AutoCodes – Toyota – P2138 2017 Toyota RAV4

P2138 2017 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 2017 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.

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Code Popularity 3,653

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 17, 2022

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
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Code P2138 2017 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 2017 Toyota RAV4 - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation - AutoCodes.com — P2138 2017 Toyota RAV4 Code - Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'D'/'E' Voltage Correlation

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2138 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Toyota RAV4 code?

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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 P2138 2017 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What does OBDII code P2138 mean on a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

P2138 indicates a voltage correlation issue between the two throttle pedal position sensors (Sensor 'D' and Sensor 'E') in the accelerator pedal assembly.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P2138 in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Symptoms include reduced engine performance, the vehicle going into "limp mode," hesitation or lack of throttle response, and the check engine light being illuminated.

3. What causes the P2138 code to appear on a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Common causes include a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or corrosion in the sensor's circuit.

4. Can I drive my 2017 Toyota RAV4 with a P2138 code?

It is not recommended to drive with this code as it may lead to unsafe driving conditions like sudden loss of acceleration.

5. How is the P2138 code diagnosed in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

A technician will use a scan tool to monitor the voltage signals from the throttle pedal sensors, inspect wiring and connectors, and perform resistance tests on the circuit.

6. Can cleaning the throttle pedal assembly fix the P2138 code?

In some cases, cleaning the throttle pedal assembly and ensuring the connectors are free of debris or corrosion can resolve the issue.

7. How much does it cost to fix a P2138 code on a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Repair costs can vary but typically range from $100 to $300, depending on whether the sensor or wiring needs replacement.

8. Is the P2138 code covered under warranty for a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

It may be covered if your vehicle is still under the manufacturer's powertrain or emissions warranty. Check with your dealership for details.

9. What tools are needed to fix a P2138 code on a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Basic tools include a multimeter for testing voltage, a scan tool for diagnostics, and possibly a replacement accelerator pedal assembly or wiring repair kit.

10. Can a dead battery cause the P2138 code to appear?

While uncommon, a weak or dead battery could cause electrical anomalies, which might trigger this code. Ensure the battery is in good condition.