OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
P2138 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation
P2138 means accelerator pedal position sensors D and E disagree beyond the allowed tolerance. Both signals may individually be in range, but the ECM cannot determine which reflects actual pedal position, so it limits engine output.
Severity 4/5
Truck-relevant
Stop within 50 mi
Severity
Stop within 50 mi
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation
Code
P2138
Category
Powertrain
Subsystem
Throttle
Truck-relevant
Yes
What this means for truckers
P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor D/E Voltage Correlation) — the redundant pedal position sensors (two are required for safety) disagree. Drive-by-wire systems shut down to limp mode when this code sets. Causes: dirty connector at the pedal, failed pedal assembly ($350-800), or wiring fault. Don't ignore — drive-by-wire failure can cause uncommanded acceleration in worst case.
Before you replace parts — try this first
P2138 on the Throttle system is most often worn or failed pedal sensor assembly — 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
Check-engine light and a power derate or idle-only mode are typical, often with poor throttle response that comes and goes. It is frequently seen on trucks with floor-mounted pedals exposed to water.
Common causes
- CommonWorn or failed pedal sensor assembly ($180–$550)
- CommonCorrosion or water intrusion at the pedal connector ($80–$300)
- OccasionalHigh resistance or chafing in one signal circuit ($100–$400)
- RareECM fault ($800–$2500)
How to fix
Graph APP D and E while slowly sweeping the pedal and compare their relationship
When to use: To identify which track is off
Clean and repair the pedal connector and harness
When to use: When corrosion or water is found
Voltage-drop test each circuit back to the ECM
When to use: When the sensor reads correctly at the pedal but not at the ECM
Replace the pedal assembly
When to use: When the sensor itself shows divergence
Affects most
- Chevrolet Silverado 35001 complaint mention this code
Related
- → Browse all DTC trouble codes
- → Decode a VIN to check codes for your truck
- → Owner-operator maintenance guides
- → P2100 — Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit/Open
- → P2101 — Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance
- → P2120 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit
- → P2127 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Low Input
- → P2128 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit High Input
- → Complaints on Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P2138?
Drive with caution. P2138 is severity 4 — stop within ~50 miles. Most commercial diesel codes at this severity (turbo, fuel rail, transmission solenoid) can damage adjacent expensive components if left unrepaired. Get to a service location before highway-speed loads.
How much does it cost to fix P2138 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $80–$2500 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Worn or failed pedal sensor assembly — 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 P2138 fail a DOT inspection?
P2138 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 P2138 and related codes?
P2138 is closely related to: P2100 (Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit/Open), P2101 (Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance), P2120 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit), P2127 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Low Input). These codes share the same subsystem (throttle) 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 P2138 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent P2138 from coming back after a repair?
For P2138 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D/E Voltage Correlation), prevention centers on the throttle system. Clean throttle body at 100K mile intervals. Don't let carbon build up. Avoid extended idle time.