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Engine Trouble Code P2138 ?

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Got Ridge?

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Anyone ran into this yet? I was driving my normal commute home from work the other night when my Ridgeline (as it seemed to occur in this order to me) kicked on the the check engine, VTM-4 dash light, and I believe the exclamation point within the triangle light. Luckily I wasn't far from home, but I couldn't seemingly get out of the high gear and had no throttle power. I basically coasted home and when I got there, turned the truck off for about five minutes, turned it back on and everything seemed normal, except of course the check engine light staying on? I have a Scan Gauge II in my Ridge already and the trouble code read P2138 (which I tried to research and believe has something to do with the Throttle Position Sensor). If anyone knows anything about this or has had similar issues, let me know what you found out? I just don't want to get stuck somewhere. Only basic under-the-hood mod's for me are the K&N open air intake and the Sprint Booster module both purchased from Burtman Industries (not sure if either of them could be causing something)? Any help would be greatly appreciated...Thanks in advance for your time and consideration when reading / responding to this post.
 
#2 ·
Looks like that DTC is "throttle position sensor voltage out of range". I suggest you clear the CEL and all trouble codes with your ScanGauge and then just wait and see if that same DTC appears again next time you drive the Ridge - could just be a one time anomaly. Also, how old is the battery? RLs do funny things when the battery starts dying.
 
#3 ·
If the above doesn't work you can also unplug the connector from the TPS, spray some electrical cleaner in both connectors, wait for it to dry, apply some dielectric grease to the plug and reconnect it.
I get these codes all the time at work and about 75% of the time it is a bad connection.
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
Thanks for both suggestions guys, I appreciate it greatly (and the rapid response). I did clear the code with the Scan Gauge II and the engine light did eventually go off. Truck seems to be running quite normal again, it was weird though. Battery is probably 2 years old?

And OurFarm09, where is the plug / sensor exactly? Just want to make sure I am spraying the right thing.

Thanks again guys, much appreciated!
 
#7 ·
Just had this happen on a trip to Austin this weekend, the CEL/VTM lights came on 4 times on the way back to Houston, had to shove it into neutral and turn the engine off/on while at speed, got home, cleared codes and all is well now, never a dull moment with the Ridgeline!:act024:
 
#8 ·
Texmex1 said:
Just had this happen on a trip to Austin this weekend, the CEL/VTM lights came on 4 times on the way back to Houston, had to shove it into neutral and turn the engine off/on while at speed, got home, cleared codes and all is well now, never a dull moment with the Ridgeline!:act024:
Click to expand...
Possible a loose connection.

P2138 HONDA

P2138 HONDA - Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1/2 (Throttle Position Sensor D/E) Incorrect Voltage



Read more: http://engine-codes.com/p2138_honda.html#ixzz1wOB0fjoO
 
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#9 · (Edited)
Question, its been a couple of weeks and the CEL /VTM light have not come back, but I am getting a powerlag (very slight) at a constant highway speed, would the TPS being dirty/loose make this occur until it finally sends out a CEL code?
 
#10 ·
So I cleaned ad greased the TPS connector, and now it runs and shifts as smooth as the day I purchased it, its amazing how something that simple can affect so much...Thanks fo all the input guys, its good to have someplace to share this stuff with others!:act035:
 
#12 ·
austinite123 said:
This just happened to me today. Dealership wants $422 to replace the throttle position sensor. Can anybody recommend a brand of electrical cleaner and dialectric grease I can try first?
Click to expand...
Any brand will do just fine. You can even give it a good shot of WD-40.
 
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#13 ·
Hello ROC,

It's been a while since I last posted, maybe that'a a good thing :act010: ...

I am having the same issue as the OP, like the OP I cleaned it out and my RL was running fine for almost a year.

The same problem has returned, except it's happening much more frequently. My RL is an '07 with 130k miles services almost always on time. Like the OP I have a P2138, and the same warning lights come on and the RL goes into limp mode. If I'm lucky I can just turn it off for a minute or two and it runs fine again.

It's to the point where this happens too frequently.

What exact part should I replace? I've read throttle position sensor (TPS), and pedal position sensor, are those the same? Can I replace just the sensor? Or do I need to change more? Is it recommended to do so?

Sadly I live in Hawaii and the only local parts stores available are the dealership, O'Reillys and Napa. Should I get my part from there?

Thanks in advance to all the feedback.
 
#15 · (Edited)
That part (accelerator pedal sensor assembly) is going to cost you about $165 from O'Reilly in Honolulu.... it would cost me about $148 from O'Reilly in SoCal. BUT you can get the OEM part from Bernardi Honda (bernardiparts.com) for about $100 plus shipping. I know what I'd do. (...but you CAN get it for about $87 plus shipping @ RockAuto)

Image

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#16 ·
One of the biggest problems with having the ability to plug in and read codes is you stop thinking about the problem looking for REAL answers...

EVERYTHING today is circuit controlled, circuits need to be rebooted occasionally...
No matter what you are dealing with, before getting physical, reboot it...
I had a refrigerator go out 5 years ago, I unplugged it, counted to 10 and plugged it back in, still running great
Reboot the throttle...

This was posted by "34Mhz", and it changes everything...
Resetting the Throttle Sensor: (This is stupid simple)
  • Turn key to the On position, do not start the engine
  • Turn off all electronics, radio, A/C, etc...
  • Slowly press the gas pedal to the floor and hold (should take 5-7 seconds)
  • Turn the key off and wait 2 seconds
  • Turn the key to the On position again
  • Slowly release the gas pedal, again 5-7 seconds
  • Turn the key off
 
#17 ·
Ourfarm09 said:
If the above doesn't work you can also unplug the connector from the TPS, spray some electrical cleaner in both connectors, wait for it to dry, apply some dielectric grease to the plug and reconnect it. I get these codes all the time at work and about 75% of the time it is a bad connection.
Click to expand...
Great tip where is the tps and which one do i unplug and spray
 
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bdreher55
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