P05AE

Brake Pedal Position Sensor A / B Correlation

P05AE is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Brake Pedal Position Sensor A / B Correlation. It is logged by the engine control unit when the powertrain monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.

Code
P05AE
Group
Powertrain
System
Powertrain
Severity
Warning (MIL on)
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What P05AE means

P05AE is stored when the control module detects a disagreement between brake pedal position sensor A and sensor B that exceeds a calibrated correlation tolerance. Many vehicles use two redundant brake pedal position sensors to ensure reliable pedal data for systems such as brake-by-wire, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and engine torque reduction.

A correlation fault means both sensors are individually within their electrical operating range, but their signals do not agree with each other within the expected tolerance. This can result from a mechanical issue such as a loose or shifted sensor on the pedal bracket, an internal sensor failure producing a biased output, or wiring problems affecting one sensor more than the other.

Because brake pedal position data is safety-critical, the system may default to a conservative strategy or disable certain assisted-driving features while this code is present. Full diagnosis requires monitoring both sensor signals simultaneously with a scan tool while the pedal is moved through its full range, then identifying which sensor diverges from the expected relationship.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P05AE is logged.

  • 1
    One brake pedal position sensor producing a biased or offset signal.
  • 2
    Loose or improperly mounted brake pedal position sensor.
  • 3
    Mechanical wear or play in the pedal linkage affecting one sensor differently.
  • 4
    Wiring fault causing a signal offset on one of the two sensor circuits.
  • 5
    Contamination or moisture inside one sensor connector.
  • 6
    Internal failure of one sensor while the other remains correct.
  • 7
    Incorrectly installed replacement sensor with the wrong calibration offset.

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL and possibly a brake warning light illuminated.
Adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking may be disabled.
Brake feel may be normal despite the stored fault.
Possible hesitation in torque delivery if engine management uses the pedal signal.
Instrument cluster warning message on some vehicles.

How to diagnose P05AE

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Retrieve all DTCs from all modules and record freeze frame data.
  2. 2
    Use a scan tool to monitor both brake pedal position sensor A and B values simultaneously.
  3. 3
    Slowly depress and release the pedal through full travel while watching both signals.
  4. 4
    Identify which sensor diverges from the expected correlation and at which pedal position.
  5. 5
    Inspect both sensor connectors and wiring for corrosion, moisture, or damage.
  6. 6
    Check sensor mounting hardware to ensure both sensors are secure on the pedal bracket.
  7. 7
    Replace the sensor that shows inconsistent or offset readings after confirming the wiring is intact.

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Is P05AE a safety-critical fault?

It can be. Brake pedal position data feeds safety systems such as emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, which may be disabled until the fault is resolved.

Can P05AE be caused by low brake fluid?

Low fluid affects the hydraulics, not the sensors directly. However, a sinking pedal from low fluid could produce unusual travel patterns that stress the correlation check.

Will recalibrating the sensors fix P05AE?

If a sensor has physically shifted, remounting and recalibrating may resolve the fault. If a sensor has failed internally, recalibration will not help and replacement is required.

Can I clear P05AE and hope it does not return?

If the fault was an intermittent connector issue, clearing it may hold, but a genuine sensor or wiring fault will return and requires proper diagnosis.

Disabling P05AE in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P05AE — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.

Permanent
The monitor is disabled in the ECU itself — not just cleared. It cannot return.
Tailored to your file
Each patch is matched to your specific software version — never a one-size-fits-all file.
Reversible
The original file is always preserved. Reflash the stock to return the ECU to factory state.

ECU families we can disable P05AE on

We hold the DaVinci A2L disable definitions for these families, so the exact P05AE path and mask addresses are mapped. verified marks a confirmed disable definition. We support many more — upload your file and our identifier will match it automatically.

  • Bosch MD1CP002 verified
  • Bosch MD1CS001 verified

Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.

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