P2299 on 2015-2017 Dodge Grand Caravan: Brake and Accelerator Pedal Conflict Explained

What's Unique About the 2015-2017 Dodge GRAND CARAVAN

For this generation of Dodge Grand Caravan and its platform mates (like the Chrysler Town & Country), Chrysler (now Stellantis) has been very clear about code P2299. The manufacturer issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) stating this code is 'usually caused by a two footed driver' and explicitly warns technicians that the 'accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.' This strong guidance from the manufacturer confirms that driver habit is the most common cause, far more so than actual part failures. Forum discussions among owners frequently corroborate this, with many admitting to 'power braking' or two-footed driving habits.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) or 'lightning bolt' warning light may be illuminated
• Vehicle may enter 'limp mode' with significantly reduced engine power
• Unresponsive or sluggish accelerator pedal
• Cruise control will not engage
• Vehicle feels like it is stuck in first or second gear

Most Likely Causes

1. Driver Pressing Both Pedals Simultaneously ('Two-Footed Driving') 🔴 High Probability This is a common driving habit where the driver rests their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating with their right. Manufacturer TSBs for this vehicle explicitly identify this as the primary cause. It can also be triggered intentionally by 'power braking' (holding the brake and gas to do a burnout).
   How to confirm: Interview the primary driver of the vehicle. Ask if they drive with two feet or rest their left foot on the brake pedal. The code will often set during low-speed maneuvers or in stop-and-go traffic. Many owners on forums have confirmed this was the cause for their P2299 code.
   Typical fix: Advise the driver to use only their right foot for both pedals. 🎬 Watch: Why two-footed driving causes these issues and how to stop. Clear the code with a basic OBD-II scanner and test drive to confirm it does not return. No parts are required.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Floor Mat Obstruction 🟡 Medium Probability Thick or improperly placed aftermarket floor mats can bunch up under the pedals, preventing either the brake or accelerator pedal from returning to its resting position. This can cause a pedal to send a constant 'pressed' signal.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the driver's side floor area. Ensure the floor mat is properly secured by its hooks and not interfering with the full travel of either pedal. Remove the mat entirely and test drive to see if the problem disappears.
   Typical fix: Reposition or replace the incorrect floor mat. Ensure any replacement is designed for the vehicle and properly anchored.
   Est. part cost: $0-$70
3. Faulty Brake Light Switch (Stop Lamp Switch) ⚪ Low Probability While less common than driver habit, a failing brake light switch can stick in the 'on' position, telling the PCM the brakes are applied even when they are not. This creates the same data conflict as pressing both pedals.
   How to confirm: With the vehicle on, have someone stand behind it to see if the brake lights are stuck on. Alternatively, use an OBD-II scanner with live data to monitor the brake pedal position sensor status while pressing and releasing the pedal. The status should change from 'On' to 'Off' instantly.
   Typical fix: Replace the brake light switch. This is a small sensor located at the top of the brake pedal arm, accessible from under the driver's side dashboard. It typically twists and locks into its bracket. 🎬 See this walkthrough on how to replace the brake light switch.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40

Rare But Worth Checking

• Wiring or Connector Issue: Corrosion or damage in the wiring for either the brake or accelerator pedal sensors can cause erratic signals, leading to the P2299 code. This should only be investigated after ruling out the common causes. A real-world example on a related 3.6L platform found a 5-volt reference wire shorting to ground intermittently inside the main engine harness, 🎬 Watch: Diagnostic tips for intermittent limp mode and wiring issues. causing P2299 and other codes.
• Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor: This is very rare. The provided NHTSA TSBs specifically warn against replacing the accelerator pedal for this code. A failing APP sensor is a possible but highly improbable cause that should only be considered after all other diagnostics have failed.
• PCM Software Issue: On some related Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep vehicles with the 3.6L engine, TSBs like #18-049-16 have been issued where P2299 appears due to overly sensitive software logic. A dealer PCM reflash can resolve this, though it's less common for the Grand Caravan itself.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code is active using an OBD-II scanner.
2. Interview the driver about their driving habits, specifically asking about 'two-footed' driving. This is the most likely cause.
3. Inspect the driver-side floor mat to ensure it is not obstructing the pedals. Remove it completely for testing purposes.
4. Observe the brake lights with the engine on but the pedal not pressed. Check if they are stuck on, which would indicate a faulty brake light switch.
5. Using a scan tool with live data, monitor the status of the Brake Pedal Position sensor and the Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensors. Confirm they report accurate information as you press and release each pedal individually. The brake switch should toggle cleanly between 'Pressed' and 'Released'.
6. If the brake switch is suspect, replacement is a low-cost next step.
7. If all of the above checks out and the code persists, inspect the wiring and connectors for both the brake and accelerator pedal assemblies for any signs of damage or corrosion.
8. Only consider replacing a component like the accelerator pedal assembly if it fails live data tests definitively and all other causes have been exhausted.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• No Parts Needed — The most common fix is a change in driving habits, which requires no parts.
  OEM price range: $0
  Aftermarket price range: $0
• Brake Light Switch (Stop Lamp Switch) (OEM #56046254AD) — If a part has failed, it is most likely the brake light switch sticking in the 'on' position. This is an inexpensive and simple part to replace.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products, TRQ
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P2122 — This code for 'Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 1 Circuit Low' can be set if the accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis, as noted in TSB #9003413.
• P2127 — This code for 'Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 2 Circuit Low' can also be set if the accelerator pedal connector is disconnected during diagnosis, per TSB #9003413.
• P0571 — This code for 'Brake Switch 'A' Circuit' may appear alongside P2299 when the brake light switch is the root cause of the failure.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 9003413: States P2299 is usually caused by a two-footed driver and the accelerator pedal should not be replaced.
• 53034160A: Repeats the warning that P2299 is often from two-footed driving and not to replace the accelerator pedal without proper diagnosis.
• 18-049-16: Applies to related 3.6L vehicles (Jeep Grand Cherokee/Dodge Durango) and notes that a PCM software update can fix P2299 in some cases, suggesting the logic can be too sensitive.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin #9003413 and #53034160A are very direct: 'DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.' This is the most critical piece of information for this vehicle and code.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 5-Volt Reference — expected: Approximately 5.0 Volts. Failure: Voltage is significantly lower or absent, which could indicate a wiring issue or a problem with the PCM.
• Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor Signal Voltage — expected: Approximately 0.2–1.0 V at idle/rest, sweeping up to ~3.5–4.8 V when fully depressed.. Failure: Voltage is stuck, does not change smoothly with pedal movement, or does not start near the expected idle voltage.
• Brake Light Switch Continuity — expected: With the switch removed and plunger extended (simulating brake pedal press), there should be continuity (near 0 ohms). With the plunger depressed (simulating pedal released), the circuit should be open (infinite resistance).. Failure: The switch shows continuity when the plunger is depressed, or shows an open circuit when the plunger is extended, indicating it is stuck.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: Reprogram PCM with latest software — On some related platforms (2016 Durango/Grand Cherokee), a PCM software update was issued via TSB #18-049-16 to correct overly sensitive logic that could set a P2299-00 code. If all other diagnostics fail, checking for a similar available update for the Grand Caravan is a valid step.
• Professional Scan Tool (e.g., YOUCANIC, wiTECH): Live Data Monitoring for Brake and APP Sensors — This is a primary diagnostic step. A technician can view the status of the 'Brake Light Switch' and the voltage/percentage of both APP sensors simultaneously to confirm the conflicting data that is causing the code.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor Connector — At the top of the accelerator pedal assembly, under the driver's side dashboard.. This 6-pin connector is the primary interface for the APP sensor. Damage or corrosion here can cause incorrect signal voltages. Pinouts for the 3.6L engine are typically: Pin 1 (APP Signal 2), Pin 2 (APP Sensor Ground 2), Pin 3 (5V Supply 2), Pin 4 (APP Signal 1), Pin 5 (APP Sensor Ground 1), Pin 6 (5V Supply 1).
• Brake Light Switch (Stop Lamp Switch) Connector — At the top of the brake pedal arm, under the driver's side dashboard.. A poor connection at this switch can cause it to send an erroneous 'brake applied' signal to the PCM, triggering P2299 if the accelerator is also being used.
• G300 Ground — A wiring diagram for a similar platform shows G300 located at the base of the right-side 'B' pillar.. While not directly tied to the pedal sensors in the diagram, chassis grounds are critical for all electronic modules. Poor grounds can cause floating voltages and unpredictable behavior in modules like the PCM and BCM, which process pedal inputs. Owners have solved various electrical issues on these vans by cleaning and reinforcing main engine and chassis grounds.
• Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) — In the engine bay, near the battery.. The TIPM is the central hub for most vehicle wiring. While not a common cause for P2299 specifically, corrosion on its main connectors or internal faults can cause a wide range of electrical issues, including sensor voltage problems.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RamForumz.com user (2015 Ram 1500 (similar platform and logic)) — P2299 code and throttle control warnings.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed towards common causes like driver habit.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The dealership replaced the brake light switch to resolve the issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 56046254AD → 56046254AE — Part revision or update by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The new part number (56046254AE) is the correct replacement for the original. Another source also notes that part number 68163996AA may have been superseded, highlighting the importance of verifying the correct part with the vehicle's VIN.