P0220🔧 Engine management / throttle and accelerator pedal sensorsStop and fix promptly

P0220: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor B Circuit (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0220 means

The throttle position sensor on the throttle body, and on many newer cars the pedal position sensor on the accelerator pedal, tell the engine computer how far you're pressing the gas. 'B' refers to a particular sensor or circuit, and which one it is depends on your vehicle. P0220 is the general 'B' circuit code: it sets when the computer sees a fault on that circuit, such as a voltage outside its normal operating range. Its siblings P0222 and P0223 are the more specific low- and high-voltage versions. OBD-Codes.com adds that on some models the computer compares throttle movement with manifold pressure (MAP) and can set P0220 if a big throttle change doesn't bring the expected pressure change. The sources disagree on how the signal behaves: OBD-Codes.com describes a typical three-wire sensor that reads about 0.45 volts closed and rises toward 5 volts at wide open throttle, while RepairPal says the B sensor usually gives an opposite voltage to the A sensor, decreasing as the throttle opens, so the computer can cross-check the two. Which is true depends on your car, so use your service manual's values. They also word the code differently: OBD-Codes.com calls it 'Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Malfunction', while RepairPal uses 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit' and covers both the throttle and the pedal sensor. It is a generic code that can appear on any OBD-II vehicle.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Get it diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0220 Urgent and says the engine computer may limit the car to about 20 mph or less (limp home mode) because it can't tell how much power you're asking for. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating but lists poor idle, stalling after starting and misfiring among the symptoms. Avoid highway or heavy-traffic driving until it's checked, since the car may not respond normally to the gas pedal.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. Faulty throttle or pedal position sensor (both sources)
  2. Corroded sensor connectors; OBD-Codes.com also names the MAP sensor connector (both sources)
  3. Misrouted or chafed wiring (both sources)
  4. Dirty or carbon-filled throttle bore (RepairPal)
  5. Torn or jammed floor mat interfering with the pedal (RepairPal)
  6. Sticking throttle return spring (OBD-Codes.com)
  7. Faulty engine computer (PCM), less common (OBD-Codes.com)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Check that the floor mat isn't bunched up, torn or pushing on the accelerator pedal. RepairPal lists this as a cause and says pedal sensors are sometimes replaced when the mat was the real problem.
  2. Make sure the throttle opens and snaps back freely; OBD-Codes.com lists a sticking throttle return spring as a cause.
  3. Inspect the throttle, pedal and MAP sensor connectors and wiring for corrosion, chafing or loose pins. OBD-Codes.com says if wiggling the TPS harness changes the idle, suspect the sensor or its wiring.
  4. Look for heavy carbon in the throttle body and clean it following your manufacturer's procedure. RepairPal says sensors are often replaced when a dirty throttle body was the real problem.
  5. With a scan tool and the key on, engine off, watch the sensor voltage while slowly pressing the pedal. OBD-Codes.com says on a typical sensor it starts near 0.45 volts and sweeps smoothly to about 4.5 to 5 volts, and a glitch in the sweep points to a bad sensor. RepairPal notes the B sensor on many cars moves the opposite way, so check your service manual first.

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • The car is in limp mode, stalls or won't idle
  • The new sensor needs voltage adjustment or a throttle relearn and you don't have a voltmeter or capable scan tool
  • You need an oscilloscope to catch an intermittent signal glitch
  • The code returns after you've cleaned the throttle body, fixed the wiring or replaced the sensor

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P0220?

It's not a good idea. RepairPal rates it Urgent and says the car may be limited to about 20 mph in limp home mode, and OBD-Codes.com lists stalling and poor idle among the symptoms.

What's the difference between P0220, P0222 and P0223?

All three are 'B' throttle or pedal position sensor circuit codes. P0220 is the general circuit fault, P0222 means the voltage is too low and P0223 means it's too high.

Can a floor mat really cause P0220?

RepairPal lists a torn or jammed floor mat as a common cause and says pedal sensors are sometimes replaced when the mat was the real problem, so it's worth checking first.

Should the B sensor voltage go up or down when I press the gas?

It depends on the car. OBD-Codes.com describes a signal rising from about 0.45 to 5 volts, while RepairPal says the B sensor usually gives an opposite voltage to the A sensor. Check your service manual for your vehicle's specs.

How much does it cost to fix P0220?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0220. It can range from moving a floor mat or cleaning the throttle body to a new sensor, so get it diagnosed first.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0220 Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Malfunction
  2. RepairPal: P0220 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit (rated Urgent)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.