Pedal Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
Your gas pedal sensor is sending signals that cut in and out like a bad radio connection, making the engine confused about how much fuel to inject. It's like trying to listen to someone whose voice keeps fading—sometimes clear, sometimes not.
The ECM monitors the throttle position sensor (TPS) voltage signal continuously. It expects a smooth, linear voltage change as you press the pedal. When the signal drops out temporarily or shows erratic spikes, the ECM detects an intermittent circuit condition.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Fault Condition |
|---|---|---|
| TPS Voltage Signal | 0.5V to 4.5V, linear progression | Voltage dropouts, spikes, or non-linear jumps detected |
| Signal Consistency | Stable within 0.1V change per 10ms | Erratic changes or signal loss lasting >20ms |
Code P1140 is a moderate fault. You can generally drive to a workshop, but avoid long trips or high-load driving (motorway, uphill towing) until it is diagnosed. If the code keeps returning after clearing, or if you notice the symptoms listed above worsening, do not delay professional diagnosis. Many moderate codes have multiple possible root causes — a mechanic with live OBD data can identify the exact fault more efficiently than part-by-part trial and error.
Once the fault is repaired, P1140 can be cleared using any OBD-II scanner. Connect the scanner, navigate to "Clear Codes" or "Erase DTCs," and confirm. The check engine light turns off immediately.
The code will return if the root cause was not actually fixed. The ECM re-detects the fault within 1–3 drive cycles and sets the code again.