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C0021 — Performance of brake accelerator

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C0021

LAND ROVER C — Chassis

Performance of brake accelerator

Brand: LAND ROVER
Views: UK: 15 EN: 127 RU: 21
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Page language: EN

Causes

  • Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor (APP) or sensors
  • Faulty brake pedal switch or brake pressure sensor
  • Damaged wiring, corroded connector, or poor ground in pedal circuits
  • CAN bus or module communication error (ABS, engine ECU, BCM)
  • Intermittent battery/charging system voltage or power supply faults
  • Software or calibration mismatch in one or more control modules

Symptoms

  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or ABS/ESC warning lamp illuminated
  • Reduced engine power or 'limp' mode activated
  • Cruise control disabled or unavailable
  • Inconsistent or unexpected pedal response (hesitation, delayed throttle)
  • Brake-related warnings or traction control/ABS interventions without driver input
  • Fault(s) may be intermittent or occur after vibration/temperature changes

What to check

  • Read and record all stored DTCs and freeze-frame data from engine, ABS, BCM and other relevant modules
  • Check battery voltage with key on/engine off — should be within manufacturer spec (generally ~12.4–12.8 V at rest)
  • Inspect connectors and wiring at accelerator pedal module, brake pedal switch and ABS/ECU for corrosion, damage or loose pins
  • Check for CAN-bus related codes (U0xxx series) and physical damage to CAN wiring
  • Scan live data: APP sensor channels A and B, brake switch state, brake pressure sensor and ABS wheel speed data
  • Perform wiggle tests on harness while monitoring live data for intermittent changes

Signal parameters

  • Accelerator pedal position sensor: dual channel outputs typically vary across ~0.5–4.5 V as pedal moves (two independent ramp signals should track each other)
  • Brake light switch: two-state signal (usually ~0 V vs battery voltage depending on switch design) — confirm OEM spec
  • Brake pressure sensor (if fitted): output varies with pressure, see manufacturer ranges
  • CAN bus nominal idle voltages: CAN_H and CAN_L common-mode around ~2.5 V; differential signaling with expected message rates for modules (verify bus activity with a scope/scan tool)
  • Module supply: stable 12 V (key on) and solid ground connection; reference 5 V sensor supply present where applicable

Diagnostic algorithm

  1. Retrieve all DTCs and freeze-frame data from engine, ABS, transmission and chassis modules. Note event conditions (speed, throttle, brake status).
  2. Visually inspect pedal assemblies, connectors and harnesses for damage, contamination, pin corrosion, or loose connections. Repair any visible faults.
  3. Verify battery and charging system health; ensure stable vehicle voltage during testing. Recharge if low and recheck code.
  4. With a scan tool, observe live data for accelerator channels A/B, brake switch state and brake pressure (if present). Compare both APP channels for matching response across full pedal travel.
  5. Perform a wiring wiggle test while monitoring live data to expose intermittent faults. Inspect ground and power pins for resistance to body/chassis.
  6. If CAN-bus or inter-module communication errors are present, inspect CAN wiring, terminators and check for module faults. Use an oscilloscope to verify CAN signals and message integrity.
  7. If a sensor channel is out of expected voltage range or channels disagree, measure sensor signal, reference and ground with a DMM/oscilloscope. Replace sensor and re-test if out of spec.
  8. If modules show corrupted or unexpected behavior and wiring is good, check for software updates or perform module reprogramming/initialization per manufacturer procedures.
  9. Clear codes and road-test under similar conditions to attempt re-creation. If code returns, follow guided replacement of the most likely failed component based on measured faults.
  10. After repair, clear all codes and confirm no recurrence; verify related systems (cruise, ABS, traction) operate normally.

Likely causes

  • Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor(s) (common failure)
  • Faulty brake pedal switch or connector
  • Intermittent/poor ground or power to pedal sensors or receiving module
  • CAN bus message loss or corruption between ABS/ECU/BCM

Fault status

⚠️ Status
Stored when brake and/or accelerator input signals or their communication are outside expected parameters or inconsistent between redundant channels/modules. Can be intermittent or permanent depending on wiring, sensor or communication failures.
🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.5 hours

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