Short to ground on the 5 volt reference wire to the TP sensor, caused by chafed or damaged wiring; Faulty throttle position sensor with an internal short pulling the reference supply down; Corroded, loose or damaged connector terminals at the TP sensor or ECU; Another sensor sharing the same 5 volt reference circuit (for example MAP or other sensors, depending on model and engine) shorted internally; Open circuit in the reference wire between the ECU and the sensor; Faulty ECU with a failed internal 5 volt regulator.

P1295

Loss Of 5 Volts To TP Sensor.

Jeep
Powertrain
Manufacturer code
Medium severity

How this code is built

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

What it means

On a Jeep, P1295 means the engine control unit has lost the 5 volt reference supply to the throttle position (TP) sensor. The ECU monitors the sensor supply and sets the code when the voltage is missing or far too low, so it cannot trust the throttle position signal.

Symptoms

Malfunction indicator lamp on
Poor or hesitant acceleration
Erratic, high or unstable idle
Engine stalling or difficulty starting
Car running in a reduced-power or limp mode
Rough running or surging at steady throttle

Possible causes

Short to ground on the 5 volt reference wire to the TP sensor, caused by chafed or damaged wiringlikely
Faulty throttle position sensor with an internal short pulling the reference supply downlikely
Corroded, loose or damaged connector terminals at the TP sensor or ECUlikely
Another sensor sharing the same 5 volt reference circuit (for example MAP or other sensors, depending on model and engine) shorted internallypossible
Open circuit in the reference wire between the ECU and the sensorpossible
Faulty ECU with a failed internal 5 volt regulatorrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, looking for other sensor reference or signal faults set at the same time
Visually inspect the TP sensor, its connector and the harness for damage, rubbing, water ingress, corrosion or bent terminals
With the ignition on, back-probe the TP sensor reference wire and check for roughly 5 volts against a good earth, using the wiring diagram for the specific model and engine
Check the TP sensor earth and signal circuits for continuity and voltage, and confirm the reading changes smoothly as the throttle is opened
If the reference voltage is low, unplug the TP sensor and recheck; if the voltage returns, the sensor is at fault
If voltage is still low, unplug the other sensors on the shared reference circuit one at a time to find a shorted unit
Test the reference wire for short to ground and for open circuit between the ECU connector and the sensor with the battery disconnected
Only once wiring and sensors are proven good, check ECU power and earths and consider the ECU itself

How to fix

Repair or replace damaged wiring on the 5 volt reference circuit and secure it clear of sharp edges and heat
Clean or replace corroded or loose connector terminals and ensure the connector is fully seated
Replace the throttle position sensor if it is shorting the supply or its readings are erratic
Replace any other sensor on the shared reference circuit that is found to be pulling the voltage down
Repair or replace the ECU only after all other causes are ruled out, then clear the code and road test to confirm it does not return

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car may be driveable, but throttle response, idle and stalling can be unpredictable, so avoid long journeys and get it checked soon. Stop driving if it stalls repeatedly or loses power in traffic.

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