has poor electrical connection

  • Repairing or replacing APP sensor connector that is corroded or has bent pins

  • Replacing throttle actuator control motor

  • Replacing TP actuator

  • Replacing TP sensor

  • Replacing throttle actuator motor wiring or connectors that are open, shorted, or corroded

  • Replacing and reprogramming PCM

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2126 code

It is common for problems with the APP sensor or the throttle body assembly to cause the P2126 diagnostic trouble code to be stored by the PCM. Take time when diagnosing this trouble code to make sure the correct component is being replaced. If additional diagnostic trouble codes have been stored by the PCM, these codes should be diagnosed in the same order that they are listed.

Need help with a P2126 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

Check Engine Light
trouble codes
P2126

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P2126 code.

SCHEDULE P2126 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


More related articles

P2447 OBD-II Trouble Code: Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck off Bank 2
P2447 P2447 code definition Secondary Air Injection System Pump Stuck off Bank 2 What the P2447 code means P2447 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the bank 2 secondary air injection pump stuck in...
P0472 OBD-II Trouble Code: Exhaust Pressure Sensor Low
P0472 code means there is a problem with your electrical circuit, often due to issues with the back pressure sensor.
P0614 OBD-II Trouble Code: ECM / TCM Incompatible
P0614 code means there has been an error in compatibility between the car’s engine control module and TCM often due too corrosion, or bad PCM.

Related questions

High idling, check engine light on
The Check Engine Light being on indicates there is a problem and a code will have been set. Have the light checked for codes and then get a professional to thoroughly diagnose the Check Engine Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) to see what...
Bank 1 is lean - 2001 Ford Mustang
As you know, this is caused by a lean fuel condition. This can be caused by a few different things, one of which is a dirty or failing mass air flow sensor, which you have already replaced. The other potential...
Why would my check engine light continue to come on after replacing the EGR valve in my 2004 Chevrolet Impala
Hello. I would need to know which EGR code you are getting in order to be able to precisely tell you what may be going on. Most of the time if replacing the EGR valve does not solve the problem...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com