What P0220 means
With electronic throttle control the throttle body carries two position sensors, A and B, usually with opposite or offset signals, and the engine module compares them (correlation code P2135).
How the engine computer detects it
GM and Ford give the pedal sensors their own codes (P2120 ff), so B is in practice the second throttle sensor. P0220 is the general circuit fault of sensor B without telling low from high. GM uses it in a special sense on 2015–2016 V8 engines: the signal lies outside 0.25–4.59 V only in the monitoring processor while the main processor sees it as valid; this sets immediately with the warning light. Newer GM and Ford engines report sensor B faults as P0222/P0223. The module carries on with sensor A, limits throttle opening and power and switches off cruise control.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Check engine light and throttle warning light
- Reduced power, limp mode
- Poor throttle response, jerking
- Cruise control disabled
Common causes
- Throttle body or sensor B faulty (worn track) Most likely
- Wiring or connector at the throttle body (corrosion, break) Most likely
- 5 V reference disturbed (short in another sensor on the same reference) Possible
- Engine module input or monitoring processor faulty Less likely
How to diagnose P0220
- Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
- Inspect the parts involved: throttle position sensor b, electronic throttle body, sensor wiring.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 2
- Fuel and air metering (injector circuit)
- 20
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0220?
Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0220?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Can I fix P0220 myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.