P2122 code meaning
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P21xx codes Check engine light
What P2122 means
P2122 sets when pedal track D falls below its lower voltage limit, typically from a short to ground, a missing 5 V reference or a broken signal wire. Limits differ by maker: Ford uses 0.25 V and since 2020 lights both MIL and wrench lamp (in 2012 only the wrench lamp); GM's 2007 tables use 0.325 V with 19 of 39 counts at 12.5 ms (Type A), GM's 2023 table 23OBDG07 0.28 V for 0.2 s; the 2014 VW Passat flags anything under 0.61 V. GM bulletin 14636 extended coverage on 2009-2011 Impala and 2009 LaCrosse pedals with broken solder joints that set this and related codes. P2123 is the high counterpart, P2120 the general circuit code, P2127 the low fault on track E. The ECU limits power and pedal response.
P2122 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2122
- Engine warning lamp and reduced power message
- Pedal feels dead or reacts only slowly
- Cruise control may be unavailable
Common causes of P2122
- Most likelyTrack D signal wire shorted to ground or chafed
- PossibleOpen or shorted 5 V reference feed to the pedal
- PossiblePedal sensor fault such as a cracked solder joint
- Less likelyCorroded terminals with high resistance
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Accelerator pedal position sensorPedal sensor wiringECM
What each part of P2122 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 22 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2122 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P2122
What does P2122 mean?
P2122 means "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch D Circuit Low". P2122 sets when pedal track D falls below its lower voltage limit, typically from a short to ground, a missing 5 V reference or a broken signal wire. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2122?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2122 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2122 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2122 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P2122 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2122 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.