Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0220: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit
P0220 means the engine computer found an electrical problem in the "B" throttle position or accelerator pedal position sensor circuit, so it cannot fully trust throttle or pedal input.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0220 sets
Electronic throttle systems use two or more position signals so the powertrain control module (PCM) can cross-check them. P0220 sets when the "B" signal is missing, out of its expected electrical range, or behaving abnormally. Whether "B" refers to the throttle body sensor or the accelerator pedal sensor depends on the manufacturer.
Common causes of P0220
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Faulty throttle position sensor (TPS) or accelerator pedal position sensor
- Damaged, corroded, or loose connector at the throttle body or pedal
- Open or shorted wiring in the sensor signal, reference, or ground circuit
- Failed electronic throttle body assembly
- Shared 5-volt reference circuit shorted by another sensor
- Rarely, a PCM fault
P0220 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power or limp mode warning
- Poor or delayed throttle response
- Rough or high idle
- Hesitation or stalling
How P0220 is diagnosed
- Record freeze frame data and check for related throttle or pedal codes such as P2135.
- Identify which component the "B" sensor is on this vehicle using service information.
- Inspect the connector and harness for corrosion, bent pins, or chafing.
- Watch both sensor signals on a scan tool while slowly moving the pedal or throttle; look for dropouts.
- Check the 5-volt reference, ground, and signal circuits with a multimeter.
- Replace the sensor or assembly only after wiring checks pass.
Typical fixes for P0220
- Repair or clean the sensor connector and wiring
- Replace the accelerator pedal position sensor or pedal assembly
- Replace the electronic throttle body
- Perform the throttle relearn procedure after repairs if required
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Manufacturer notes
On many drive-by-wire vehicles the "B" signal is part of a sealed pedal or throttle body assembly that is replaced as a unit. Definitions can vary by manufacturer; check factory service information.
Related codes & warning lights
P0220 FAQ
What does code P0220 mean?
P0220 means the engine computer found an electrical problem in the "B" throttle position or accelerator pedal position sensor circuit, so it cannot fully trust throttle or pedal input. The standard definition is "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit."
Can I drive with a P0220 code?
Limited driving is usually possible, but many vehicles go into a reduced-power mode with a slow throttle response. Drive cautiously and avoid situations that need quick acceleration until it is repaired.
Is P0220 a throttle body or gas pedal problem?
It can be either. Manufacturers assign the "B" sensor differently, so check factory service information for the vehicle before buying parts.
Why is the car stuck in limp mode?
When one throttle signal is unreliable, the computer limits throttle opening as a safety measure so the vehicle cannot accelerate unexpectedly.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.