P2133

Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch F Circuit High Input

P2133 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch F Circuit High Input. 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
P2133
Group
Powertrain
System
powertrain
Severity
Critical (limp mode / no-start)
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What P2133 means

P2133 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code defined as "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'F' Circuit High Input." The F designator represents the outermost redundant channel in the SAE J2012 throttle/pedal sensor naming sequence (A–F). On some platforms F is the third APP channel used in tri-redundant pedal designs; on others it is a secondary or tertiary throttle position signal on the throttle body itself. Regardless of hardware mapping, the fault condition is the same: the PCM has measured a voltage on the F circuit that exceeds its calibrated upper limit, indicating the circuit is shorted high or the sensor element has failed in an open-circuit state that pulls to the supply rail.

Because F-circuit faults are less common than A/B/D/E faults (fewer platforms use the F designator), P2133 is more frequently seen on European and some Asian vehicle lines — including certain Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Dodge, and Chrysler platforms — that implement additional redundancy. The practical effect is the same across all platforms: when the PCM detects an implausibly high F-circuit voltage, it cannot verify driver intent and immediately enforces a limp mode or forced-idle strategy to prevent uncontrolled acceleration.

Diagnostic approach mirrors other high-circuit TPS/APP codes: inspect wiring for shorts to voltage, test the reference supply, and evaluate the sensor element before condemning the PCM. After repair, a manufacturer-specific throttle relearn procedure is required to restore normal operation and clear the adaptive throttle calibration values stored during limp mode.

Common causes

Most-frequently reported root causes when P2133 is logged.

  • 1
    Short to voltage on the F-circuit signal wire, typically from insulation damage in the harness.
  • 2
    Internal sensor failure with the F-channel wiper element permanently shorted to the reference supply.
  • 3
    Water intrusion or corrosion at the pedal assembly or throttle body F-circuit connector terminals.
  • 4
    Damaged connector with bent or bridged pins creating contact between the signal and reference/power pins.
  • 5
    PCM internal fault or corrupted calibration data causing erroneous F-circuit voltage interpretation.
  • 6
    Shared reference voltage fault sending excess voltage to all sensor circuits simultaneously, triggering multiple TPS/APP codes.
  • 7
    Software/firmware corruption in the ECU misreading the F-circuit ADC channel (rare).

Symptoms drivers notice

MIL (Check Engine Light) and/or ETC warning lamp illuminated.
Vehicle enters limp mode with severely limited or absent throttle response above idle.
Loss of power and acceleration; vehicle may feel as if it will not rev past idle.
Engine may stumble or stall at low-speed driving as the PCM enforces idle-only strategy.
Possible simultaneous companion codes for other TPS/APP circuits (P2123, P2128) if the fault is on a shared reference line.

How to diagnose P2133

A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.

  1. 1
    Scan for all stored DTCs; note whether P2133 appears alone or alongside other TPS/APP codes that would suggest a shared reference fault.
  2. 2
    Perform a detailed visual inspection of the accelerator pedal assembly harness and throttle body wiring for chafing, melted insulation, or connector damage — pay particular attention to areas near heat sources or sharp edges.
  3. 3
    With KOEO and the sensor connector unplugged, back-probe the F-circuit signal wire at the PCM connector to check for voltage; any reading above ~0.2 V confirms a wiring short to power.
  4. 4
    Reconnect the sensor, go to live data, and monitor F-circuit voltage while slowly moving the pedal; if voltage immediately reads maximum regardless of pedal position, suspect an internal sensor failure.
  5. 5
    Check the 5 V reference supply voltage at the sensor connector; values above 5.2 V indicate a PCM reference circuit fault.
  6. 6
    Replace the pedal assembly or throttle body (depending on platform F-circuit mapping) and retest.
  7. 7
    Clear fault codes, perform the throttle relearn procedure per manufacturer specification, and confirm normal operation with a full drive cycle.

Related powertrain codes

Frequently asked questions

Which vehicles most commonly show P2133?

P2133 is seen across multiple makes but is more prevalent on European platforms — Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, Citroën — and some Chrysler/Dodge vehicles that implement a third redundant pedal or throttle position channel. The F designator is not used on all drive-by-wire platforms, so the code will not appear on every vehicle.

Is P2133 more serious than P2123 or P2128?

All three codes represent a high-voltage fault on a redundant throttle/pedal circuit and carry the same severity level — the PCM enforces limp mode in all cases. P2133 is not inherently more serious, but on tri-redundant systems losing the third channel may reduce the PCM's ability to cross-validate the remaining two, making subsequent faults harder to detect.

Can I reset P2133 without a scan tool?

Disconnecting the battery will erase volatile fault memory on some vehicles, temporarily clearing the MIL. However, the code will return immediately on the next drive cycle if the underlying fault remains. A proper scan tool is needed to confirm the repair and perform the throttle relearn.

Does P2133 require replacing the PCM?

Rarely. PCM failure as the root cause of P2133 is uncommon. Thoroughly test all wiring, connector integrity, and the sensor assembly before considering PCM replacement. A PCM reflash to update throttle control calibration may be warranted on some platforms but should be done at a dealer with verified software.

Disabling P2133 in software

RaceTune can permanently disable P2133 — 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.

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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