AutoCodesToyota – P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4

P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation

Quick Answer

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is built into the accelerator pedal sensor assembly and has 2 sensor circuits: VPA (main) and VPA2 (sub). Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal Position 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 indicates Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor, Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Accelerator Pedal Position 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 331
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 17, 2022
💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4 Description

The Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor is built into the accelerator pedal sensor assembly and has 2 sensor circuits: VPA (main) and VPA2 (sub). This sensor is a non-contact type sensor and uses Hall-effect elements in order to yield accurate signals even in extreme driving conditions, such as at high speeds as well as very low speeds. The voltage, which is applied to terminals VPA and VPA2 of the Engine Control Module (ECM), varies between 0.5 V and 4.75 V in proportion to the operating angle of the accelerator pedal (throttle valve). A signal from VPA indicates the actual accelerator pedal opening angle (throttle valve opening angle) and is used for engine control. A signal from VPA2 conveys the status of the VPA circuit and is used to check the accelerator pedal position sensor itself.
The ECM monitors the actual accelerator pedal opening angle (throttle valve opening angle) through the signals from VPA and VPA2 and controls the throttle actuator according to these signals.
When either the output voltage of VPA or VPA2 deviates from the standard range, or the difference between the output voltages of the 2 sensor circuits is more than the threshold, the ECM determines that there is a malfunction in the accelerator pedal position sensor. The ECM then illuminates the MIL and stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
OBDII Code P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4 - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation - AutoCodes.com
P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4?

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

How to Fix the DTC P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4?

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 2015 Toyota RAV4 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P2138 mean on a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

The P2138 code indicates a voltage correlation issue between the throttle pedal position sensors 'D' and 'E,' which monitor the accelerator pedal's position.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P2138 code in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Symptoms include reduced engine power (limp mode), unresponsive acceleration, the check engine light turning on, and possible hesitation when pressing the accelerator.

3. What causes the P2138 code on a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Common causes include a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a malfunctioning throttle body, or issues with the vehicle's engine control module (ECM).

4. Can I drive my 2015 Toyota RAV4 with the P2138 code?

It’s not recommended to drive with this code active, as it may cause unpredictable acceleration or reduced power, which can compromise safety.

5. How do I fix the P2138 code on my 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Repairs may include replacing the accelerator pedal position sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or recalibrating the ECM if no hardware issues are found.

6. How much does it cost to fix the P2138 code on a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Repair costs can range from $150 to $500, depending on whether the issue is the sensor, wiring, or throttle body.

7. Can a dirty throttle body cause the P2138 code on a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

While rare, a dirty throttle body can potentially cause correlation issues. Cleaning it may resolve the problem if the throttle body is contributing to the fault.

8. How do mechanics diagnose the P2138 code on a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Mechanics use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, inspect the throttle pedal position sensors, check for wiring damage, and test the voltage signals from the sensors to confirm the issue.

9. Does the P2138 code mean the throttle pedal position sensor needs to be replaced?

Not always. While the sensor is a common cause, the issue could also be due to wiring, connectors, or a malfunction in the ECM.

10. Can a weak battery cause the P2138 code on a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

A weak or failing battery might contribute to voltage issues, but it’s not a common cause of this code. It’s worth checking the battery and charging system as part of the diagnosis.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4 OBDII Code

Code P2138 2015 Toyota RAV4 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