EngineLightCodes
Powertrain code

P0222 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Low

Severity
Fix soon
Typical repair cost
$90–$660
Do it yourself
Possible, medium
Shop time
0.5–2 hours

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. P0222 means the signal of sensor B is below its lower limit – GM about 0.25 V, Ford below 0.25 V – typically a short to ground, an open signal wire or a missing 5 V reference. Both detect it within about a second and switch the warning light on in the first trip. If the shared reference fails, several sensors report low at once. 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

  1. Signal or 5 V wire open or shorted to ground Most likely
  2. Throttle body or sensor B faulty internally Most likely
  3. 5 V reference pulled down by another sensor Possible
  4. Connector corrosion or water ingress Possible
  5. Engine module faulty Less likely

How to diagnose P0222

  1. 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.
  2. Inspect the parts involved: throttle position sensor b, electronic throttle body, sensor wiring.
  3. Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
  4. 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)
22
Specific fault

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with code P0222?

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 P0222?

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 P0222 myself?

Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.

Often reported together

Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0222. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.

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.