Clutch pedal position sensor (manual transmissions only)
The clutch pedal position sensor is mounted between the clutch pedal and the pedal box. Its task is to supply the Engine control module (ECM) with information about the position of the clutch pedal.
The clutch pedal position sensor is a slide potentiometer and is supplied with 5 V from the Engine control module (ECM). The signal that varies depending on the position of the clutch pedal is sent to the Engine control module (ECM). When the pedal is released the signal is 3-4 V, the precise value depends on which engine control system the vehicle has. The reason that the signal differs between different engine control systems, despite it being the same sensor, is that the control module's internal circuits differ, which affects the signal level from the sensor. When the pedal is depressed, the voltage from the sensor drops.
The information from the clutch pedal position is used:
- to determine when it is permitted to use cruise control
- on certain markets to prevent the engine from being started if the pedal is released.
To determine if the information from the clutch pedal sensor can be used or not, the Engine control module (ECM) carries out an electrical check of the circuits and plausibility checks of the signal.
For further information about which tests are carried out, see diagnostic trouble code (DTC) information for the relevant diagnostic trouble code (DTC).