Code
P2121
MITSUBISHI
P — Powertrain
APS(main) range
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty accelerator pedal position (APS) main sensor
- Damaged, corroded or disconnected wiring/connector to APS
- Poor reference voltage (5 V) or ground to the sensor
- Short to battery voltage or short to ground in sensor circuit
- Internal ECM/TCU input fault
- Pedal mechanical binding or foreign debris affecting sensor travel
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL/Check Engine) illuminated
- Reduced engine power / limp-home mode
- Poor or delayed throttle response and reduced acceleration
- Engine may hold idle but not respond proportionally to pedal input
- Unusual or inconsistent pedal behavior, possible stalls
- Diagnostic trouble codes stored for pedal/throttle circuits
What to check
- Read and record freeze-frame and live data (APS A and APS B voltages, throttle position) with key on and while operating pedal
- Visually inspect pedal area, sensor and connector for damage, water, or debris
- Check for related codes (secondary APS, throttle body codes) and recent repairs
- Inspect wiring harness along routing for pinches, chafing or repair splices
- Verify proper reference voltage (typically ~5.0 V) and ground at sensor connector
- Backprobe sensor signal pins; check voltages with key ON engine OFF and during pedal travel
Signal parameters
- Reference voltage to APS: ~5.0 V (stable with key ON)
- APS (main) output voltage at rest: typically ~0.5–1.0 V (varies by model)
- APS (main) output voltage at full pedal: typically ~4.0–4.5 V (varies by model)
- Secondary APS (if present) should have different offset and correlate linearly with main sensor
- Expected correlation: both sensors change smoothly with pedal travel; no sudden jumps or drops
- ECM input resistance: check wiring continuity (should not be open or shorted to ground/B+)
Diagnostic algorithm
- Retrieve codes and freeze-frame data; note when fault occurred and vehicle conditions.
- Perform a visual inspection of pedal assembly, sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion or water entry.
- With key ON (engine OFF), backprobe sensor connector: verify 5 V reference, ground continuity and measure signal voltage. Compare to specified ranges and to the secondary sensor if present.
- Operate pedal slowly and watch live data for smooth voltage change; look for jumps, dropouts or out-of-range values.
- Wiggle test harness and connector while monitoring signal for intermittent faults.
- If signal wiring is suspect, disconnect sensor and check for opens/shorts to ground or battery using ohmmeter; repair damaged wiring or connectors.
- If wiring and connectors are good but sensor output is out of range or non-linear, replace the APS sensor (follow manufacturer procedures).
- After repair, clear codes and road test to confirm proper operation and code does not return.
- If fault persists after sensor and wiring verification, verify ECM inputs and grounds, consult vehicle-specific service manual for ECM tests; consider ECM replacement only after all wiring/sensor checks are exhausted.
Likely causes
- APS (main) sensor failure
- Open or shorted signal wire between pedal sensor and ECM
- Loose, corroded or pushed-out connector pins at the pedal or ECM
- Blown fuse or poor 5 V reference/ground at ECM
- Damage from previous repairs or routing issues (pinched wiring)
- Intermittent pedal position due to contamination or worn pedal assembly
Fault status
Status
APS(main) range fault — accelerator pedal sensor main circuit out of expected range or inconsistent with secondary sensor. Check pedal sensor, wiring and reference/ground.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
Similar codes
Repair manuals
Manual library for MITSUBISHI
406
Browse 406 MITSUBISHI manuals: repair procedures, diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component locations, service data and Labor Times by year, model and trim.
MITSUBISHI
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MITSUBISHI: 2024
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Outlander
- Black Edition, AWD
- Black Edition, AWD
- Black Edition, FWD
- Black Edition, FWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, FWD
- ES, FWD
- Platinum Edition
- Platinum Edition
- SE, AWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, FWD
- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
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Outlander PHEV
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MITSUBISHI: 2023
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Mirage
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Mirage G4
-
Outlander
- 40th Anniversary
- 40th Anniversary
- Black Edition, AWD
- Black Edition, AWD
- Black Edition, FWD
- Black Edition, FWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, FWD
- ES, FWD
- Ralliart
- Ralliart
- SE, AWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, FWD
- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, AWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
- SEL Black Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
-
Outlander PHEV
-
MITSUBISHI: 2022
-
Eclipse Cross
- ES, AWD
- ES, AWD
- ES, FWD
- ES, FWD
- LE, AWD
- LE, AWD
- LE, FWD
- LE, FWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, AWD
- SE, FWD
- SE, FWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, AWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, AWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
- SEL Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, AWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
- SE Special Edition, FWD
-
-
MITSUBISHI: 2021
-
MITSUBISHI: 2020
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