AutoCodes – Cadillac – P1286 Cadillac

P1286 Cadillac Code - Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Performance

Quick Answer

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensors are located within the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) module assembly. Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP), Accelerator Pedal Position harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal Position 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: P1286 Cadillac indicates Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP), Accelerator Pedal Position harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal Position 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.

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Code Popularity 3,215

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 05, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1286 Cadillac Description

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensors are located within the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) module assembly. The TAC module assembly is mounted to the accelerator pedal bracket. There are 3 individual APP sensors within the TAC module. Three separate signal circuits, low reference circuits, and 5-volt reference circuits are used in order to determine the accelerator pedal position. The APP sensor signal voltages increase when the accelerator pedal is depressed.

OBDII Code P1286 Cadillac - Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Performance - AutoCodes.com — P1286 Cadillac Code - Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1286 Cadillac?

Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP)
Accelerator Pedal Position harness is open or shorted
Accelerator Pedal Position circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1286 Cadillac?

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 P1286 Cadillac 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.

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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.