AutoCodes – Toyota – P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander

P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation

Quick Answer

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is mounted on the accelerator pedal to detect the angle of the accelerator pedal. 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
P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander indicates Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation.
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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 2,021
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander Description

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is mounted on the accelerator pedal to detect the angle of the accelerator pedal. This sensor is electronically controlled and uses Hall-effect elements.
In the accelerator pedal position sensor, the voltage applied to terminals VPA and VPA2 of the Engine Control Module (ECM) changes between 0 V and 5 V in proportion to the angle of the accelerator pedal. The VPA is a signal to indicate the actual accelerator pedal angle and is used for the engine control. VPA2 is used to detect malfunctions of the sensor itself.
The ECM monitors the accelerator pedal angle from VPA and VPA2 signal outputs, and controls the throttle motor based on these signals.
OBDII Code P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation - AutoCodes.com
P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander?

  • 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 Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander?

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 P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander 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 P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander 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 P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P2138 in a 2001 Toyota Highlander?

- Common symptoms include reduced engine power, hesitation or stalling when accelerating, and illuminated Check Engine light.

2. What causes the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation error code in a 2001 Toyota Highlander?

- The most common causes of P2138 in a Toyota Highlander are a faulty throttle position sensor, issues with the throttle pedal position sensor, or wiring/connectivity problems.

3. How can I diagnose OBDII code P2138 in my 2001 Toyota Highlander?

- Diagnosing P2138 involves using a scan tool to read the code, inspecting the throttle position sensor and pedal position sensor, and checking the wiring and connectors for any damage or corrosion.

4. Can I still drive my 2001 Toyota Highlander with OBDII code P2138?

- It is not recommended to drive with P2138 as it can cause unsafe driving conditions due to potential loss of power or acceleration issues. It's best to address the issue promptly.

5. How do I repair OBDII code P2138 in my 2001 Toyota Highlander?

- Repairing P2138 may involve replacing the throttle position sensor, throttle pedal position sensor, or repairing any damaged wiring/connectors. It is recommended to follow the specific diagnostic and repair procedures outlined in the service manual.

6. Are there any DIY tips for fixing OBDII code P2138 in a 2001 Toyota Highlander?

- While some may attempt to replace the throttle position sensor or pedal position sensor themselves, it is recommended to have a professional technician diagnose and repair the issue to ensure proper resolution.

7. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P2138 in a 2001 Toyota Highlander?

- The cost of fixing P2138 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, the labor rates in your area, and whether you choose to use OEM or aftermarket parts. It's best to consult with a mechanic for an accurate estimate.

8. Can resetting the OBDII code P2138 in my 2001 Toyota Highlander make it go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the Check Engine light, but if the underlying issue causing P2138 is not addressed, the code is likely to return. It's important to diagnose and repair the root cause of the problem.

9. Is OBDII code P2138 a common issue in 2001 Toyota Highlanders?

- While P2138 may not be as common as some other codes, it can still occur in 2001 Toyota Highlanders, particularly as the vehicle ages and sensor components wear out.

10. How long does it typically take to fix OBDII code P2138 in a 2001 Toyota Highlander?

- The repair time for P2138 can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue and the availability of parts. In general, it may take a few hours to a full day for a mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander OBDII Code

Code P2138 2001 Toyota Highlander 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