Engine code
P2135: Throttle position sensors disagree
How much to fix P2135? Typically $290–$900.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $180 | $600 |
| Labor: 1 to 1.8 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $110 | $270 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $25 |
| Total, rounded | $290 | $900 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, throttle body replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
Modern throttles use two position sensors that move opposite ways and are cross-checked by the computer. For this code, the two readings no longer agree, so the computer cannot be sure how far the throttle is open and limits power to be safe. The throttle body is the main suspect.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Failing throttle body
Drive with care; the car may go into limp mode with reduced power.
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What you may notice
- Limp mode
- Poor acceleration
- Rough idle
- Warning light on
Common causes, most likely first
- Failing throttle body
- Dirty throttle
- Wiring problem
- Sensor fault
- Pedal sensor issue
Check this first
Spray throttle body cleaner on the blade with the engine off and wipe away the black carbon, then ask the shop whether the throttle needs a relearn with a scan tool. If the code returns, the throttle body probably needs replacement.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P2135
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Throttle body cleaning | $75 to $180 |
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $55 to $250 |
| CAN bus wiring repair | $170 to $1,125 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P2135 questions
Why two sensors?
They check each other. If the readings do not match, the computer knows one is wrong, and it limits throttle response to avoid a sudden surge. This design is a safety feature, not a flaw.
Is limp mode normal?
Yes, and it is normal. The car drops into a reduced-power mode that holds speed and revs down so you can get to a safe place. It can feel scary, but it is meant to protect you.
Will cleaning work?
Sometimes, if a layer of carbon on the blade was the cause. If the code comes back soon after, the sensors inside the throttle body are worn out, and the whole assembly is usually replaced.
How much does it cost to fix P2135?
The most common fix, throttle body replacement, has a typical range of $290 to $900 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $300 to $940 |
| New York City area | $300 to $930 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $300 to $940 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $290 to $910 |
| Houston area, Texas | $280 to $890 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $280 to $890 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $290 to $900 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $290 to $910 |
| Miami area, Florida | $280 to $900 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $300 to $940 |
Related codes
- P0121: Throttle position reading doesn't match
- P0122: Throttle position signal too low
- P2138: Accelerator pedal sensors disagree
- P0507: Engine idle higher than expected
More engine codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.