P0833 – Clutch pedal position (CPP) switch B -circuit malfunction

Avatar photo
By Benjamin Jerew (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2016-03-21
ASE Master Tech
CodeFault LocationProbable Cause
P0833 Clutch pedal position (CPP) switch B -circuit malfunction
(Buy Part On Amazon)
Wiring, poor connection, CPP switch, ECM/PCM!TCM

We recommend Torque Pro

Table of Contents

  1. What Does Code P0833 Mean?
  2. What are the common causes of code P0833 ?
  3. What are the symptoms of code P0833 ?
  4. How do you troubleshoot code P0833 ?
  5. Codes Related to P0833
  6. Get Help with P0833

What Does Code P0833 Mean?

On manual transmission vehicles, the engine control module (ECM) monitors clutch and gear position to fine-tune engine performance and fuel economy. Additionally, clutch and gear position are needed for engine starting, cruise control operation, and possibly a remote engine starter. Regarding clutch position, there may be one or two clutch pedal position (CPP) sensors, depending on vehicle design.

SNB6E3AA14500017045FEAD01

While the clutch pedal has a range of motion, between fully-released and fully-depressed, the ECM generally needs to see the clutch at either of those two positions. When the ECM determines the clutch is fully depressed, it enables engine starting and may modulate engine speed, such as for rev-matching upshifts and downshifts. When the cruise control system detects the clutch is fully released, it enables cruise control function. The ECM can monitor CPP sensor function by analyzing other parameters, such as gear position, throttle position, engine speed, or vehicle speed.

For the purposes of this discussion, we’ll be referring to the clutch pedal position sensor detecting the clutch pedal in the fully-released position, usually sensor “B.” Depending on the vehicle, this may or may not be the same switch that enables engine starting, so check your repair manual to be sure. If the ECM detects a problem, such as not detecting the clutch pedal fully-released, even though other engine parameters indicate that it is released, the ECM sets diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0833, “Clutch Pedal Position (CPP) Switch “B” Circuit,” and illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). Cruise control function also gets locked out.

What are the common causes of code P0833 ?

Depending on year, make, and model, DTC P0833 may have number of causes. Here are some of the most common.

  • Riding the Clutch – Some drivers tend to keep their foot on the clutch, even when they intend to have it fully released. This is often due to old habits, poor training, or perhaps finding themselves in stop-and-go traffic situations. With a foot on the clutch pedal, even if only slightly, this may prevent the CPP from seeing that the clutch is released, leading to an erroneous DTC P0833.
  • General Motors – Aside from riding the clutch, some TSBs suggest that the ECM itself may not recognize CPP switching in rapid succession. For example, if you press and release the clutch a few times, the ECM may recognize the first few switches, but then get “stuck,” failing to recognize further switches, which can throw a false DTC P0833.

What are the symptoms of code P0833 ?

Aside from the MIL and inoperative cruise control, you may not notice any drivability problems. On some vehicles, you may notice abnormal engine speed with the clutch depressed, or you may even be able to start the engine without physically depressing the clutch pedal. Vehicles equipped with remote starters could be dangerous if exhibiting the latter condition.

How do you troubleshoot code P0833 ?

A scan tool, with live data streaming, may be helpful in diagnosing this problem, but a DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter) will give you the most stable results, the reason being that the scan tool can only show you what the ECM is seeing, not what the clutch pedal position switch is actually doing. The CPP sensor is typically a contact switch, that is, only returns an “On” or “Off” signal to the ECM, so you can use your DVOM set to resistance or continuity (convenient because it usually beeps when you have continuity), to test CPP Sensor “B.” A current repair manual and electrical wiring diagram will give you the exact location and circuit diagrams to properly diagnose this problem.

am6xuw00005433

  • All circuit checks should start by making sure that all connectors are properly seated and that there are no bent or backed-out pins, nor evidence of water intrusion or corrosion. Any of these problems can increase resistance to the point where the ECM no longer recognizes the signal. Repair as necessary.
  • Engage the parking brake and disconnect CPP Sensor “B.” Connect your DVOM, set to measure continuity or ohms, and measure sensor response with the clutch pedal depressed or released. Check your repair manual to be sure if it should read open or closed in each position, that is, some CPP sensors may close the circuit (0 Ω) with the clutch pedal released, while others might open the circuit (∞ Ω) with the clutch released, and vice-versa.
    • If resistance does not change with the pedal depressed or released, you may have a switch problem or an alignment problem. If it is accessible, repeat the test by engaging the CPP sensor itself. Remove for testing, if needed.
      • If the switch is adjustable, it may need to be positioned closer to the pedal. Otherwise it may need to be replaced.
      • If the switch is internally shorted or open, it will need to be replaced.
    • If you measure proper resistance across the switch in each position, you may have a circuit problem or a driver problem. Reconnect the CPP sensor and disconnect the appropriate ECM connector. Repeat the resistance check from the ECM connector.
      • If resistance does not change with the clutch pedal depressed or released, you most likely have a problem in the wiring harness. Aftermarket remote starters may also interfere with this signal. Disconnect the CPP and recheck. If you have a short circuit or any kind of resistance, it will interfere with the CPP signal. Repair as necessary.
      • If resistance changes as expected, it’s quite possible that the ECM is reporting a false circuit problem, usually due to driver error. “Riding the clutch” is the most-common problem, since the ECM has determined that the clutch is “released,” but the driver is keeping the pedal just off the switch. This often happens in stop-and-go traffic, such as in a construction zone or rush hour. The ECM doesn’t see the signal, so it sets the DTC.

Z33OEMPedalSwitch-110c1552

  • DTC P0830 Clutch Pedal Position Switch “A” Circuit
  • DTC P0831 Clutch Pedal Position Switch “A” Circuit Low
  • DTC P0832 Clutch Pedal Position Switch “A” Circuit High
  • DTC P0834 Clutch Pedal Position Switch “B” Circuit Low
  • DTC P0835 Clutch Pedal Position Switch “B” Circuit High

Help Us Help You

Please comment below describing your issue as well as the specifics of your vehicle (make, model, year, miles, and engine), and one of our mechanics will respond as soon as possible. We appreciate a $9.99 donation via the payment button below.