P1295: On Kia, the electronic throttle is in a power-management (limited power) fault
ETC system malfunction - power management (Kia)
Severity: Inspect soon
On Kia, P1295 is logged with forced limited power codes, and the reported symptoms include hesitation and stalling. Get it checked soon and stop if power drops while driving.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop somewhere safe and arrange a tow if the engine stalls or loses most of its power while you are driving.
P1295 in short
On Kia, P1295 is the electronic throttle control system malfunction - power management code, usually stored with P2106 and other throttle codes. Throttle body or sensor faults, or software, are the usual fixes. Expect limited power or stalling. Get it checked soon, and stop if it stalls. Other makes use P1295 differently.
P1295 is a manufacturer-specific code, so its meaning depends on the carmaker. We can source it only for Kia, where it is described as an electronic throttle control power management malfunction. Hyundai and others may differ and are not covered here.
A technician thread on a 2009 Kia Borrego 3.8L shows P1295 stored with P2106, P0123 and P0223, with poor idle, hesitation and stalling. The throttle position sensor 2 signal was out of range and replacing the throttle body fixed it.
A Kia bulletin summary for pre-April 2009 Sedona, Sorento, Amanti, Optima and Rondo lists P1295 and P2106 as secondary codes, and the repair is an engine computer reprogram plus a throttle position sensor replacement.
Pick your make
P1295 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.
Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Throttle body with a failed position sensor
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- The Borrego repair was a throttle body replacement after throttle position sensor 2 read out of range, and Kia's bulletin replaces the throttle position sensor.
- What would change this
- Rises if throttle sensor codes P0123 or P0223 are stored too, or sensor 2 reads out of range on a scan tool. Falls if both sensors track together.
Cause 2: Engine computer software that needs reprogramming (some models)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Kia's bulletin for several 2009 and earlier models pairs an ECM reprogram with the sensor replacement.
- What would change this
- Rises if your VIN is covered and the software is not current. Falls if it is current or the model is not listed.
Cause 3: Throttle sensor wiring or connector fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Throttle sensor codes can come from wiring as well as the sensor, but our Kia sources do not name wiring, so it ranks below the sourced causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if the signal drops out when the harness is moved.
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 watch both throttle position sensor values with the key on and the engine off.
IfP2106, P0123 or P0223 are stored too and sensor 2 reads wrong
It meansThrottle body or sensor fault is likely.
IfOnly P1295 is stored
It meansAsk the dealer about software and bulletins.
Step 2: Ask a Kia dealer whether your VIN has an engine computer update or throttle bulletin for P1295 and P2106.
IfAn update applies and has not been done
It meansUpdate the software and replace the throttle sensor if the bulletin says so.
Points to: Engine computer software that needs reprogramming (some models)
IfNo update applies and sensor 2 reads wrong
It meansThe throttle body is the likely fix.
IfReadings look normal
It meansInspect the throttle wiring and connector.
Symptoms
- Poor idle, hesitation or reduced power
- Check engine light, often with an ETC warning
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power
How to fix
Step 1: Ask a Kia dealer whether your VIN has an open engine computer update or throttle sensor bulletin.
Parts and cost context
- Electronic throttle body:The throttle body is often replaced as a unit. Confirm the fault first, and ask for a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
KiaYour car
2009 · Borrego
Possible — needs testingA technician thread on a 2009 Borrego 3.8L traced P1295 with P2106, P0123 and P0223 to a bad throttle body.
Related codes
P1295 questions
Does P1295 mean the same on a Hyundai?
We have only sourced the Kia meaning, so we do not state it for other makes. Check your own model's service information.
Sources and review
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error