P2135: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A/B Voltage Correlation
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Drive gently to a shop - this code usually triggers limp mode.
Symptoms
- Reduced power mode
- No throttle response in severe cases
- Sudden loss of power while driving
Likely causes, most common first
- Throttle position sensor failing internally
- Connector corrosion or a loose terminal
- Wiring fault between throttle body and computer
- Poor ground on the sensor circuit
Read P2135 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P2135 means the two throttle position sensors disagree. Electronic throttle systems always use two sensors precisely so that neither can fail silently, and when their readings stop matching the computer assumes the worst and cuts power - which is why this code and limp mode arrive together.
Because the fault is a disagreement rather than an absolute reading, wiring and connectors deserve a careful look before the throttle body is replaced. A single corroded terminal or a poor shared ground shifts one sensor's reading relative to the other and produces this code with two perfectly good sensors.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P2135
“The vehicle is displaying error messages Reduced Engine Power, Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control. It also has the related service indicator lights for the Stabilitrak, the Traction Control, and the Check Engine Light is on. There is a service bulletin for this issue that only addresses the 2008-2011 model years, my vehicle is a 2012 and thus not included in the current bulletin and should be added to the covered vehicle list. #11-06-04-007B : Diagnosis and Repair - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated, Reduced Power Message Displayed, DTC P2135 Set - (April 16, 2012)”2012 Chevrolet Avalanche · Sep 2022
“Wrench light came on a few times when I checked it the codes were p2135 and p0122 and p1576 car didnt accelerate It happen again one time and then it was letting me accelerate but it was very limited”2010 Lincoln MKZ · Oct 2021
“As I was driving home from downtown suddenly my truck lost power and I had to limp home ,friend checked truck and found trouble code p2135 reduced engine power and also said for me to check if there was a recall for this throttle body problem .”2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Jul 2020 · 275,000 mi
Show 7 more owner reports
“Codes p1516, p2135, and p0120 have returned for a third time. I was driving and my car went into reduced power mode. Luckily, I was just a mile away from home and limped my car home. I've since cleaned the mass air flow sensor and throttle body. I've changed out the tps and acceleration sensor. I've checked all my grounds and these codes keep coming back. I've noticed other people having this same issues which is why I did the steps listed above. I've taken it to a mechanic who said that I did every step they've would have done to troubleshoot this problem. Someone from gm needs to this issue, as I am not the only one that this is occurring to.”2006 GMC Yukon XL · Jun 2020 · 180,000 mi
“The automotive trouble code p2135 throttle/pedal position sensor/switch a/b voltage correlation refers to a problem related to the throttle's ability to open and close properly. ... A throttle position sensor (tps) is situated opposite the throttle linkage connection on the throttle plate. Was driving down the road when an alarm went off on my dash saying a sensor was bad. Next thing the car said losing power to engine and my car started shaking and decelerating.”2010 Chevrolet Equinox · Feb 2020 · 80,000 mi
“Code p2135 keeps showing. Bought a new throttle pedal positioning sensor from nissan, had it installed. After 2 weeks the same problem shows back. The vehicle cuts off while driving, lose power as driving, and sometimes idles high while idling and then cuts off.”2017 Nissan Sentra · Jan 2020 · 42,400 mi
“While randomly driving my check engine light and throttle light comes on. I've had my car to the dealer multiple times. The codes are p2135 and p0121. Dealer said they can't find anything wrong. They didn't clear the code. Went home and slept, next morning the lights are off. This has been a continuous issue. They replaced the throttle body december 2018, my gas pedal 2 months ago and part of my computer over a month ago and this is still happening. I've read in a bunch of forums this is common but no one has a solution. Dealer said my wiring harness was fine and they can't find the problem but don't want to replace the throttle position sensor even though it's under warranty. Help”2015 Jeep Patriot · Aug 2019 · 86,000 mi
“I was leaving work, onto a busy street and the headlights flickered, the check engine icon appeared on the dash, along with engine power is reduced, service traction control & service stabili trak. My car slowed down to about 5 miles and I was almost hit. I reversed back into my company's lot. Someone scanned my car and the code was for p2135. Doing research, I found it was a previous recall for this issue but can't find any now.”2012 Chevrolet Cruze · Jan 2019 · 73,139 mi
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet malibu. While driving, the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was pulled over and shut off. The vehicle sputtered and the check engine indicator illuminated, but the vehicle was able to restart. The failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the throttle body was defective and located diagnostic code number: p2135. The contact made an appointment for the repairs to be performed at dave gill chevrolet (4700 e broad st, columbus, oh 43213, (614) 364-4376) on january 15, 2019. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist since there was no recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.”2011 Chevrolet Malibu · Jan 2019 · 60,000 mi
“Driving down the interstate which is 70 mph I got the error of reduced engine power and also p2135 it went off for about three weeks and it happened again today on my commute to work.my chevrolet malibu is a little over a year old. This car has had so many issues that need to be fixed”2017 Chevrolet Malibu · Oct 2018 · 47,022 mi
Cars that report P2135 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P2135?
Drive gently to a shop - this code usually triggers limp mode.
How much does it cost to fix P2135?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (connector or wiring repair) to $900 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P2135. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.