OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
C0282 — Brake Pedal Travel Sensor Circuit
C0282 indicates a fault in the brake pedal travel sensor circuit. The module saw the pedal travel sensor signal out of range, missing, or not matching brake switch or pressure data. This sensor is used on trucks with advanced stability or brake assist systems, and the definition can differ by OEM.
Severity 3/5
Truck-relevant
Service this week
Severity
Service this week
Brake Pedal Travel Sensor Circuit
Code
C0282
Category
Chassis
Subsystem
Brakes
Truck-relevant
Yes
What this means for truckers
C0282 (Brake Pedal Travel Sensor Circuit) — on hydraulic-brake equipped commercial trucks, the pedal travel sensor reports pedal position. Failure affects brake assist function.
Before you replace parts — try this first
C0282 on the Brakes system is most often pedal travel sensor needs calibration after brake work — not a dead part. On commercial diesels especially, work these in order before spending money on parts:
- Confirm the symptoms. Match what your truck is doing to the Symptoms section below. If the code is set but the symptoms are not there, clear the code and re-test after a drive cycle — it may not return.
- Clean and dry the sensor connector. Water, road salt, or oil seeping into a connector is the #1 fake sensor failure. Disconnect, look for green corrosion or moisture, spray with electrical contact cleaner, dry, reseat. Many faults clear here for $0.
- Inspect the wiring harness. Trace the wire from the sensor toward the ECM — look for chafing against the engine block, melted insulation near the turbo or exhaust, or pinch points where a clamp has rubbed through.
- Test the sensor before swapping it. Most Common Causes (below) list the expected voltage or resistance range — a $20 multimeter saves a $300 sensor swap that does not fix the problem.
- Only then, replace the part. Use the OEM or a tier-1 aftermarket. Cheap sensors throw the same code in two weeks.
Symptoms
Brake, ABS or stability lamps on and features like brake assist, hill hold or stability control may be disabled. Cruise control may not work. Base braking normally stays available.
Common causes
- CommonPedal travel sensor needs calibration after brake work ($80–$200)
- OccasionalFailed pedal travel sensor ($150–$500)
- OccasionalWiring or connector damage at the pedal ($80–$300)
- Rare5 V reference shorted by another sensor ($100–$400)
How to fix
Calibrate or relearn the pedal travel sensor with a scan tool
When to use: After pedal, booster or master cylinder work
Check sensor voltage sweep while slowly pressing the pedal
When to use: To find flat spots or dropouts
Check reference, ground and signal wiring
When to use: Signal stuck at a fixed voltage
Replace the sensor and calibrate
When to use: Bad sweep with good wiring
Affects most
No specific vehicle pattern found in our complaint database. This code can appear on any vehicle that supports OBD-II diagnostics.
Related
- → Browse all DTC trouble codes
- → Decode a VIN to check codes for your truck
- → Owner-operator maintenance guides
- → C0235 — Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit
- → C0237 — Vehicle Speed Sensor (drive train)
- → C0249 — Brake Boost Sensor Out of Range
- → C0265 — EBCM Relay Circuit
- → C0277 — Brake Pedal Position Switch Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code C0282?
C0282 is severity 3 — plan service within a few days. Performance is likely degraded already (you may feel reduced power, harsher shifts, or slightly worse fuel economy). Continuing to drive risks additional damage to adjacent components.
How much does it cost to fix C0282 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $80–$500 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Pedal travel sensor needs calibration after brake work — which is also the most common. On commercial trucks the cost is usually higher than passenger vehicles due to part availability and shop labor rates ($120–185/hour at most truck shops, vs $90–130 at general auto shops). DIY-capable fixes (sensors, hoses, filters) are at the low end; major component replacements (turbo actuator, high-pressure fuel pump, transmission solenoid pack) are at the high end. Always diagnose with a scan tool BEFORE replacing parts — guessing wrong on a $1,500 turbo actuator when the actual issue was a $30 boost hose is a common expensive mistake.
Will C0282 fail a DOT inspection?
C0282 is generally not a direct DOT inspection fail item by itself. Inspectors focus on safety-critical systems (brakes, steering, tires, lights, hours-of-service). However, the check engine light alone can trigger additional inspection scrutiny. Best practice: fix the code and clear it before a planned inspection.
What's the difference between C0282 and related codes?
C0282 is closely related to: C0235 (Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit), C0237 (Vehicle Speed Sensor (drive train)), C0249 (Brake Boost Sensor Out of Range), C0265 (EBCM Relay Circuit). These codes share the same subsystem (brakes) and often appear together. If you see this code, scan for the full code list — fixing the root cause usually clears multiple companion codes at once. If only C0282 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent C0282 from coming back after a repair?
For C0282 (Brake Pedal Travel Sensor Circuit), prevention centers on the brakes system. Clean wheel speed sensors at every brake service. Inspect tone rings for cracks or rust. Keep ABS sensor harnesses away from chafe points. Don't drive through deep water that can flood the rear wheel-speed sensor connectors.