So I have a 03 honda accord I think it's a ex 3.0L 6 cylinder 4 door.... my car threw a code p2138. The other day after acting funny kinda jerking then I lost acceleration I pushed the gas I didn't go over like 5-10mph then it slowly started to accelerate but didn't seem to want to change gears. I'm getting told from every where I go to get this sensor that it's all 1 piece with the throttle body. So researching the throttle body it's anywhere from 300$-1000$ which I don't have. So my question is can I change just the sensor? Is it possible to find the sensor after market and just unscrew it??? Please send help I've been out a car 2 weeks now with 3 babies at this point I'm going to fix it myself too save money I just need some guidance.

 

P2138 is for the accelerator position sensor. That code is not for the throttle body.

Below is a video on how to replace the sensor assembly. Before attempting to repair, unplug that electrical connector to the sensor and make sure there is not corrosion in the connector causing a bad connection. Clean with a toothbrush and something like rubbing alcohol. Let dry then reattach. See if it works.

If you want to go cheaper, you can get just the sensor on amazon for $21.99, but you will have to remove the two bolts holding in the sensor. Search 37971-RCA-A01 on amazon. That should pull up the assembly and the sensor itself in the search. The challenge will be removing the two existing bolts, because they are called shear bolts, where there is no hex head where you can put a socket on it. You would have to get pliers or vice grips on it to break the bolt loose. If you have a Dremel tool, you can cut in a slot in the bolt head and use a flat head screw driver to remove the bolt.

A less expensive way to get that part is to go to a junkyard. You'll have to call to find out what they charge for that part. FYI a new part from an online Honda will run $183.29.

 

I don't know how to like your post or tell u thank u any other way but this way so thank u very much for the help I'll definitely try the cheaper option first thank u for the link and the video very much appreciated.

 

Sure thing. I've been there with having car repairs with little extra cash and know those stresses.

A few things to check before spending money on the part. If you can have an assistant push the gas pedal with the car turned off, make sure the cable actually pulls the pulley. You could be dealing with a broken or stuck cable.

You can unbolt that metal cross member bar to get better access to remove the app sensor.

It is important to get the slack adjusted properly on the cable. You don't want the cable too tight where it is already pulling on that pulley. Too loose of a cable will cause a delay in gas pedal response. See video below on an older accord as this is the same principle applies.

If you go with just replacing the sensor, there are few things to pay attention to. The sensor has a plastic bar that sticks out. When you install that sensor, that bar will fit into a groove on the housing, so make sure you line it up. If not lined up, the sensor won't sit flush against the housing. You will notice the sensor holes are slotted, so you can loosen the bolts and slightly rotate just the sensor. After you install, you can loosen the bolts and turn the sensor a few degrees. To fine tune, you would want to adjust by turning the sensor to the point just before the rpms increase, then tighten the bolts. Hope this makes sense.