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Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006: How to Replace Gas Pedal Sensor

The gas pedal sensor is responsible for letting the ECU know how hard or soft the driver is pressing the pedal. Its failure results in the truck running limp mode, which as you may know, is no fun at all.

By Neftali Medina - June 4, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (1999-2006).

Modern Chevrolet trucks make use of the drive-by-wire system, which rids the vehicle of a throttle cable and instead replaces it with sensors. The sensor on the gas pedal notifies the signal on the throttle body and allows it to open or close depending on how much pressure is placed on the pedal. When the pedal sensor fails, the ECU can no longer receive a clear frequency from the throttle position sensor, which then results in instilling the safety system–or reduced engine power mode. This puts the car in limp mode which can, in some cases, cause it to randomly stall. The following instructions explain how to replace the accelerator pedal sensor on your Chevy Silverado 1500.

Materials Needed

  • Metric socket set
  • 3/8" ratchet
  • Screwdriver
  • Trim pry tool
  • New accelerator pedal sensor

Step 1 – Remove the knee bolster

The knee bolster is the lower trim panel piece found underneath the steering wheel.

  • Remove the two 7mm bolts.
  • Pry off the trim panel.
Figure 1. Remove the knee bolster.

Step 2 – Remove the gas pedal

With the knee bolster removed, you can now access the accelerator pedal sensor.

  • Reach in and disconnect the sensor from the harness plug.
  • Loosen and remove the accelerator pedal.
  • Remove the accelerator pedal assembly from the truck.
Figure 2. Remove the accelerator pedal assembly.

Step 3 – Replace the sensor in the pedal

The sensor is held in place with two screws on the gas pedal. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws and remove the sensor from the pedal by hand. Once removed, install the new sensor in its place.

Figure 3. Replace the accelerator pedal sensor.

Step 4 – Re-install the accelerator pedal

  • Mount the pedal to its bracket.
  • Tighten the pedal mounting bolts to 80 lbs-in.
  • Reconnect the accelerator pedal sensor.

Before installing the knee bolster, check and make sure the engine is no longer running in reduced engine power mode. Turn the ignition on and push the gas pedal down. It should easily go into wide open throttle. Once checked, complete the re-installation procedure.

  • Mount the knee bolster.
  • Tighten down the 7mm bolts.
Figure 4. Re-install the sensor and check it.

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