AutoCodesGeneric – B1988

B1988 Code - Pedal Position Forward Switch Circuit Short to Battery

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Pedal Position Forward Switch. Common causes include Faulty Pedal Position Forward Switch, Pedal Position Forward Switch harness is open or shorted, Pedal Position Forward Switch circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
B1988 indicates Pedal Position Forward Switch Circuit Short to Battery.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Pedal Position Forward Switch, Pedal Position Forward Switch harness is open or shorted, Pedal Position Forward Switch circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 5,789
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 03, 2019
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code B1988 Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the Pedal Position Forward Switch. The BCM sets the OBDII code when the Pedal Position Forward Switch is not to factory specifications.
OBDII Code B1988 - Pedal Position Forward Switch Circuit Short to Battery - AutoCodes.com
B1988 Code - Pedal Position Forward Switch Circuit Short to Battery

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B1988?

  • Faulty Pedal Position Forward Switch
  • Pedal Position Forward Switch harness is open or shorted
  • Pedal Position Forward Switch circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B1988?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B1988 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the B1988 code?

Need more information on how to fix the B1988 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B1988 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B1988 Code

1. What does OBDII code B1988 mean?

Code B1988 indicates a short to battery in the pedal position forward switch circuit, which can affect throttle or pedal position sensor functionality.

2. What are the common symptoms of code B1988?

Symptoms may include unresponsive or erratic accelerator pedal behavior, illuminated check engine or warning lights, and reduced engine performance.

3. What causes the B1988 code to trigger?

The most common causes include damaged wiring, a short circuit to the battery, a faulty pedal position forward switch, or a malfunctioning electronic control module (ECM).

4. Can I drive with the B1988 code active?

Driving with code B1988 is not recommended, as it can result in unsafe throttle response and potential loss of vehicle control.

5. How do I troubleshoot code B1988?

Start by visually inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion. Use a multimeter to check for a short circuit in the pedal position forward switch circuit.

6. How is code B1988 repaired?

Repairs may involve replacing damaged wiring, repairing a short circuit, or replacing a faulty pedal position forward switch.

7. How much does it cost to fix code B1988?

The repair cost can vary but typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on whether it's a wiring issue or a faulty switch.

8. Can a dead battery cause code B1988?

A dead battery likely won’t cause this specific code. However, voltage irregularities from a failing battery could potentially exacerbate electrical issues.

9. Does the B1988 code require a professional mechanic?

If you're familiar with electrical diagnostics and repairs, you may be able to fix it yourself. Otherwise, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic.

10. Will clearing the B1988 code with a scanner fix the issue?

Clearing the code may temporarily turn off the warning light, but it won’t resolve the underlying problem causing the code.

Discuss the causes and fixes for B1988 OBDII Code

Code B1988 comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play