P2299 on 2016-2017 Fiat 500X: Brake and Accelerator Pedal Conflict Explained
On a 2016-2017 Fiat 500X, code P2299 almost always indicates 'two-footed driving' (pressing the brake and gas pedals simultaneously). Fiat has issued service bulletins (TSBs) advising against replacing the accelerator pedal for this code. The fix is typically to change driving habits; no parts are needed. If a part has failed, it is most likely the brake light switch.
Most Likely Cause
Driver pressing both brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously
Difficulty
1/5
Est. Time
0.7 hrs
DIY Doable?
✅ Yes
Shop Labor
$35 – $150
Parts Price
$0 – $60
Drivable, but...
— You can drive the vehicle, but it may enter a reduced-power 'limp mode,' which severely limits acceleration and speed. It is safe to drive to your destination, but the issue should be addressed to restore full engine performance. The limp mode is a deliberate safety response from the vehicle's computer.
Key Takeaways
- P2299 on a Fiat 500X means the computer detected the brake and gas pedals being pressed simultaneously.
- The most common cause is not a broken part, but a 'two-footed' driving style. The fix is to use only your right foot for both pedals.
- Fiat has issued official service bulletins (TSBs) warning technicians NOT to replace the accelerator pedal assembly for this code.
- If driving style is not the cause, the next most likely part to fail is the inexpensive brake light switch (Mopar P/N 68073610AA), not the expensive accelerator pedal.
- The vehicle may enter a 'limp mode' with reduced power as a safety feature when this code is active.
The trouble code P2299 stands for 'Brake Pedal Position / Accelerator Pedal Position Incompatible'. This means the vehicle's main computer, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), has detected signals that both the brake and accelerator pedals are being pressed at the same time. Because this is an illogical scenario during normal operation, the PCM flags the conflict, turns on the Check Engine Light, and may put the engine into a reduced power mode as a safety measure. This is a built-in safety feature to prevent unintended acceleration.
What's Unique About the 2016-2017 Fiat 500X
For the Fiat 500X and other Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) models, the manufacturer has been exceptionally clear about this code. FCA issued specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to dealerships, like #9003413, stating that P2299 is 'usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.' This is a strong indicator that the code is more often a result of driver habit rather than a component failure. This same issue is noted across platform mates like the Jeep Renegade.
Diagnostic Flowchart
Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.
What is the most noticeable symptom or driving habit you observe?
→ Clear the code and test drive using only your right foot. Fiat TSBs #9003413 and #53034160A identify this as the primary cause.
→ Replace the Brake Light Switch (Mopar part #68073610AA, approx $20-$50). It is likely sticking and confusing the PCM.
Have you inspected the wiring near the brake and accelerator pedals?
→ Inspect the wiring and connectors for the accelerator pedal and brake light switch for damage or corrosion per TSB #53034160A.
→ Use a scan tool to monitor BPP and APP sensor live data, or check with a dealership for PCM software updates.
Symptoms You May Notice
- Check Engine Light is on
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light may be on 🎬 Watch: A quick breakdown of P2299 and its common causes
- Vehicle enters 'limp mode' with significantly reduced engine power
- Unresponsive or sluggish accelerator pedal
- Cruise control is disabled or will not engage.
- Message on dash may read 'Drive Mode Not Available'.
⚠️ Don't Waste Money on the Wrong Fix
- Accelerator Pedal Assembly: This is the most common misdiagnosis. Fiat TSBs #9003413 and #53034160A explicitly warn technicians *not* to replace the accelerator pedal for this fault code, as it is almost never the cause.
Most Likely Causes
- Driver pressing both brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously 🔴 High Probability This is often due to a 'two-footed' driving style, where the driver rests their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating with their right. Fiat has explicitly identified this as the primary cause in TSBs #9003413 and #53034160A.
How to confirm: Clear the code and test drive using only the right foot for both pedals. If the code does not return, driver habit is confirmed as the cause. Ask the primary driver about their habits before performing any repairs.
Typical fix: Change driving style to use only the right foot for both the accelerator and brake pedals. No parts are required.
Est. part cost: $0 - Faulty or sticking Brake Light Switch (Stop Lamp Switch) ⚪ Low Probability If the switch fails or sticks in the 'on' position, the PCM will think the brakes are applied even when they aren't. When the driver then presses the accelerator, the PCM sees a conflict and sets P2299. This is the most common mechanical failure for this code.
How to confirm: With the vehicle parked, observe if the brake lights are stuck on. A helper or backing up to a reflective surface can assist. A scan tool can also show the live data for the brake pedal position sensor (BPPS) to see if it reads 'On' or 'Pressed' at all times.
Typical fix: Replace the brake light switch. It is typically located above the brake pedal arm.
Est. part cost: $20-$50 - Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability TSB #53034160A advises checking wiring and connectors before replacing any parts. A damaged wire or a corroded connector pin for either the brake or accelerator pedal sensor can send an erroneous signal to the PCM.
How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harnesses and connectors leading to the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor and the brake light switch for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
Typical fix: Repair the damaged wiring or clean/replace the affected connector.
Est. part cost: $5-$100
Rare But Worth Checking
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software Glitch:
Diagnosis Steps
- Read the code with an OBD-II scanner and confirm P2299 is active.
- Interview the driver about their driving habits. Specifically ask if they drive with two feet (left foot on the brake, right on the gas). This is the number one cause.
- Clear the code and perform a test drive using only the right foot for both pedals. If the code does not return, the issue is confirmed to be driving style.
- If the code returns, check if the brake lights are stuck on, which would indicate a faulty brake light switch.
- Using a scan tool with live data capability, monitor the status of the Brake Pedal Position (BPP) sensor and the Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor. Verify that the BPP sensor shows 'Off' or 'Released' when the pedal is not pressed and the APP sensor shows 0% throttle.
- As recommended by TSB #53034160A, inspect the wiring and connectors for both the accelerator pedal and the brake light switch for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness.
- If a faulty brake light switch is suspected, replace it. It is an inexpensive part and a more likely point of failure than the pedal assembly. The Mopar part number is often 68073610AA.
- If all other steps fail, check with a dealership if any PCM software updates (flashes) are available for your vehicle, as some FCA TSBs for other models mention a software fix for P2299.
- Only after all other possibilities have been exhausted should the accelerator pedal assembly be considered, as it is rarely the cause for this specific code on a Fiat.
Parts You'll Likely Need
- Brake Light Switch (Stop Lamp Switch)
(OEM #68073610AA)— If the code is not caused by driving habits, a sticking or faulty brake light switch is the next most likely culprit, as it can incorrectly tell the computer the brakes are applied.
Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, Duralast
OEM price range: $20-$30.
Aftermarket price range: $15-$40.
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, as noted in TSB #9003413.
- P1220 — A user on fiatforum.com reported a P1220 'Accelerator pedal potentiometer (feasibility)' code alongside P2299, indicating a potential sensor or wiring issue rather than just driver habit.
Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls
- Bulletin #9003413: States that DTC P2299 is usually caused by a 'two footed driver' and the accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.
- Bulletin #53034160A: Repeats the warning about two-footed drivers and advises technicians to check wiring and connectors before replacing the accelerator pedal.
- Bulletin #18-049-16: While for Jeep/Dodge models, this TSB shows that FCA has issued PCM software updates to resolve P2299, indicating a potential, though rare, software cause.
Platform-Specific Known Issues
- Fiat has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (e.g., #9003413, #53034160A) explicitly stating that P2299 is usually caused by a 'two footed driver' and that the accelerator pedal should not be replaced to resolve this specific fault.
Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values
- Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor Supply Voltage — expected: ~5V. Failure: Voltage significantly lower than 5V suggests a wiring or PCM problem.
- APP Sensor 1 Signal Voltage vs. APP Sensor 2 Signal Voltage — expected: The signal voltage from APP Sensor 2 should be half the voltage of APP Sensor 1 throughout the pedal's travel.. Failure: If the 2:1 ratio is not maintained, it indicates a failing accelerator pedal assembly.
- Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Sensor Voltage (Released) — expected: ~0.5V. Failure: Voltage significantly higher than 0.5V with the pedal released indicates a stuck or miscalibrated switch.
- Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Sensor Voltage (Fully Pressed) — expected: ~4.5V. Failure: Voltage does not reach this level when pressed, or is stuck at this level when released.
Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking
- P2299-62: Accelerator/brake coherency - Signal compare failure. This sub-code, seen on some Fiat scan tools, points more specifically to a data mismatch between the two pedal sensors rather than just a generic incompatible state. (see via Dealer-level scan tools like Fiat's wiTECH or advanced aftermarket scanners.)
Wiring & Ground Locations
- Brake Pedal Switch Fuse — In the Body Computer Fuse Center, fuse F07 (7.5A) supplies power to the Brake Pedal Switch.. A blown fuse here would cause the brake signal to be absent, but more often a wiring short on this circuit could cause erratic signals leading to a P2299 code.
- Accelerator Pedal Connector — Directly attached to the top of the accelerator pedal assembly under the driver's side dashboard.. As noted in TSB #9003413, disconnecting this connector during diagnosis can set other codes (P2122, P2127). It is a primary point to check for corrosion or loose pins per TSB #53034160A.
- Brake Light Switch Connector — Directly attached to the brake light switch, located on the bracket above the brake pedal arm.. A poor connection at the switch can cause intermittent or incorrect signals, making the PCM believe the brake is applied when it is not. This is a 4-pin flat connector on the 500X.
Real Owner Repair Stories
- Out & About Live Forum user 'euroserv' (2013 Fiat Ducato (shares electronics/ECU logic with 500X)) — P2299 error code appeared, and in one instance, the ESP/ASR system automatically applied the brakes while driving uphill. The dealer blamed 'driver error' (two-footed driving), which the owner denied.
❌ Tried (didn't work) Dealer diagnosis blaming the driver.
✅ What actually fixed it Another user reported that on their Fiat Comfortmatic (automated manual), a faulty brake light switch caused a loss of drive. The strong suggestion from experienced users was to replace the brake light switch as the most likely mechanical cause for a false P2299, rather than driver error or a faulty pedal.
OEM Part Supersession History
68094764AA→68073610AA— Part revision by manufacturer.
Heads up: The new part number (68073610AA) is the correct replacement for the 2016-2017 Fiat 500X and is backward compatible.
Helpful Videos
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What is P2299 : Engine Error Code Causes Explained
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
Year Coverage
This article covers the OBD-II Code P2299 for:
- Fiat 500X:
In This Article
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- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- What's Unique About the 2016-2017 Fiat 500X
- Diagnostic Flowchart
- Symptoms You May Notice
- Most Likely Causes
- Rare But Worth Checking
- Diagnosis Steps
- Parts You'll Likely Need
- Related Codes That Often Appear With This One
- Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls
- Platform-Specific Known Issues
- Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values
- Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking
- Wiring & Ground Locations
- Real Owner Repair Stories
- OEM Part Supersession History
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