File: 176-fc131 Page 1 of 3

Fault Code 131

Accelerator Pedal or Lever Position Sensor 1 Circuit - Voltage Above Normal or Shorted to
High Source

CODES REASON EFFECT

Fault Code: 131 Accelerator Pedal or Lever The engine will operate in Limp Home mode.
PID(P), SID(S): P091 Position Sensor 1 Circuit -
SPN: 91 Voltage Above Normal or Shorted
FMI: 3/3 to High Source. High voltage
Lamp: Red detected at accelerator pedal
SRT: position number 1 circuit.

Accelerator Pedal or Lever Position Sensor Circuit

Circuit Description:
The accelerator position sensor is a Hall effect sensor attached to the accelerator pedal. The accelerator position
sensor varies the signal voltage to the engine control module (ECM) as the accelerator pedal is depressed and
released. Low signal voltage is received by the ECM when the accelerator pedal is at 0 percent. A high signal voltage
is received by the ECM when the accelerator pedal is at 100 percent. The accelerator pedal position circuit contains
an accelerator pedal position 5 volt supply, accelerator pedal position return, and accelerator pedal position signal.
The accelerator pedal contains two position sensors. These position sensors are used to measure the throttle position.
Both position sensors receive a 5 volt supply from the ECM. A corresponding signal voltage based on the position of
the accelerator pedal is then received from the ECM. The signal voltage for accelerator position 1 is twice as much as
the signal voltage from the accelerator position 2.

Component Location:
The accelerator pedal or lever position sensor is mounted to the accelerator pedal assembly. Refer to the OEM
service manual.

© 2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A. Printed from QuickServe® Online.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified: 25-Jan-2013
File: 176-fc131 Page 2 of 3
Conditions for Running the Diagnostics:
This diagnostic runs continuously when the keyswitch is in the ON position.

Conditions for Setting the Fault Codes:

The Engine Control Module (ECM) detected the accelerator pedal signal voltage was greater than 4.467-VDC for
more than 1 second.

Action Taken When the Fault Code is Active:

The ECM illuminates the red STOP ENGINE lamp and/or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) immediately when the
diagnostic runs and fails.

Conditions for Clearing the Fault Code:

• To validate the repair, perform a key cycle, start the engine and let it idle for 1 minute.
• The fault code status displayed by INSITE™ electronic service tool will change to INACTIVE immediately after the
diagnostic runs and passes.
• The ECM will turn off the red STOP ENGINE lamp immediately after the diagnostic runs and passes.
• The Reset All Faults command in INSITE™ electronic service tool can be used to clear active and inactive faults, as
well as extinguish the MIL for OBD applications.

Shop Talk:
Newer engines use two throttle position sensors to determine the throttle position. Older throttle pedals used a single
throttle position sensor and an idle validation switch. If Fault Codes 132 and 1241 are active when the accelerator
pedal is in the idle position, and Fault Code 132 goes inactive, and Fault Code 1239 goes active when the throttle is
depressed, the incorrect throttle pedal has been installed in the vehicle. A throttle pedal with two acceleration position
sensors must be installed.
If troubleshooting an intermittent accelerator problem:
The accelerator pedal or lever position sensor signal voltage can be monitored with INSITE™ electronic service tool,
while flexing the harness to locate the intermittent connection. Intermittent connections will show up as abrupt changes
in signal voltage displayed by INSITE™ electronic service tool.
Possible causes of this fault include:
• Accelerator pedal or lever position signal circuit shorted to battery or (+) 5 volt supply
• Open accelerator pedal return circuit in the harness or connections
• Accelerator supply shorted to battery
• Malfunctioning accelerator pedal or lever position sensor.
NOTE: The three wires in the accelerator position sensor circuit must be twisted together.
Reference the appropriate OEM wiring diagram when troubleshooting circuits that utilize wiring supplied by the OEM.

Refer to Troubleshooting Fault Code t05-131.

© 2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A. Printed from QuickServe® Online.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified: 25-Jan-2013
File: 176-fc131 Page 3 of 3

© 2008 Cummins Inc., Box 3005, Columbus, IN 47202-3005 U.S.A. Printed from QuickServe® Online.
All Rights Reserved. Last Modified: 25-Jan-2013