P2299 Code: Brake Pedal Position / Accelerator Pedal Position Incompatible

Quick answer

• What it means: The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected that the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are being pressed at the same time for a prolonged period.
• Severity: Moderate. While you can usually drive the vehicle to a safe location, it often triggers a "limp-home" mode with reduced engine power.
• Most common cause: Driver habit (driving with two feet) or a failing/stuck brake pedal position switch.

What the P2299 code means

The official OBD-II definition for P2299 is "Brake Pedal Position / Accelerator Pedal Position Incompatible."

In plain English, the vehicle's main computer (PCM) is receiving signals indicating that the gas pedal and the brake pedal are both being depressed simultaneously. Modern vehicles are equipped with an electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire) system. As a safety feature, if the computer sees you hitting the brakes and the gas at the same time, it assumes something is wrong—either the throttle is stuck open, a sensor is lying, or the driver is resting their left foot on the brake while accelerating. To prevent unintended acceleration, the PCM overrides the throttle, cuts engine power, and sets the P2299 code.

Common symptoms

If your vehicle has triggered a P2299 code, you will likely experience one or more of the following:

• Illuminated Check Engine Light: The most immediate indicator of a logged DTC.
• Reduced Engine Power (Limp Mode): The vehicle may feel extremely sluggish and refuse to accelerate past a certain speed.
• Inoperative Cruise Control: The system will disable cruise control as a safety precaution.
• Engine Hesitation or Stalling: The PCM cutting fuel/throttle may cause sudden RPM drops while driving.
• Brake Lights Staying On: If the brake switch is at fault, your brake lights may remain illuminated even when your foot is off the pedal.

Common causes

Ranked from most to least likely, the causes of a P2299 code include:

1. Driver Habit (Two-Foot Driving): Resting the left foot on the brake pedal while the right foot is on the gas is the leading cause of this code.
2. Faulty Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Sensor or Switch: A sticking or failing brake light switch will continuously send a "brakes applied" signal to the PCM.
3. Physical Pedal Interference: Floor mats, debris, or a sticking pedal assembly can prevent the brake or accelerator pedal from returning to its resting position.
4. Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor: Though less common for this specific code, a failing APP sensor can send a false acceleration signal.
5. Damaged Wiring or Connectors: Chafed wires, corrosion, or loose connections in the BPP or APP sensor circuits can cause false voltage readings.
6. PCM Issues: Extremely rare, but a software glitch or failing computer could misinterpret pedal signals.

How a technician diagnoses it

An ASE-certified technician will take a systematic approach to diagnose P2299, ensuring parts aren't replaced unnecessarily:

1. Scan and Check Freeze-Frame Data: The technician will connect an advanced OBD-II scan tool to retrieve the code and look at the freeze-frame data. This data shows the exact vehicle speed, engine load, and pedal positions at the moment the code was set.
2. Interview the Driver: Because two-foot driving is a common cause, the tech will ask about driving habits or if thick aftermarket floor mats were recently installed.
3. Monitor Live Data (PIDs): Using the scan tool, the technician will watch the live data for both the Brake Pedal Position (BPP) and Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensors.
   • Good values: BPP should read "OFF" (or 0V) when the pedal is released and "ON" (or 12V) when pressed. The APP sensor should smoothly sweep from roughly 0.5V at idle to around 4.5V at wide-open throttle (WOT) with no dropouts.
   • Bad values: The BPP reads "ON" while the pedal is at rest, or the APP sensor shows voltage spikes without physical movement.
4. Visual and Physical Inspection: The tech will check the pedal assemblies for physical binding, check floor mat clearance, and verify that the brake lights turn on and off correctly.
5. Circuit Testing: If the BPP switch is suspect but mechanically sound, the technician will use a digital multimeter to check for a proper 12V feed and verify the switch is opening and closing the circuit correctly.

Typical repair cost

The cost to fix a P2299 code varies greatly depending on the root cause. If the issue is driving habits or a jammed floor mat, the repair is free. If components need replacing, here are typical estimates (including parts and labor):

• Floor mat adjustment / Driver education: $0
• Brake Pedal Switch / Sensor Replacement: $75 – $150
• Accelerator Pedal Assembly (APP) Replacement: $150 – $400
• Wiring Repair: $100 – $200 (varies based on the time required to trace the short/open circuit)

Can I keep driving with this code?

It is generally not recommended to continue driving with a P2299 code for very long. While the car may physically run, it will likely be stuck in a reduced-power "limp mode," making it dangerous to merge onto highways or navigate heavy traffic. Furthermore, if the brake pedal switch is stuck "on," your brake lights will remain illuminated, which is a massive safety hazard for drivers behind you who won't know when you are actually stopping. Drive cautiously to a safe location or a repair facility.

Related codes

Technicians often see P2299 accompanied by other throttle or brake-related codes, including:

• P0504: Brake Switch A / B Correlation
• P0122: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "A" Circuit Low
• P0222: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit Low
• P2138: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D" / "E" Voltage Correlation

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