P0220: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit

P0220 means Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit. The throttle position sensor (sensor "B") reports how far the throttle is open. On electronic throttle (drive-by-wire) systems, two or more sensors cross-check each other. The control module has detected a fault in the circuit itself, such as an open circuit, a short, or a signal outside the electrical limits it expects.

CodeP0220
SystemThrottle control
SeverityHigh
TypeGeneric powertrain

Can I keep driving? Limit driving and diagnose promptly. Continued driving can cause damage, stalling or limp mode.

Common symptoms

  • Check engine light and possibly the electronic throttle warning light
  • Reduced power / limp mode
  • Hesitation, surging or erratic idle
  • Stalling
  • Poor shift quality on automatic transmissions

Possible causes

  • Failed throttle position sensor or throttle body
  • Damaged connector, often from water or heat
  • Wiring fault in the 5 V reference, ground or signal
  • Accelerator pedal position sensor fault (on drive-by-wire)

How to diagnose P0220

  1. Check the sensor reading while slowly opening the throttle: it should rise smoothly with no dropouts.
  2. On drive-by-wire, compare both sensor signals.
  3. Check the connector and the 5 V reference.
  4. After throttle body work, perform the manufacturer's throttle relearn procedure.

What the code means, digit by digit

PPowertrain0Generic (SAE) code2Sub-system20Specific fault

Generic codes have the same definition on every OBD-II vehicle (petrol cars from model year 1996 in the US, 2001 in the EU; diesels later). Manufacturers can add their own enhanced codes; those are not listed here.

Related codes

General guidance only. Fault codes describe what the engine computer saw, not which part failed: confirm with testing before replacing parts, and follow the vehicle's service information.