Skip to content

P05E0

Brake Pedal Position Sensor A/B Correlation.

  • Generic
  • Powertrain
  • Generic code
  • Medium severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
0
Defined bySAE, the same on every car
5
AreaVehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs
E0
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P05E0 means the control unit has compared the two brake pedal position signals (sensor A and sensor B) and found they do not agree within the expected range. The two signals are normally cross-checked for safety and plausibility. A mismatch means one signal, or the wiring or reference supply feeding it, is not trustworthy.

Symptoms

  • Warning light on, possibly with a brake system or traction control warning too
  • Brake lights staying on, not coming on, or flickering when the pedal is pressed
  • Cruise control or adaptive cruise not working
  • Engine stop-start disabled, or the engine reducing power or idling oddly
  • Hesitation or reduced torque when the pedal is pressed or released
  • Regenerative braking feeling inconsistent on hybrid or electric models

Possible causes

  • Faulty or worn brake pedal position sensor, with one channel drifting or giving an erratic signallikely
  • Pedal sensor or brake switch misaligned or poorly fitted after pedal or brake work, or a pedal mounting that has loosenedlikely
  • Wiring damage, chafing, corrosion or a poor connector contact on the sensor circuits (signal, reference or ground)possible
  • Fault in the shared 5 V reference supply or ground, affecting both channels unevenlypossible
  • Low or unstable battery or system voltage upsetting sensor readingspossible
  • Fault in the control unit that reads the sensor, or a software issue where the manufacturer has published a known fixrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored codes and the freeze frame data, and note any related brake, cruise or stability control codes
  2. Check battery condition and charging voltage, since low voltage can cause false correlation faults
  3. Inspect the pedal sensor, its connector and wiring for damage, water ingress, corrosion or loose pins
  4. Check the sensor mounting and adjustment, and look for pedal movement or play that could affect the readings
  5. Using live data, compare sensor A and B while slowly pressing and releasing the pedal, looking for steps, dropouts or one channel not tracking the other
  6. Check the brake lights respond correctly and match the pedal signal in live data
  7. Measure the reference voltage and ground at the sensor connector against the manufacturer's specification, and test wiring continuity and resistance
  8. Check for any manufacturer service information or software updates for your model, as the sensor layout and test procedure vary

How to fix

  • Replace the brake pedal position sensor or pedal assembly if the sensor outputs are faulty or do not agree
  • Re-fit, re-align or re-calibrate the sensor to the manufacturer's procedure where it has been disturbed
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring, and clean or replace corroded or loose connector terminals
  • Repair the reference supply or ground fault found during testing
  • Correct any battery or charging system fault
  • Update the control unit software only where the manufacturer lists it as a fix for this fault, or replace the unit if it is confirmed faulty

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven carefully for a short time, but get it checked soon because brake lights, cruise control and torque control may not work properly. Stop driving if the brake lights do not work correctly or the brake pedal feels abnormal.

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