What P0223 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. P0223 means the signal of sensor B is above its upper limit – GM above 4.59 V, Ford above 4.75 V – typically an open sensor ground, a signal shorted to 5 V or battery voltage, or an open signal wire on a pulled-up input. Both detect it within about a second and switch the warning light on in the first trip. 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
- Sensor ground open Most likely
- Sensor B or throttle body faulty Most likely
- Signal shorted to 5 V or 12 V in the harness Possible
- Engine module faulty Less likely
How to diagnose P0223
- 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)
- 23
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0223?
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 P0223?
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 P0223 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.