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P2140 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E/F Voltage Correlation
The P2140 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E/F Voltage Correlation diagnostic trouble code indicates that the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) has detected that the signals from Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor or Switch circuits E and F do not match the expected relationship.
In simple terms, the vehicle's computer is comparing two electronic throttle or accelerator pedal signals and has determined that they are not changing together in the way the manufacturer expects.
Modern vehicles often use multiple position sensors for safety and accuracy. The ECM compares these signals continuously. If the difference between Sensor E and Sensor F becomes too large, inconsistent, or otherwise outside the programmed correlation range, P2140 may be stored.
Depending on the vehicle, P2140 may cause the Check Engine Light, reduced engine power, poor throttle response, hesitation, limp mode, poor acceleration, unstable engine operation, or other electronic throttle control symptoms.
The exact meaning of Sensor/Switch E and Sensor/Switch F varies between manufacturers and engine-management systems. The affected circuits may be located in the accelerator pedal assembly, electronic throttle body, or another throttle-position sensing system.
What Does P2140 Mean?
P2140 means that two position-related electrical signals identified as E and F are not showing the expected correlation.
The ECM does not necessarily expect both sensors to produce identical voltages.
Instead, it expects them to follow a specific relationship.
For example:
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One signal may increase as pedal position increases.
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Another signal may also increase at a different voltage range.
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One signal may increase while another decreases.
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The signals may operate on different voltage scales but must remain mathematically related.
If the expected relationship is lost, the ECM may store P2140.
Possible causes include:
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Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor
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Faulty electronic throttle body
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Faulty throttle position sensor
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Internal sensor disagreement
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Damaged wiring
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Corroded connector
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Loose terminals
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Short circuit
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Open circuit
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Poor ground
-
Reference-voltage problem
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Low system voltage
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Faulty sensor power supply
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Throttle plate contamination
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Mechanical throttle binding
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Aftermarket modifications
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ECM/PCM problem
Why Do Vehicles Use Multiple Throttle or Pedal Sensors?
Modern electronic throttle systems use redundancy for safety.
The accelerator pedal does not necessarily connect directly to the throttle plate with a mechanical cable.
Instead, the driver presses the accelerator pedal and one or more electronic sensors report pedal position to the ECM.
The ECM then commands the electronic throttle actuator.
Multiple sensors allow the ECM to compare signals.
If one sensor provides incorrect information, the second sensor can help the control system detect the problem.
This system is important because incorrect throttle operation could create a serious safety problem.
How the Electronic Throttle System Works
A typical electronic throttle control system may include:
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Accelerator pedal position sensors
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Electronic throttle body
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Throttle position sensors
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Throttle actuator motor
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ECM/PCM
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5-volt reference circuits
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Sensor ground circuits
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Signal circuits
The general process is:
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The driver presses the accelerator pedal.
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Pedal sensors report pedal position.
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The ECM compares the sensor signals.
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The ECM calculates the requested engine power.
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The ECM commands the electronic throttle actuator.
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Throttle position sensors report actual throttle opening.
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The ECM compares the commanded and actual positions.
P2140 is stored when two related signals identified as E and F no longer correlate correctly.
What Does "Voltage Correlation" Mean?
The word correlation is important.
P2140 does not simply mean that one sensor voltage is high or low.
It means that the relationship between two sensor signals is incorrect.
For example, imagine two pedal-position signals.
As the accelerator pedal moves:
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Sensor E should move through its expected voltage range.
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Sensor F should move through its own expected range.
The ECM compares the two signals continuously.
If one signal changes while the other remains fixed, jumps unexpectedly, or follows an incorrect pattern, the ECM can identify a correlation fault.
Does P2140 Mean the Accelerator Pedal Is Faulty?
Not necessarily.
Depending on the vehicle, P2140 may involve:
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Accelerator pedal position sensing
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Electronic throttle body position sensing
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Internal throttle actuator circuits
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Wiring between sensors and ECM
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Reference-voltage circuits
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Ground circuits
The exact component must be identified using the manufacturer's diagnostic information.
Symptoms of P2140
Symptoms depend on the vehicle and the severity of the sensor disagreement.
Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light is the most common symptom.
Reduced Engine Power
Many vehicles enter a protective reduced-power mode when a throttle or pedal correlation fault is detected.
Poor Throttle Response
The vehicle may respond slowly when the accelerator pedal is pressed.
Poor Acceleration
Acceleration may be significantly reduced.
Limp Mode
The ECM may limit throttle opening to protect the driver and vehicle.
Engine Hesitation
The vehicle may hesitate during acceleration.
Inconsistent Acceleration
Engine response may feel unpredictable or inconsistent.
Engine Surging
Some vehicles may experience irregular engine speed or throttle response.
Rough Idle
Depending on the affected sensor or throttle system, idle quality may be affected.
Engine Stalling
In some cases, serious electronic throttle problems can contribute to stalling.
Cruise Control Problems
Cruise control may be disabled when a throttle or pedal correlation fault is detected.
Additional Warning Messages
Depending on the vehicle, messages may include:
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Reduced engine power
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Service throttle system
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Electronic throttle control fault
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Engine fault
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Drive system fault
Common Causes of P2140
Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor
Many accelerator pedals contain multiple internal sensors.
If one sensor fails or its output no longer matches the other sensor, P2140 may be stored.
Possible causes include:
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Internal sensor wear
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Electrical failure
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Contamination
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Incorrect internal resistance
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Sensor signal failure
In many vehicles, the complete pedal assembly is replaced because the sensors are integrated.
Faulty Electronic Throttle Body
The throttle body may contain:
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Throttle position sensors
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Actuator motor
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Internal control electronics
An internal sensor disagreement can create a correlation code.
Possible faults include:
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Internal sensor failure
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Throttle actuator failure
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Damaged internal circuitry
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Incorrect position feedback
Damaged Throttle or Pedal Wiring
Damaged wiring can affect one sensor signal while leaving the other operating normally.
Possible causes include:
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Chafed wiring
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Broken wire
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Melted insulation
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Corrosion
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Engine vibration
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Previous repairs
Corroded Electrical Connectors
Corrosion can cause unstable or incorrect sensor readings.
Inspect for:
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Green corrosion
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White deposits
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Moisture
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Oxidized terminals
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Loose pins
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Damaged connector housing
Loose or Damaged Terminals
A connector can appear properly connected while a terminal inside has:
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Poor tension
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Damage
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Corrosion
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A partial connection
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A backed-out terminal
This can create intermittent correlation problems.
Short to Ground or Power
A damaged sensor wire can contact:
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Chassis ground
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Engine metal
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Battery power
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Ignition power
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Another electrical circuit
This can change one sensor signal and cause the E/F relationship to become invalid.
Open Circuit
A broken or disconnected sensor wire can interrupt one of the signals.
Possible causes include:
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Broken wire
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Disconnected connector
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Damaged terminal
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Failed splice
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Internal harness damage
Reference-Voltage Problems
Many position sensors use a 5-volt reference circuit.
If the reference voltage is unstable, too low, too high, or missing, multiple sensor readings may become incorrect.
Possible causes include:
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Shorted sensor
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Wiring problem
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Damaged reference-voltage circuit
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ECM/PCM problem
Poor Sensor Ground
A poor ground can change the voltage seen by the ECM.
Possible problems include:
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Corroded ground wire
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Loose connector
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Damaged sensor ground
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ECM/PCM ground problem
Low Battery or Charging-System Voltage
Low vehicle voltage can affect electronic throttle operation.
Possible causes include:
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Weak battery
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Faulty alternator
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Poor battery connection
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Charging-system wiring problems
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Bad engine grounds
If several electrical codes are present, the main electrical system should be tested.
Throttle Plate Contamination
Carbon deposits can interfere with throttle plate movement.
Possible symptoms include:
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Sticking throttle
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Rough idle
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Poor acceleration
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Reduced engine response
However, contamination alone does not normally explain a sensor-voltage correlation code unless it causes the actual position feedback to become inconsistent.
Mechanical Throttle Binding
The throttle plate may not move freely because of:
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Carbon buildup
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Mechanical damage
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Debris
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Damaged throttle shaft
A mechanical problem can create abnormal differences between commanded and actual positions.
Incorrect Previous Repair
A previous repair may have caused:
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Incorrect connector installation
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Wrong wiring connection
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Damaged wire
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Poor splice
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Pinched harness
Aftermarket Modifications
Possible modifications include:
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ECU tuning
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Pedal controllers
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Throttle-response devices
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Engine swaps
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Modified wiring harnesses
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Aftermarket engine electronics
These can sometimes affect throttle and pedal sensor signals.
ECM/PCM Problem
A control-module problem is possible but less common than:
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Sensor failure
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Throttle body failure
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Pedal assembly failure
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Wiring damage
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Connector problems
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Reference-voltage faults
The ECM/PCM should only be considered after external circuits have been properly tested.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by P2140
P2140 can occur on many OBD-II vehicles equipped with electronic throttle control systems.
Examples may include:
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Ford F-150
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Ford Explorer
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Ford Mustang
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Ford Focus
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Ford Ranger
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Chevrolet Silverado
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Chevrolet Tahoe
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Chevrolet Malibu
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Chevrolet Camaro
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GMC Sierra
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GMC Yukon
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Cadillac Escalade
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Dodge Charger
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Dodge Challenger
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Ram 1500
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Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Jeep Wrangler
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Chrysler Pacifica
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Toyota Camry
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Toyota Tundra
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Toyota Tacoma
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Honda Accord
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Honda Civic
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Honda CR-V
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Nissan Altima
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Nissan Pathfinder
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Nissan Titan
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BMW 3 Series
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BMW 5 Series
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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Volkswagen Golf
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Volkswagen Passat
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Audi A4
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Audi A6
This list is not exhaustive.
P2140 is more likely to occur on vehicles using electronic throttle control and multiple redundant position sensors.
Important: The exact meaning of Sensors E and F can vary between manufacturers, engines, and model years.
How Is P2140 Diagnosed?
The purpose of diagnosis is to determine which sensor signals are not correlating correctly and why.
Check for Additional Trouble Codes
Perform a complete diagnostic scan.
Look for:
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P2140
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Other throttle position codes
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Accelerator pedal position codes
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Throttle actuator codes
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5-volt reference codes
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Battery-voltage codes
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Communication codes
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Engine-performance codes
Related codes can provide important diagnostic information.
Check Freeze-Frame Data
Review the conditions recorded when P2140 was stored.
Useful information includes:
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Engine RPM
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Vehicle speed
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Engine load
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Battery voltage
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Throttle position
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Accelerator pedal position
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Coolant temperature
This can help determine when the correlation problem occurs.
Identify Sensors E and F
This is one of the most important diagnostic steps.
Use vehicle-specific service information to determine:
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The physical component associated with Sensor E
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The physical component associated with Sensor F
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Whether they are in the accelerator pedal or throttle body
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Their expected voltage ranges
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Their expected relationship
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Relevant ECM/PCM terminals
Do not assume that Sensor E and Sensor F are physically located in the same component on every vehicle.
Monitor Live Data
Use a capable scan tool to monitor:
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Throttle position sensor data
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Accelerator pedal position data
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Sensor E voltage
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Sensor F voltage
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Commanded throttle position
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Actual throttle position
Slowly move the accelerator pedal while observing the sensor values.
The signals should change smoothly and maintain the expected relationship.
Look for:
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Signal dropouts
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Sudden jumps
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Frozen readings
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Erratic changes
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One signal changing without the other
Check Battery and Charging Voltage
Verify:
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Battery condition
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Battery terminal connections
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Alternator output
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Charging voltage
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Main ground connections
Correct low system voltage before continuing with detailed sensor diagnosis.
Inspect the Accelerator Pedal Connector
Check for:
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Corrosion
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Loose terminals
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Bent pins
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Water intrusion
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Damaged locking tabs
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Backed-out terminals
Inspect the Throttle Body Connector
Check the electronic throttle body connector for:
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Corrosion
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Heat damage
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Loose terminals
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Broken wiring
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Oil contamination
Inspect Wiring Harnesses
Inspect the wiring between:
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Accelerator pedal and ECM
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Throttle body and ECM
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Sensors and ECM/PCM
Look for:
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Chafing
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Broken insulation
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Melted wires
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Exposed conductors
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Previous repairs
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Pinched wiring
Check Sensor Reference Voltage
Measure the relevant reference voltage according to manufacturer procedures.
Many systems use approximately a 5-volt reference, but the exact configuration should be verified.
Check:
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Reference voltage
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Sensor ground
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Sensor output
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Wiring continuity
Check for Shorts
Inspect for:
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Short to ground
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Short to power
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Short between sensor wires
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Internal component short
An electrical short can cause one sensor to produce a value that no longer correlates with the other.
Perform Voltage-Drop Testing
Voltage-drop testing can help locate excessive resistance in:
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Power circuits
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Ground circuits
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Connector terminals
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Splices
Test the Accelerator Pedal Assembly
If the affected E/F circuits are located in the accelerator pedal assembly, test the pedal sensors according to manufacturer specifications.
If one internal sensor fails, the complete accelerator pedal assembly may require replacement.
Test the Electronic Throttle Body
If the affected circuits are located in the throttle body, test:
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Power supply
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Ground
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Throttle position sensors
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Actuator motor
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Position feedback
Compare results with manufacturer specifications.
Inspect the Throttle Plate
If electrical tests are normal, inspect for:
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Carbon buildup
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Mechanical sticking
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Damaged throttle plate
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Restricted movement
Check for Aftermarket Modifications
Inspect modifications involving:
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Pedal controllers
-
ECU tuning
-
Throttle-response devices
-
Engine wiring
-
Engine swaps
Incorrect modifications can interfere with the expected sensor relationship.
Check ECM/PCM Power and Grounds
Verify:
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Battery power
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Ignition power
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ECM/PCM grounds
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Sensor reference circuits
How to Fix P2140
The correct repair depends on the cause identified during diagnosis.
Replace a Faulty Accelerator Pedal Assembly
If the pedal sensors are internally defective, replacing the complete accelerator pedal assembly may restore correct correlation.
Replace a Faulty Electronic Throttle Body
If testing confirms internal throttle position sensor or actuator failure, replace the throttle body or the applicable component.
Repair Damaged Wiring
Repair or replace wiring damaged by:
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Heat
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Chafing
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Corrosion
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Vibration
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Previous repairs
Repair or Replace Damaged Connectors
Replace damaged terminals or connector housings.
Ensure correct terminal tension.
Repair Reference-Voltage Problems
Repair damaged:
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5-volt reference wiring
-
Sensor ground circuits
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Related sensor circuits
Repair Power and Ground Problems
Restore proper:
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Battery connections
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Engine grounds
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Chassis grounds
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ECM/PCM grounds
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Throttle actuator power circuits
Repair Short Circuits
Locate and repair wires shorted to:
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Ground
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Battery voltage
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Another circuit
Clean the Throttle Body
If carbon buildup is affecting throttle movement, clean the throttle body according to manufacturer procedures.
Avoid damaging the electronic actuator or position sensors.
Correct Aftermarket Modifications
Restore modified wiring and throttle-control systems to the correct manufacturer configuration if modifications are responsible for the fault.
Perform Required Relearn Procedures
Some vehicles require:
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Throttle body relearn
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Idle relearn
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Accelerator pedal calibration
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Electronic throttle adaptation
The correct procedure should be performed using the manufacturer's service information or appropriate diagnostic equipment.
Repair or Replace the ECM/PCM
The ECM/PCM should only be considered after sensors, wiring, connectors, power supplies, grounds, and reference-voltage circuits have been properly tested.
What Happens If P2140 Is Ignored?
Ignoring P2140 can cause continuing throttle-control problems.
Possible consequences include:
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Reduced engine power
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Poor acceleration
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Limp mode
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Engine hesitation
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Rough running
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Engine stalling
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Poor fuel economy
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Additional throttle-control codes
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Increased emissions
Because throttle and pedal sensor correlation is an important safety feature, the fault should not be ignored.
Can You Drive With P2140?
Driving with P2140 may be possible, but the vehicle should be diagnosed promptly.
A short drive may be possible if:
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The engine runs smoothly.
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Throttle response remains predictable.
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There is no major loss of power.
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The vehicle is not stalling.
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The Check Engine Light is not flashing.
Avoid driving if you experience:
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Sudden or severe power loss
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Repeated stalling
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Unpredictable throttle response
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Severe hesitation
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Flashing Check Engine Light
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Multiple warning messages
A serious electronic throttle fault can place the vehicle into limp mode.
Is P2140 a Serious Code?
P2140 is generally considered a moderate to potentially high-severity diagnostic trouble code because it involves electronic throttle and accelerator pedal position signals.
Modern vehicles use redundant sensors for safety.
When the ECM detects that the signals no longer correlate correctly, it may reduce engine power to prevent unsafe throttle operation.
The fault can affect:
-
Throttle response
-
Engine power
-
Acceleration
-
Driveability
-
Fuel efficiency
The vehicle should be diagnosed promptly, especially if reduced-power mode or unpredictable throttle behavior occurs.
How to Prevent P2140
Recommended maintenance practices include:
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Keep electrical connectors clean and dry.
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Repair damaged wiring promptly.
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Secure wiring harnesses correctly.
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Maintain battery terminals.
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Maintain engine and chassis grounds.
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Address charging-system problems quickly.
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Keep the throttle body clean when appropriate.
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Avoid poorly designed throttle modifications.
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Avoid low-quality electrical repairs.
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Inspect wiring after major engine repairs.
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Use correct replacement parts.
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Do not ignore Check Engine Light warnings.
P2140 vs. Related Throttle and Pedal Codes
| Code | General Description |
|---|---|
| P2140 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E/F Voltage Correlation |
| P2141 | EGR Throttle Control Circuit "A" Low |
| P2142 | EGR Throttle Control Circuit "A" High |
| P2160 | Vehicle Speed Sensor "B" Circuit Low Input |
| P2161 | Vehicle Speed Sensor "B" Circuit Intermittent/Erratic |
| P2162 | Vehicle Speed Sensor A/B Correlation |
| P2163 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor "A" Maximum Stop Performance |
| P2164 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor "B" Maximum Stop Performance |
The main difference is:
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P2140 = correlation problem between position-related signals E and F
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P2141/P2142 = EGR throttle control circuit low/high faults
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P2163/P2164 = throttle or pedal maximum-stop performance faults
Final Thoughts
The P2140 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch E/F Voltage Correlation diagnostic trouble code indicates that the ECM/PCM has detected that two position-related sensor signals identified as E and F are no longer maintaining their expected electrical relationship.
Common causes include:
-
Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor
-
Faulty electronic throttle body
-
Internal sensor failure
-
Damaged wiring
-
Corroded connectors
-
Loose terminals
-
Short circuits
-
Open circuits
-
Reference-voltage problems
-
Poor sensor grounds
-
Low vehicle system voltage
-
Throttle plate contamination
-
Mechanical throttle binding
-
Incorrect previous repairs
-
Aftermarket modifications
-
ECM/PCM faults
The correct diagnosis starts by identifying exactly what Sensors E and F represent on the specific vehicle. A capable scan tool should then be used to compare live sensor data while the accelerator pedal and throttle position change.
The wiring, connectors, power supply, grounds, and reference-voltage circuits should also be tested before replacing components.
P2140 does not automatically mean that the accelerator pedal or throttle body needs replacement. Wiring damage, a corroded connector, poor sensor ground, reference-voltage problem, or another electrical fault can create the same correlation failure.
Finding the exact reason why the E and F signals no longer agree is essential for restoring safe throttle operation, proper engine performance, and reliable vehicle driveability.
