AutoCodes – Mercury – P2131 Mercury

P2131 Mercury Code - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'F' Circuit

Quick Answer

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is an input to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and used to determine the amount of torque requested by the operator. Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 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
P2131 Mercury indicates Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'F' Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 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 1,378
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P2131 Mercury Description

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is an input to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and used to determine the amount of torque requested by the operator. There are 2 pedal position signals in the sensor. Both signals, APP and APP2, have a positive slope (increasing angle, increasing voltage), but are offset and increase at different rates. The 2 pedal position signals make sure the PCM receives a correct input even if 1 signal has a concern. The PCM determines if a signal is incorrect by calculating where it should be, inferred from the other signals. If a concern is present with one of the circuits the other input is used. There are 2 reference voltage circuits, 2 signal return circuits, and 2 signal circuits (a total of 6 circuits and pins) between the PCM and the APP sensor assembly. The pedal position signal is converted to pedal travel degrees (rotary angle) by the PCM. The software converts these degrees to counts, which is the input to the torque based strategy. The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor fault flag is set for sensor 3 by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), indicating the signal is out of the normal self-test operating range.
OBDII Code P2131 Mercury - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'F' Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P2131 Mercury Code - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'F' Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2131 Mercury?

  • Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor
  • Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

How to Fix the DTC P2131 Mercury?

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 P2131 Mercury 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P2131 Mercury Code

What does OBDII code P2131 mean for a Mercury vehicle?

P2131 indicates an issue with the Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'F' Circuit, which monitors throttle and pedal inputs to the engine control module.

What are the common symptoms of code P2131 in a Mercury?

Symptoms include reduced engine performance, erratic throttle behavior, hesitation during acceleration, and possible activation of the check engine light.

What causes code P2131 to appear on a Mercury?

Common causes include a faulty throttle/pedal position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

Can I continue driving if my Mercury is showing code P2131?

Driving with this code may lead to reduced performance or unsafe driving conditions. It's recommended to address the issue promptly.

How can I diagnose code P2131 in a Mercury vehicle?

Start by inspecting the throttle/pedal position sensor, its wiring, and connectors for damage or corrosion. Use an OBDII scanner to confirm the code and monitor sensor readings.

What tools are needed to fix code P2131 on a Mercury?

Basic tools like a multimeter, OBDII scanner, and screwdrivers may be needed to test and replace the throttle/pedal position sensor or repair wiring issues.

How much does it cost to repair code P2131 on a Mercury?

Repair costs vary, but replacing the throttle/pedal position sensor typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on labor and parts.

Can a dirty throttle body cause code P2131?

While unlikely, a dirty throttle body can affect sensor readings, so cleaning it might help if no other issues are found.

How do I reset the check engine light after fixing code P2131 on a Mercury?

Use an OBDII scanner to clear the code, or disconnect the battery for a few minutes. Ensure the issue is resolved first to avoid recurrence.

Is code P2131 specific to Mercury vehicles?

No, code P2131 can occur in other makes and models, but its meaning and symptoms are similar across most vehicles.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P2131 Mercury OBDII Code

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