P0225🔧 Throttle position and accelerator pedal sensorsStop and fix promptly

P0225: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor C Circuit (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0225 means

The throttle position sensor (TPS) is mounted on the throttle body and reports how far the throttle blade is open. OBD-Codes.com describes it as a potentiometer, usually with three wires: a 5 volt reference from the powertrain control module (PCM), a ground, and a signal wire back to the PCM. With the throttle closed the signal is near 0.45 volts, and at wide open throttle it approaches 5 volts. When the PCM sees a voltage outside the normal operating range on circuit 'C', P0225 sets. OBD-Codes.com adds that on some models the PCM compares throttle position with manifold pressure (MAP), and can set P0225 if a big throttle change isn't matched by the expected pressure change. RepairPal's definition is wider: it covers both the TPS on the throttle body and the pedal position sensor in the accelerator pedal assembly, and says the PCM sets P0225 when it detects a problem with either sensor or its circuit. Which sensor counts as 'C' depends on the vehicle, so check its service information. Searches for this code mention Mazda, Mitsubishi (including the Pajero) and Renault.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Fix it soon and drive carefully. RepairPal rates P0225 'Urgent' and says the engine computer may limit the vehicle to 20 mph or less in limp home mode. OBD-Codes.com lists misfires, poor or no idle, and stalling right after starting, all of which can make the car unsafe in traffic.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

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

  1. Bad throttle position sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
  2. Problem with the pedal position sensor in the accelerator pedal assembly, or with either sensor's circuit (RepairPal)
  3. Corrosion in the MAP or TPS connector (OBD-Codes.com)
  4. Misrouted wiring harness that has chafed (OBD-Codes.com)
  5. Sticking throttle return spring (OBD-Codes.com)
  6. Bad PCM (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 for technical service bulletins for your year, make and model first, since the issue may be known with a known fix.
  2. Look over the wiring and connectors at the throttle body, the MAP sensor and the accelerator pedal for chafing, a harness rubbing on the engine, loose pins or corrosion.
  3. With the engine off, check that the throttle opens and snaps closed smoothly. OBD-Codes.com lists a sticking throttle return spring as a cause.
  4. If you have a scan tool, watch the TPS reading with the key on and engine off while slowly pressing the pedal. OBD-Codes.com says it should start near 0.45 V and sweep smoothly up to about 4.5 to 5 V; a jump or dropout in the sweep points to the sensor.
  5. If the car goes into limp mode or stalls, have it diagnosed before driving it in traffic.

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

  • OBD-Codes.com's test: with the key on and engine off, the closed-throttle TPS reading should be about 0.45 V (give or take roughly 0.3 V) and should rise gradually to about 4.5 to 5 V. Sometimes only an oscilloscope will catch an intermittent glitch; if there is a glitch in the sweep, replace the TPS.
  • If the reading is wrong or stuck, unplug the TPS and check for the 5 V reference and a good ground with the key on. Then jump a fused wire between the connector's ground and signal terminals: if the scan tool now reads zero, OBD-Codes.com says replace the TPS; if not, look for an open or short on the signal wire and, if none is found, suspect the PCM.
  • If moving the TPS wiring harness changes the idle, OBD-Codes.com says to suspect a bad TPS.
  • On drive-by-wire vehicles, RepairPal's description also includes the accelerator pedal position sensor, so confirm in the service information which sensor is 'C' before buying parts.
  • The sources differ in focus: OBD-Codes.com describes a classic three-wire throttle position sensor and gives no severity rating, while RepairPal treats P0225 as a throttle or pedal sensor fault, rates it 'Urgent' and warns of limp home mode at 20 mph or less.

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 P0225?

It isn't a good idea. RepairPal rates it 'Urgent' and says the car may be held to 20 mph or less in limp home mode, and OBD-Codes.com lists misfires and stalling after starting.

What is the difference between P0225 and P0227 or P0228?

All three are about throttle or pedal position sensor circuit 'C'. P0225 is the general circuit fault, meaning the signal is outside its normal range. P0227 means the signal voltage is too low and P0228 means it is too high.

Is P0225 always a bad throttle position sensor?

No. OBD-Codes.com also lists corroded connectors, chafed wiring, a sticking throttle return spring and, rarely, the PCM, and RepairPal includes the accelerator pedal sensor. Test the circuit before replacing parts.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0225 Throttle Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit Malfunction
  2. RepairPal: P0225 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit (rated Urgent)

Last reviewed 2026-10-26. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.