P0223: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor B Circuit High (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)
What P0223 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. Cars with electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle use several 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. P0223 sets when the signal voltage on that circuit stays above a programmed limit for a set time. OBD-Codes.com says this code is only used on drive-by-wire vehicles and that the sensor voltage usually runs from about 0.5 volts at closed throttle to 4.5 volts at wide open throttle. The two sources word the code a little differently: OBD-Codes.com calls it 'Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit High Input', while RepairPal uses 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit High' and covers both the throttle and the pedal sensor. They also differ on symptoms: OBD-Codes.com says the car usually goes into limp mode, while RepairPal says in many cases no abnormal symptoms are noticed. 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 P0223 Urgent and says the engine computer may limit the car to about 20 mph or less (limp home mode). OBD-Codes.com says the computer will usually enter limp mode, with acceleration severely limited or disabled, and lists a stuck throttle and stalling at idle 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)
- Limp mode with limited or no acceleration; RepairPal says speed may be capped at about 20 mph or less (both sources)
- Hesitation when accelerating (both sources)
- Stuck throttle, stalling when left to idle, or cruise control not working (OBD-Codes.com)
- Hard starting (RepairPal)
- In many cases no other symptoms at all (RepairPal)
Likely causes
Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.
- Faulty throttle or pedal position sensor (both sources)
- Open or shorted wiring between the sensors and the engine computer (OBD-Codes.com), or chafed wiring (RepairPal)
- Corroded electrical connectors (both sources)
- Faulty drive-by-wire throttle actuator motor (OBD-Codes.com)
- Heavy carbon buildup holding the throttle plate open at startup (OBD-Codes.com)
- Torn or jammed floor mat interfering with the pedal (RepairPal)
Diagnostic steps you can do
Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- 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.
- Inspect the throttle and pedal sensor wiring and connectors for breaks, chafing, corrosion or loose pins. Both sources point to wiring and connections, and RepairPal warns sensors are often replaced when the fault was a poor connection.
- Look at the throttle plate for heavy carbon buildup or damage and clean it following your manufacturer's procedure. OBD-Codes.com says carbon holding the throttle open at startup can set P0223.
- Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your vehicle; OBD-Codes.com recommends this as a first step.
- With a scan tool or multimeter and your service manual, watch the sensor signal while slowly opening the throttle. OBD-Codes.com says it usually sweeps smoothly from about 0.5 to 4.5 volts, and spikes or dropouts point to a bad sensor.
Typical fixes
- Reposition or replace a floor mat that's interfering with the pedal (RepairPal)
- Repair open, shorted, chafed or corroded wiring and connectors (both sources)
- Clean a carbon-filled throttle body (OBD-Codes.com)
- Replace the throttle or pedal position sensor once testing confirms it (both sources)
- Replace a faulty throttle actuator or throttle body; OBD-Codes.com notes some makers require the throttle body, actuator motor and all throttle position sensors to be replaced together
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 the throttle seems stuck
- Your car needs a throttle relearn after cleaning or replacing parts and you don't have a capable scan tool
- The wiring and floor mat check 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 or throttle body
Where to buy
Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.
FAQs
Can I drive with P0223?
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 says acceleration may be severely limited or disabled.
What does 'B' mean in P0223?
OBD-Codes.com says 'B' refers to a particular circuit or sensor. Drive-by-wire cars use more than one throttle or pedal position signal, so check your service manual to see which one is 'B' on your vehicle.
Can a floor mat really cause P0223?
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.
What's the difference between P0223 and P0222?
Both are 'B' circuit throttle or pedal position sensor codes. P0222 means the voltage is too low and P0223 means it's too high.
How much does it cost to fix P0223?
Neither source gives a repair cost for P0223. It can range from moving a floor mat or fixing a connector 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.