AutoCodes – Buick – P1286 Buick

P1286 Buick 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 Buick 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 3,207

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
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1286 Buick?

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 Buick?

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 Buick 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 P1286 Buick code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1286 Buick code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1286 Buick code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 P1286 Buick Code

Q1: What does the OBDII code P1286 mean for a Buick?

**A1:** Code P1286 indicates an issue with the Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Performance, meaning the sensor is not functioning within the expected parameters.

Q2: What are the symptoms of code P1286 in a Buick?

**A2:** Symptoms may include reduced engine power, poor acceleration response, difficulty maintaining speed, or the vehicle entering "limp mode."

Q3: What causes the P1286 code on a Buick?

**A3:** Common causes include a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

Q4: Can I drive my Buick with the P1286 code?

**A4:** Driving with this code is not recommended, as it can lead to reduced performance and safety risks due to unpredictable throttle response.

Q5: How is the P1286 code diagnosed in a Buick?

**A5:** A mechanic will use a scan tool to read the code, check the sensor's voltage readings, inspect wiring and connectors, and test the ECM for functionality.

Q6: How do you fix the P1286 code on a Buick?

**A6:** Repairs may include replacing the accelerator pedal position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or reprogramming/replacing the ECM if necessary.

Q7: Can a dirty throttle body trigger the P1286 code?

**A7:** While a dirty throttle body is not a direct cause, it can contribute to throttle-related issues that mimic sensor problems. Cleaning the throttle body may help resolve related symptoms.

Q8: How much does it cost to repair the P1286 code on a Buick?

**A8:** Repair costs vary but typically range from $150 to $400, depending on whether the sensor needs replacement or if additional wiring or ECM work is required.

Q9: Can I reset the P1286 code without fixing the problem?

**A9:** Resetting the code without addressing the underlying issue may temporarily clear it, but the problem will likely return and affect vehicle performance.

Q10: How can I prevent the P1286 code from appearing on my Buick?

**A10:** Regular maintenance, including inspecting wiring and connectors, cleaning the throttle body, and replacing sensors at recommended intervals, can help prevent this code.