Car will not start, check engine light on and code P2138

Hello,

That is the code showing that the accelerator pedal sensor has something wrong with it. Were the terminals corroded at all? Seems to me that the pedal just completely failed, when the light first came on, it started to fail, then after you cleaned it, it totally failed. Which engine do you have the 1.6l or the 1.8l? What are the other codes that it has? They are probably showing something that in combination with the pedal sensor messing up ultimately not allowing it to start, or it has to relearn because you disconnected the harness.
The accelerator Pedal Released Position Learning is a function of ECM to learn the fully released position of the accelerator pedal by monitoring the accelerator pedal position sensor output signal. It must be performed each time harness connector of accelerator pedal position sensor or ECM is disconnected.

Here is the procedure for changing it out and its relearning steps as well.
Let me know how you do?
Tom

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Disconnect accelerator pedal position sensor harness connector.
3. Remove the bolts and the accelerator pedal assembly.

INSTALLATION
Note the following, and install in the reverse order of removal.
- Insert locating pin into vehicle side to position accelerator pedal assembly. Install bolt to accelerator pedal assembly.
- Align the stud bolt on the floor with the thread hole to insert accelerator pedal stopper until it contacts the face.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION
- Make sure that the accelerator pedal moves smoothly within the whole operation range.
- Make sure that the accelerator pedal securely returns to the original position.
- Perform accelerator pedal released position learning

ACCELERATOR PEDAL RELEASED POSITION LEARNING : Special Repair Requirement
1. Make sure that accelerator pedal is fully released.
2. Turn ignition switch ON and wait at least 2 seconds.
3. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.
4. Turn ignition switch ON and wait at least 2 seconds.
5. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.

When the throttle actuator needs service it can cause these issues. here's a guide to help you fix it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please run down this guide and report back.

Hello,

In the other codes that are present the P0335 is of concern to me. This code is the crank position sensor not sending a signal to the PCM. If that sensor is in fact bad the car will not start. After you've done the relearning of the accelerator pedal and the information in the throttle actuator article reset the codes with the scanner your using to get them or disconnect the battery and short the positive and negative battery cables to each other for 30 seconds, this will also erase the memory. Then try to start the car if it doesn't start scan it again to see if what codes are present. If P0335 comes back your problem is with this sensor, The sensor is located under the exhaust manifold on the block see the diagram below. Follow its wire up towards the top of the motor to its plug and make sure the connector good, not corroded and its wire hasn't melted touching the exhaust pipe. If all that checks out I believe your issue will the the crank position sensor.
Let us know,
Tom