Faulty accelerator pedal assembly with a worn or drifting APP sensor track; Poor connection or corrosion in the APP sensor connector terminals; Damaged, chafed or high-resistance wiring between the pedal sensor and the control module (signal, reference or ground); Fault in the sensor 5 volt reference supply or shared ground affecting other sensors; Throttle body or electronic throttle control fault causing the module to see a mismatch; Pedal obstructed or restricted by a floor mat or debris; Internal powertrain control module fault.

P1276

Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1 Performance.

Chrysler
Powertrain
Manufacturer code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
1: Defined byThe manufacturer
2: AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuit)
76: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

On Chrysler vehicles P1276 means the powertrain control module has judged Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor 1 performance to be implausible. The signal from sensor 1 is outside its expected range or does not agree with the other APP sensor track or with the throttle position and load readings. The module may limit engine power as a protective measure.

Symptoms

Engine management warning light on
Reduced power or limp-home mode
Poor or delayed throttle response
Unstable or raised idle speed
Engine will not rev above a set speed
Hesitation or surging when pulling away

Possible causes

Faulty accelerator pedal assembly with a worn or drifting APP sensor tracklikely
Poor connection or corrosion in the APP sensor connector terminalslikely
Damaged, chafed or high-resistance wiring between the pedal sensor and the control module (signal, reference or ground)possible
Fault in the sensor 5 volt reference supply or shared ground affecting other sensorspossible
Throttle body or electronic throttle control fault causing the module to see a mismatchpossible
Pedal obstructed or restricted by a floor mat or debrisrare
Internal powertrain control module faultrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note freeze frame data, then check for related APP, throttle or reference voltage codes
Check the pedal area for obstructions or a badly fitted floor mat, and confirm the pedal moves smoothly through its full travel
Inspect the APP sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, bent or pushed-back terminals, and moisture
With live data, watch APP sensor 1 and sensor 2 readings while slowly pressing the pedal and check both rise smoothly and in step
Check the readings at idle and at full pedal against the manufacturer's specification, which depends on model and engine
Measure the 5 volt reference, signal and ground at the sensor connector, and test the wiring for continuity and shorts
Inspect the throttle body for sticking or heavy carbon build-up and check throttle position data agrees with the pedal request
Clear the code and road test to confirm whether it returns, after any repair

How to fix

Replace the accelerator pedal assembly if the sensor readings are erratic or disagree
Clean, repair or replace the damaged connector terminals
Repair or replace any damaged wiring, including reference and ground circuits
Clean or replace the throttle body if it is sticking or faulty, following the manufacturer's relearn procedure
Remove any obstruction from the pedal area
Check for a software update only if the manufacturer lists one for this fault, and consider the control module only after all else is ruled out

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car may drive in limp-home mode with reduced power, which can be unsafe when overtaking or pulling out of junctions. Have it checked soon and avoid long journeys until it is repaired.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.