Component Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The accelerator pedal position sensor is installed on the upper end of the accelerator pedal assembly. The sensor detects the accelerator position and sends a signal to the ECM.

Accelerator pedal position sensor has two sensors. These sensors are a kind of potentiometer which transform the accelerator pedal position into output voltage, and emit the voltage signal to the ECM. The ECM judges the current opening angle of the accelerator pedal from these signals and controls the throttle valve in response to driving conditions via the throttle control motor.

Idle position of the accelerator pedal is determined by the ECM receiving the signal from the accelerator pedal position sensor. The ECM uses this signal for the engine operation such as fuel cut.

Fig 1: Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Output Voltage Graph

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.