P2299 on 2015-2017 Jeep Compass: Brake and Accelerator Pedal Conflict Explained

What's Unique About the 2015-2017 Jeep COMPASS

For the first-generation Jeep Compass and its platform-mates (Jeep Patriot, Dodge Caliber), Jeep has been exceptionally direct about this code. Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) state that P2299 is "usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault." [Bulletin #9003413, Bulletin #53034160A] This strong guidance from the manufacturer means the first diagnostic step should always be to evaluate driving habits before suspecting any part has failed. Forum discussions among owners of these vehicles confirm that this is the first question asked when the code appears.

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) warning light is on (looks like a lightning bolt)
🎬 See how to troubleshoot the electronic throttle control light.
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' with drastically reduced engine power 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing a faulty throttle body and lightning bolt light. and throttle response
• Traction control light may illuminate
• Cruise control will not engage
• Brake lights may be stuck on (if caused by a faulty brake switch)

Most Likely Causes

1. Two-Footed Driving 🔴 High Probability The vehicle's control module logic is sensitive to detecting simultaneous brake and accelerator inputs. Manufacturer TSBs #9003413 and #53034160A explicitly name this as the primary cause. This is often a learned habit, and the PCM software will trigger the fault in as little as 5 seconds of detecting the pedal conflict.
   How to confirm: Ask the primary driver if they drive with one foot on the brake and the other on the gas. Clear the code and test drive using only one foot for both pedals to see if the code returns. This is the most common resolution reported in owner forums.
   Typical fix: Change driving habits to use only the right foot for both pedals. This is a behavioral fix, not a parts replacement.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Obstructed Pedal Area 🟡 Medium Probability A thick or improperly placed floor mat can bunch up and hold the brake pedal down slightly, or prevent the accelerator from fully returning to idle, creating the conflict when the other pedal is pressed.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the driver's side floor area. Ensure the floor mat is properly secured and not interfering with the travel of either the brake or accelerator pedal. Remove the mat entirely for a test drive to be certain.
   Typical fix: Reposition, secure, or replace the floor mat.
   Est. part cost: $0-$70
3. Faulty Brake Light Switch (Stop Lamp Switch) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Brake Light Switch The brake light switch tells the PCM when the brakes are applied. If it sticks or sends an incorrect signal, the PCM may think the brakes are on when they are not. While TSBs point to driver habit, a faulty, inexpensive brake switch is a confirmed cause when driving style is ruled out.
   How to confirm: With the vehicle on, have a helper observe if the brake lights are stuck on. A scan tool can also be used to view the live data for the brake switch status to see if it reads 'On' when the pedal is released.
   Typical fix: Replace the brake light switch. This is a common DIY repair. 🎬 Watch: How to replace the brake light switch yourself.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40

Rare But Worth Checking

• PCM Software Update Needed: On some related Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge vehicles, TSBs have been issued to update the PCM software to make the logic less sensitive to this fault or to fix other related issues. It's worth checking with a dealer to see if any software updates (like TSB 18-049-16) apply to your vehicle's VIN, though this is less common for the Compass specifically.
• Wiring or Connector Issue: Corrosion or damage to the wiring or connectors for the brake pedal switch or accelerator pedal sensor can cause erratic signals, triggering the code. This is less common than driver habit but is a valid diagnostic step if the common causes are ruled out.
• Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor: → Shop Accelerator Pedal Assembly While TSBs specifically warn against replacing this part for P2299, a failing APP sensor can, in rare cases, get stuck and send a fixed throttle signal, which can trigger this code if the brakes are then applied. This should only be considered after all other possibilities are exhausted.

Diagnosis Steps

1. First, ask the driver about their driving habits. Specifically, if they rest their left foot on the brake pedal while driving. This is the number one cause.
2. Inspect the driver's floor mat to ensure it is not bunched up or interfering with either pedal. Remove it completely for a definitive test.
3. Clear the fault code with an OBD-II scanner.
4. Test drive the vehicle, making a conscious effort to use only the right foot for both accelerating and braking. If the code does not return, the issue is confirmed as two-footed driving.
5. If the code returns, have a helper check if the brake lights are stuck on, which points to the brake light switch.
6. Use a scan tool to monitor the live data for the Brake Pedal Position (BPP) sensor and Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) sensor. Check if the BPP sensor shows 'Applied' or 'On' when the pedal is not being touched.
7. Visually inspect the wiring and connectors to both the brake light switch (located at the top of the brake pedal arm) and the accelerator pedal assembly for any signs of damage or corrosion.
8. If the brake switch signal is incorrect or the lights are stuck on, replace the brake light switch. It is an inexpensive and common point of failure.
9. Finally, check with a dealership for any available PCM software updates for your specific VIN.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Brake Light Switch (OEM #68073610AA, 56054001AD) — If the cause is not driver habit or a floor mat, a faulty brake light switch is the next most likely component failure. It can send a false 'brake applied' signal to the computer. Always verify the part number with your VIN before ordering, as different parts were used for the first-generation (MK) and second-generation (MP) Compass, both of which were sold in 2017.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products, Crown Automotive
  OEM price range: $20-$45
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P2122 — This code ('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 ('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.

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 typically caused by a two-footed driver.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin #9003413 explicitly states: 'DTC P2299 is usually caused by a two footed driver and accelerator pedal should not be replaced for this fault.'
• NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin #53034160A reinforces this, advising technicians to check wiring and follow diagnostic procedures, but again noting the cause is typically a 'two footed driver.'
• The first-generation Compass (MK) and its sibling, the Jeep Patriot, were known for being unrefined vehicles, and this sensitive pedal logic is a well-documented quirk of the platform.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor Voltage Correlation — expected: APP Sensor 2 voltage should be approximately half of APP Sensor 1 voltage at all times.. Failure: The 2:1 voltage ratio is not maintained throughout pedal travel.
• Brake Pedal Position (BPP) Sensor Voltage — expected: Approximately 0.5V when the pedal is released and ~4.5V when fully pressed.. Failure: Voltage is stuck high, low, or does not change linearly with pedal movement.
• APP Sensor 5-Volt Supply at Harness Connector — expected: Between 4.5 and 5.2 volts with ignition on, engine off.. Failure: Voltage is outside the expected range, indicating an open or short in the supply circuit from the PCM.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P2299-00: The '-00' is a Fault Type code used in FCA's wiTECH dealer scan tool. It specifies the exact trigger condition for the 'Brake Pedal Position / Accelerator Pedal Position Incompatible' fault, distinguishing it from other potential sub-faults. (see via Chrysler/Jeep dealer wiTECH scan tool.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Manual Procedure: PCM Reboot and Throttle Relearn — After clearing the P2299 code, if the vehicle idles poorly or runs rough, a throttle relearn may be needed. Disconnect the negative battery cable for at least 90 seconds, reconnect it, turn the ignition to 'ON' (without starting) for at least 10 seconds, then turn it off. This allows the PCM to relearn throttle body parameters.
• OEM Scan Tool (e.g., wiTECH): Pedal Calibration — If a new accelerator pedal or PCM has been installed, a pedal calibration routine may be required to synchronize the components.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• PCM Connector C1, Pin 41 — At the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).. This is the 'BRAKE SIGNAL 1' input to the PCM. The wire is typically Dark Green/White (DG/WT). A short or open on this circuit can cause a false brake signal.
• PCM Connector C1, Pin 17 — At the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).. This is the 'BRAKE SIGNAL 2' input to the PCM. The wire is typically Light Blue/Dark Green (LB/DG). This provides a redundant signal for safety.
• Fuse #3 (Under-hood) — In the main fuse box located under the front hood.. This 10A fuse protects the stop lights / brake lights circuit. While a blown fuse would typically cause the lights to fail (not stick on), checking it is a fundamental step in diagnosing the brake signal circuit.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 56054001AC, 56054001AB, 56054001AA → 56054001AD — Part revision and consolidation.
  Heads up: This brake light switch is generally listed for the 2009-2017 first-generation (MK) Jeep Compass.
• 68094764AA → 68073610AA — Part revision and consolidation.
  Heads up: This brake light switch is listed for the 2017-2019 second-generation (MP) Jeep Compass. It is crucial to verify by VIN for any 2017 model year vehicle due to the platform overlap.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2017: The 2017 model year was a changeover year. Jeep sold both the outgoing first-generation 'MK' Compass (which looks like the 2015-2016 models) and the all-new, completely redesigned second-generation 'MP' Compass. These two vehicles share almost no parts. The brake light switch, for example, is different between the two platforms. It is essential to identify which version of the 2017 Compass is being worked on before ordering parts.