P2127 The signal from the second accelerator pedal position sensor (sensor E) is below its normal range

Accelerator pedal position sensor E circuit low

P2127 in short

P2127 means the second accelerator pedal sensor signal is too low, usually from a failed pedal assembly, corroded or loose connector pins, chafed wiring or a lost 5-volt supply. The car often goes into reduced-power mode. Get it repaired soon, and stop safely if it suddenly won't accelerate or keep up with traffic.

An electronic accelerator pedal has two or three position sensors. Their signals move together, so the computer can tell if one is lying. In SAE terms these are sensors D, E and F; P2127 is the low-input fault for sensor E, usually the pedal's second sensor.

When the signal is below range, the computer can't fully trust the pedal and limits throttle opening, often with a reduced-power message. HELLA lists damaged wiring or connectors, a missing supply or ground, and an internal sensor fault as the usual causes.

Bulletins back that up: GM found corrosion at the pedal connector on 2007 full-size SUVs, Chrysler found pedal wiring held too tight on some minivans, and Ford traced it to a junction box connector or a harness rubbing on the steering shaft.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed accelerator pedal sensor or pedal assembly

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    GM and Hyundai bulletins replace the pedal assembly for P2127, and a Chevrolet dealer did the same on a Malibu.
    What would change this
    Likelier if the signal drops out at one point in a slow pedal sweep with good wiring.
    How to test the accelerator pedal position sensor

  2. Corroded, loose or stretched pedal connector or wiring

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM found corrosion at the pedal connector, and Chrysler found pedal wiring pulled tight enough to loosen the connection.
    What would change this
    Likelier if the code is intermittent or wiggling the connector changes the reading.

  3. Harness damage or a bad connection away from the pedal

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford traced P2127 to a battery junction box connector on Focus and Escape, and to a harness rubbing on the steering shaft and blowing a fuse on the 2020-2021 Escape.
    What would change this
    Likelier if several 5-volt sensor codes appear together or a fuse has blown.

  4. Engine computer fault

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    KBB says the computer is a rare cause; FCA warns that unplugging the pedal during diagnosis sets the code, so confirm it's active before replacing parts.
    What would change this
    Only after the pedal and wiring test good.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all codes and watch both pedal sensor signals in live data while pressing the pedal slowly from rest to the floor

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. With the ignition off, unplug the pedal connector and look for green corrosion, pushed-back pins or wiring pulled tight

    Low riskTool: Flashlight

  3. Measure the pedal's 5-volt supply, ground and signal for sensor E against the service manual

    Best left to a shopTool: Digital multimeter

    Warning:Back-probing sensor and computer circuits can damage terminals or the computer if done wrongly; follow the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, often with a reduced-power or ETC light
  • Reduced power, limited speed or limp mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • High idle or no response to the pedal Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Stalling Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer to check your VIN for bulletins; GM, Chrysler, Hyundai and Ford have published repairs for P2127.

  2. Write down whether it happens after rain, over bumps or when turning the steering wheel; those details point to wiring faults found in bulletins.

Parts and cost context

  • Accelerator pedal position sensor:The pedal sensor is normally sold as part of the pedal assembly; some cars need a relearn after fitting. Check connectors and bulletins 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 PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2007 · Tahoe

    Supported by vehicle data

    Pedal connector corrosion can set P2127 with reduced power; GM replaces the pedal. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2017 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    A dealer found P2127 after reduced power at highway speed and replaced the accelerator pedal.

  • 08-06-04-012BStatus unverified

    Intermittent MIL with pedal position DTCs and reduced engine power

    2007tahoe, suburban · issued · NHTSA 10026627

    Intermittent MIL with P2120-P2138 including P2127 and reduced engine power; replace the accelerator pedal; may be caused by corrosion at the pedal connector. Also covers Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Dodge

  • 2010 · Grand Caravan

    Supported by vehicle data

    Pedal wiring held too tight can set P2122/P2127. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • SB-05-001-10Status unverified

    ETC light or P2122/P2127 from APP sensor wiring held too tight

    2010grand-caravan · issued · NHTSA 10033545

    ETC light with P2122 and/or P2127 caused by APP sensor wiring held too tight; disconnect the harness clip near the sensor. Also covers Chrysler Town & Country.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Hyundai

  • 2006–2007 · Sonata

    Supported by vehicle data

    Hyundai replaces the pedal sensor assembly for P2127 with P2122 and P2138. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • TSB-10-EE-002Status unverified

    P2138, P2127, P2122 with P2106: replace pedal sensor

    2006–2007azera, sonata · issued · NHTSA 10033970

    Check engine light with P2138, P2127 and P2122 plus P2106; replace the accelerator pedal sensor assembly.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2020–2021 · Escape

    Supported by vehicle data

    A harness rubbing on the steering shaft can blow fuse 44 and set P2127 among many codes. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • ASI-44356Status unverified

    P2122/P2127/P2138 from battery junction box connector

    2012–2013focus, escape · issued · NHTSA 10055021

    A damaged or improperly seated connector in the battery junction box can set P2122, P2127 and/or P2138.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • SSM 50116Status unverified

    Loss of VREF and multiple DTCs from harness contact with the steering shaft

    2020–2021escape · issued · NHTSA 10201593

    Loss of 5-volt reference or rough running with fuse 44 blown and many DTCs including P2127 and P2196, from the harness above the steering shaft u-joint rubbing; inspect, repair and reroute.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P2122The signal from accelerator pedal position sensor D (usually the first pedal sensor) is lower than its normal range

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P2122 is the matching low-input fault for the first pedal sensor; Chrysler, Hyundai and Ford bulletins list both together.

  • P2138Two accelerator pedal position sensor signals (D and E) that should agree with each other don't

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P2138 flags the two pedal sensors disagreeing, which a low sensor E signal also causes.

  • P2196The upstream oxygen or air-fuel sensor on bank 1 has been reporting a rich mixture for too long, beyond what the engine computer expects

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    On the 2020-2021 Escape a harness rubbing on the steering shaft can set P2127 and P2196 along with many other codes.

All Electronic throttle and accelerator pedal codes

P2127 questions

Can I keep driving with this code?

Only gently and to a shop. The engine computer may limit power at any moment, so avoid motorways and heavy traffic until it is fixed. If the engine drops to idle, stalls or won't respond to the pedal, pull over safely and have it towed.

Sources and review

  1. P2127 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E Circuit Low Input — Kelley Blue Book
  2. Accelerator pedal sensor — HELLA Tech World
  3. GM 08-06-04-012B: intermittent MIL with pedal position DTCs and reduced engine power, connector corrosion — General Motors ,
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11331495: 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, dealer found P2127 and replaced the accelerator pedal after reduced power — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. NHTSA recall 26V081: Electronic throttle body gears may break (2024-2025 Nissan Rogue 1.5L VC-Turbo) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  6. Hyundai TSB-10-EE-002: P2138/P2127/P2122 with P2106, replace accelerator pedal sensor (Azera, Sonata) — Hyundai ,
  7. Chrysler SB 05-001-10: ETC light or P2122/P2127 from APP sensor wiring held too tight (Grand Caravan, Town & Country) — Chrysler ,
  8. Ford ASI-44356: P2122/P2127/P2138 from a damaged or unseated battery junction box connector (Focus, Escape) — Ford Motor Company ,
  9. Ford SSM 50116: loss of VREF, blown fuse 44 and multiple DTCs from harness contact with the steering shaft (Escape) — Ford Motor Company ,
  10. FCA 9003413: accelerator pedal diagnosis before replacement; P2122/P2127 set if the pedal is unplugged — FCA US ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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