P0653: The engine computer sees too much voltage on its sensor reference supply B
Sensor reference voltage B circuit high / 5V reference B high
Severity: Inspect soon
The 5-volt reference feeds several sensors at once. Two Jeep Renegade owners report limp mode and no throttle response with this code, so it can reduce power when it sets.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop driving if the engine loses power or the throttle stops responding. Both Renegade owners report limp mode with the accelerator not providing throttle.
P0653 in short
P0653 means the engine computer measured too much voltage on its 5-volt sensor supply circuit B. A wiring short to a higher voltage or a sensor pulling that supply up are the likely causes. On two Jeep Renegades the accelerator pedal sensor was blamed and limp mode followed. Get it checked soon.
The engine computer provides a steady 5 volts to several sensors, such as the accelerator pedal and pressure sensors, and splits them into reference circuits A, B and C. P0653 sets when the computer sees reference B voltage too high.
The reference lists the probable cause as a wiring short to positive. Because several sensors share the supply, one failed sensor or damaged wire can set the code and cause other sensor codes, so the sensors on the circuit are checked one at a time.
Two 2016 Jeep Renegade owners report P0653 with P2138 (pedal position sensor correlation), limp mode and no throttle response. Their dealer replaced the accelerator pedal sensor; one says the problem came back within 100 miles. A 2022 Kia Sorento owner also reports the code with loss of throttle power, but gives no repair information.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Wiring short to a higher voltage on the reference circuit
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- The reference gives a wiring short to positive as the probable cause.
- What would change this
- Rises if a harness shows damage or the reference voltage reads above 5 volts with sensors unplugged. Falls if the voltage is normal once sensors are disconnected one by one.
Cause 2: Faulty accelerator pedal sensor on the reference circuit (Jeep Renegade)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Two Renegade owners say the dealer found the pedal sensor faulty with P0653 and P2138 stored. One says the problem returned soon after the repair.
- What would change this
- Rises if the code clears when the pedal sensor is unplugged. Falls if the code remains with it unplugged.
Cause 4: Engine computer fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- The reference lists the computer after wiring; it is only likely when the circuit and sensors test good.
- What would change this
- Rises if the supply reads high with every sensor unplugged and the wiring tests good. Falls if a wiring or sensor fault is found.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all codes and note other sensor codes that share a reference circuit, such as pedal position codes.
IfPedal or throttle sensor codes are stored with P0653
It meansThe pedal sensor or its wiring is a leading suspect.
IfSeveral unrelated sensor codes are stored together
It meansThe shared reference supply is likely high; test the circuit.
Step 2: Measure the reference voltage at the sensors on circuit B, then unplug them one at a time and see which one brings it back to 5 volts.
Warning:Probing the wrong pin can short a reference circuit to power or ground and damage a sensor or the computer. Use the wiring diagram and let a shop do it.
IfThe voltage drops when the accelerator pedal sensor is unplugged
It meansThe pedal sensor is pulling the circuit high.
Points to: Faulty accelerator pedal sensor on the reference circuit (Jeep Renegade)
IfThe voltage drops when another sensor is unplugged
It meansThat sensor is at fault.
Points to: Another sensor on the same reference circuit pulling it high
IfThe voltage stays high with all sensors unplugged
It meansCheck the harness for a short to power, then the computer.
Points to: Wiring short to a higher voltage on the reference circuit
Symptoms
- Check engine light with a power system or reduced power message
- Accelerator not responding, limp mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Engine speed rising and falling in park
Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power
How to fix
Step 1: Read all codes and write down any pedal, throttle or other sensor codes stored with P0653.
Step 2: Ask a shop to measure the reference supply and unplug the sensors on it one at a time.
Parts and cost context
- Accelerator pedal position sensor:On the Renegade this was the part replaced, and it was on backorder for weeks. Confirm the circuit first. Labour varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
JeepYour car
2016 · Renegade
Supported by vehicle dataTwo 2016 Renegade owners report P0653 with P2138, limp mode and a faulty accelerator pedal sensor, with the part on national backorder. One says the same fault returned within 100 miles of the repair. Owner narratives only.
Related codes
P0653 questions
Is P0653 the accelerator pedal sensor?
Often, but not always. It is the shared 5-volt supply, so any sensor or wire on circuit B can pull it high. Two Jeep Renegade owners had the pedal sensor replaced.
Is it safe to drive with P0653?
Only if the car drives normally. If the throttle stops responding or the car goes into limp mode, stop driving and get it checked.
Sources and review
- P0653 trouble code summary
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11662147 (2016 Jeep Renegade)
- TPI 2081243/2: ECM 5V reference circuits
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11675311 (2016 Jeep Renegade)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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