Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0222: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit Low
P0222 means the "B" throttle or accelerator pedal position sensor signal voltage is lower than the engine computer expects, often from an open or grounded circuit.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0222 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a reference voltage to the sensor and reads the signal returned. When the "B" signal stays below its normal minimum, which usually indicates an open signal wire, a lost reference, or a short to ground, P0222 sets. The voltage limits are manufacturer-specific.
Common causes of P0222
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Open or broken signal wire between the sensor and PCM
- Signal circuit shorted to ground
- Loss of 5-volt reference to the sensor
- Corroded or unplugged connector
- Failed throttle position or pedal position sensor
P0222 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Slow or no throttle response
- Possible stalling at idle
How P0222 is diagnosed
- Confirm the code and check for other low-voltage sensor codes that share a reference circuit.
- Locate the "B" sensor for the vehicle in service information.
- Inspect and reseat the connector, checking for pushed-back or corroded terminals.
- With the key on, measure reference voltage and ground at the connector.
- Check the signal wire for continuity to the PCM and for a short to ground.
Typical fixes for P0222
- Repair open or grounded wiring
- Clean or replace the connector
- Replace the pedal position sensor or throttle body
- Repair a shorted sensor on a shared reference circuit
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.
Related codes & warning lights
P0222 FAQ
What does code P0222 mean?
P0222 means the "B" throttle or accelerator pedal position sensor signal voltage is lower than the engine computer expects, often from an open or grounded circuit. The standard definition is "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit Low."
Can I drive with a P0222 code?
In most cases the vehicle will move, but often in a reduced-power mode. Avoid highway merges and heavy traffic until the fault is fixed.
Why are several sensor codes setting along with P0222?
Many sensors share the same 5-volt reference from the PCM. A short in any one of them can pull the reference down and trigger low codes on several sensors at once.
Does a new sensor need programming?
Most do not need programming, but many electronic throttle systems require an idle or throttle relearn procedure after replacement.
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.