OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic, extended)
P278B Kick Down Switch Circuit Range/Performance
The kick-down switch state is implausible against accelerator pedal position. Wiring faults of this kind typically come from chafing, water ingress at connector seals, or pin push-back — a wiggle test on the harness while the code is active often confirms the location.
Is it safe to drive with P278B?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- PossibleSwitch trip point drift
- PossibleAccelerator pedal travel out of spec
- Less likelySensor element aged beyond calibration window
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.3–1.5 h
- Emissions test
- Usually unaffected
- Parts involved
- Kickdown Switch, Accelerator Pedal
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.