Code Definition

P1542 — Pedal Position Sensor Electrical

System: Powertrain  |  Type: Manufacturer-Specific  |  Make: BMW

About P1542

P1542 is a manufacturer-specific powertrain diagnostic trouble code recorded for BMW vehicles. It belongs to the P-prefix family of codes, which covers engine, transmission, emissions, or fuel-system faults.

When P1542 is stored, the module has detected a sensor-related fault — the reported value from the named sensor is out of spec.

Scanning & clearing: A generic OBD-II scan tool will usually read and clear powertrain (P) codes. For live data, freeze-frame capture, and bi-directional tests you may need a more capable scan tool that supports the vehicle's ECM protocol.

P1542 is a manufacturer-specific code. The same code string on a different make may have a different meaning. Always confirm the code's definition against the vehicle's service information for the specific make and model under test.

Code Information

On BMW vehicles the accelerator pedal position sensor reports the driver throttle demand to the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) using redundant voltage signals for safety. DTC P1542 sets when the DME detects an electrical malfunction in that pedal position sensor circuit, such as a signal that is missing, out of range, or an open or short in the wiring. Because the system is safety related, the DME watches for the two signals to stay in their expected ranges and to correlate, and any electrical fault triggers this code to prevent unintended throttle behaviour. Symptoms commonly include reduced...

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