Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0223: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit High
P0223 means the "B" throttle or accelerator pedal position signal voltage is higher than normal, typically from a short to voltage, a lost ground, or a failed sensor.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0223 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) expects the "B" signal to stay within a defined voltage window. If the signal stays above the upper limit, as happens when the ground opens or the signal wire touches a voltage source, P0223 sets. Exact voltage windows depend on the manufacturer.
Common causes of P0223
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Open sensor ground circuit
- Signal wire shorted to the reference or battery voltage
- Failed throttle position or pedal position sensor
- Water intrusion or corrosion in the connector
- Damaged harness near the throttle body or pedal
P0223 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- High or unstable idle
- Hesitation or poor acceleration
How P0223 is diagnosed
- Record freeze frame data and check for companion throttle and pedal codes.
- Inspect the connector and harness for corrosion, moisture, and chafing.
- Verify the sensor ground with a voltage-drop test under key-on conditions.
- Check the signal circuit for a short to voltage with the sensor unplugged.
- Watch the live signal while sweeping the pedal to see if it stays pinned high.
Typical fixes for P0223
- Repair the open ground or shorted signal wire
- Clean and seal a corroded connector
- Replace the pedal position sensor or throttle body
- Perform a throttle relearn after repairs
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
P0223 FAQ
What does code P0223 mean?
P0223 means the "B" throttle or accelerator pedal position signal voltage is higher than normal, typically from a short to voltage, a lost ground, or a failed sensor. The standard definition is "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit High."
Can I drive with a P0223 code?
The engine may run, but reduced-power mode is common and throttle response can be unpredictable. Drive only as needed and have it repaired soon.
Can a car wash or rain trigger P0223?
It can if water reaches a damaged connector and creates a short. A code that appears after wet weather points toward wiring or connector issues rather than the sensor itself.
Should the A and B sensors read the same voltage?
Not necessarily. Many designs use opposite slopes or offset voltages so the computer can tell them apart; check service information for the expected relationship.
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.