Faulty throttle or pedal position sensor (both sources). Damaged, corroded or chafed wiring or connections in the sensor circuit (both sources). Signal circuit shorted to ground or to another wire, or a lost 5-volt reference (OBD-Codes.com). Sensor not mounted securely, or not adjusted after replacement on vehicles that need it (OBD-Codes.com). Dirty or carbon-filled throttle body (RepairPal). Damaged engine computer (PCM), less common (OBD-Codes.com).

Repair damaged, corroded or shorted wiring and connectors (both sources). Secure or adjust the throttle position sensor if it's loose or out of alignment (OBD-Codes.com). Clean a carbon-filled throttle body (RepairPal). Replace the throttle or pedal position sensor once testing confirms it (both sources); on many newer cars the throttle sensor is built into the throttle body. Repair or replace the engine computer only after the sensor and wiring check out (OBD-Codes.com).

P0222🔧 Engine management / throttle and accelerator pedal sensorsStop and fix promptly

P0222: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor B Circuit Low (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0222 mean?

P0222 means the engine computer saw too low a voltage from the 'B' throttle or accelerator pedal position sensor circuit. It can cause stalling, rough idle, hesitation or a limp mode that caps your speed. Common causes are a faulty sensor, damaged or corroded wiring and connections, a short to ground, a loose or misadjusted sensor, and a dirty throttle body. 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. Many cars use two or more of these signals so the computer can cross-check them; 'B' refers to one particular sensor or circuit, and which one it is depends on your vehicle. P0222 sets when the voltage on that circuit drops below the expected range. OBD-Codes.com says on some vehicles that lower limit is about 0.17 to 0.20 volts and points to an open or a short to ground in the signal circuit, or a lost 5-volt reference supply. The two sources word the code a little differently: OBD-Codes.com calls it 'Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Low Input', while RepairPal uses 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Low' and covers both the throttle and the pedal sensor. It is a generic code that can appear on any OBD-II vehicle.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0222?

Stop and fix promptly. Get it diagnosed promptly. RepairPal rates P0222 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 stalling, surging and little or no acceleration among the symptoms. Avoid highway or heavy-traffic driving until it's checked, since the car may not accelerate when you need it to.

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

What P0222 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. Many cars use two or more of these signals so the computer can cross-check them; 'B' refers to one particular sensor or circuit, and which one it is depends on your vehicle. P0222 sets when the voltage on that circuit drops below the expected range. OBD-Codes.com says on some vehicles that lower limit is about 0.17 to 0.20 volts and points to an open or a short to ground in the signal circuit, or a lost 5-volt reference supply. The two sources word the code a little differently: OBD-Codes.com calls it 'Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Low Input', while RepairPal uses 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Low' 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 P0222 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 stalling, surging and little or no acceleration among the symptoms. Avoid highway or heavy-traffic driving until it's checked, since the car may not accelerate when you need it to.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (both sources)
Rough or low idle, stalling or surging (OBD-Codes.com)
Little or no acceleration, or hesitation when accelerating (both sources)
Hard starting (RepairPal)
Speed limited to about 20 mph or less in limp home mode (RepairPal)
Sometimes no other symptoms at all (RepairPal); OBD-Codes.com says a symptom-free code may be intermittent

Likely causes

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

Faulty throttle or pedal position sensor (both sources)
Damaged, corroded or chafed wiring or connections in the sensor circuit (both sources)
Signal circuit shorted to ground or to another wire, or a lost 5-volt reference (OBD-Codes.com)
Sensor not mounted securely, or not adjusted after replacement on vehicles that need it (OBD-Codes.com)
Dirty or carbon-filled throttle body (RepairPal)
Damaged 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.

Inspect the throttle position sensor, its connector and the wiring for breaks, corrosion, chafing or loose pins. Both sources stress the wiring, and RepairPal warns that sensors are often replaced when the real problem is a poor connection.
Make sure the sensor is mounted tightly. If it was recently replaced, check your service manual; OBD-Codes.com notes some vehicles require the sensor to be aligned or adjusted.
Look at the throttle body for heavy carbon buildup. RepairPal lists a dirty throttle body as a cause and a common misdiagnosis.
With a multimeter and your service manual, check the sensor's reference and signal voltages. OBD-Codes.com says a signal below about 0.17 volts on some vehicles sets the code.
If there are no symptoms, the fault may be intermittent. OBD-Codes.com suggests clearing the code but checking that the wiring isn't rubbing or grounding, since it may come back.

Typical fixes

Repair damaged, corroded or shorted wiring and connectors (both sources)
Secure or adjust the throttle position sensor if it's loose or out of alignment (OBD-Codes.com)
Clean a carbon-filled throttle body (RepairPal)
Replace the throttle or pedal position sensor once testing confirms it (both sources); on many newer cars the throttle sensor is built into the throttle body
Repair or replace the engine computer only after the sensor and wiring check out (OBD-Codes.com)

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 stuck in limp mode, stalls, or won't accelerate normally
Your car has electronic throttle control and the sensor is part of the throttle body or pedal assembly
The wiring checks out and you don't have a service manual for the voltage specs
The code returns after you've repaired 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 P0222?

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 little or no acceleration as symptoms.

What does 'B' mean in P0222?

OBD-Codes.com says 'B' refers to a particular circuit or sensor. Many cars use more than one throttle or pedal position signal, so check your service manual to see which one is 'B' on your vehicle.

Is P0222 always a bad sensor?

No. Both sources list wiring and connection problems, and RepairPal says sensors are often replaced when the real fault is chafed wiring, a poor connection or a dirty throttle body.

What's the difference between P0222 and P0122?

Both are low-voltage throttle or pedal position sensor codes. P0122 is for the 'A' circuit and P0222 is for the 'B' circuit.

How much does it cost to fix P0222?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0222. It can range from a connector or wiring repair to a new sensor or throttle body, so get it diagnosed first.

Sources

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