Faulty throttle position sensor (both sources). Wiring problem, such as a sensor circuit shorted to ground or another wire, or an open (both sources). Lost 5 volt reference to the sensor (OBD-Codes.com). Throttle position sensor not mounted securely, or not adjusted after replacement (OBD-Codes.com). Accelerator pedal position (APP) assembly failure (RepairPal). Damaged or failed PCM (both sources).

Repair chafed, shorted or open wiring and corroded connectors. Secure or properly adjust the throttle position sensor. Replace a faulty throttle position sensor. Replace the accelerator pedal position sensor / pedal assembly. Repair or replace the PCM only after other causes are ruled out.

P0227🔧 Drive-by-wire throttle and accelerator pedal sensorsStop and fix promptly

P0227: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor C Circuit Low (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P0227 mean?

P0227 means the engine computer saw a voltage that is too low on throttle position or accelerator pedal position sensor circuit 'C'. OBD-Codes.com says the usual causes are a faulty or loose sensor, a short to ground in its wiring or a lost 5 volt reference; RepairPal adds the pedal assembly and the PCM and warns of limp mode. The powertrain control module (PCM) reads throttle position sensors (TPS) on the throttle body and, on drive-by-wire vehicles, pedal position sensors in the accelerator pedal assembly. These sensors are fed a 5 volt reference and send back a signal voltage that changes with throttle or pedal position. OBD-Codes.com says P0227 sets when the sensor reports too low a voltage; on some vehicles the lower limit is about 0.17 to 0.20 volts, and a signal below that can come from an open or a short to ground in the signal circuit or a lost 5 volt reference. RepairPal describes the same sensors and says the PCM sets P0227 when it detects a problem with the sensor or its circuit, and may limit speed to protect the engine and driver. Which sensor counts as 'C' depends on the vehicle, so check its service information. Searches for this code mention Infiniti, Chevy, Ford Ranger, Isuzu, Ford, VW and Nissan.

Q: Can I keep driving with P0227?

Stop and fix promptly. Fix it now. RepairPal rates P0227 'Urgent' and says the engine computer may limit the vehicle to about 20 mph in limp home mode. OBD-Codes.com lists stalling, surging and little or no acceleration, so it may not be safe to drive in traffic.

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

What P0227 means

The powertrain control module (PCM) reads throttle position sensors (TPS) on the throttle body and, on drive-by-wire vehicles, pedal position sensors in the accelerator pedal assembly. These sensors are fed a 5 volt reference and send back a signal voltage that changes with throttle or pedal position. OBD-Codes.com says P0227 sets when the sensor reports too low a voltage; on some vehicles the lower limit is about 0.17 to 0.20 volts, and a signal below that can come from an open or a short to ground in the signal circuit or a lost 5 volt reference. RepairPal describes the same sensors and says the PCM sets P0227 when it detects a problem with the sensor or its circuit, and may limit speed to protect the engine and driver. Which sensor counts as 'C' depends on the vehicle, so check its service information. Searches for this code mention Infiniti, Chevy, Ford Ranger, Isuzu, Ford, VW and Nissan.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

Fix it now. RepairPal rates P0227 'Urgent' and says the engine computer may limit the vehicle to about 20 mph in limp home mode. OBD-Codes.com lists stalling, surging and little or no acceleration, so it may not be safe to drive in traffic.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on
Limp home mode with decreased engine performance; RepairPal says speed may be limited to 20 mph or less (RepairPal)
Little or no acceleration (OBD-Codes.com)
Rough or low idle (OBD-Codes.com)
Stalling (OBD-Codes.com)
Surging (OBD-Codes.com)
Increased fuel consumption (RepairPal)

Likely causes

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

Faulty throttle position sensor (both sources)
Wiring problem, such as a sensor circuit shorted to ground or another wire, or an open (both sources)
Lost 5 volt reference to the sensor (OBD-Codes.com)
Throttle position sensor not mounted securely, or not adjusted after replacement (OBD-Codes.com)
Accelerator pedal position (APP) assembly failure (RepairPal)
Damaged or failed PCM (both sources)

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.

Check for technical service bulletins for your year, make and model first, since the issue may be known with a known fix.
Carefully inspect the throttle position sensor, its connector and wiring for breaks, chafing or wires rubbing on metal, and make sure the sensor is mounted securely.
If the sensor was recently replaced, check whether your vehicle's installation instructions require it to be aligned or adjusted; OBD-Codes.com says some do.
Read and write down all stored codes and freeze frame data, clear them and test drive to see if P0227 returns. OBD-Codes.com notes that with no symptoms the fault may be intermittent and come back.
If the car is in limp mode, surging or stalling, don't drive it in traffic; have it diagnosed.

Typical fixes

Repair chafed, shorted or open wiring and corroded connectors
Secure or properly adjust the throttle position sensor
Replace a faulty throttle position sensor
Replace the accelerator pedal position sensor / pedal assembly
Repair or replace the PCM only after other causes are ruled out

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: check the voltage at the TPS against the service manual specification. On some vehicles the PCM sets P0227 if the signal falls below about 0.17 V; check for an open or short to ground in the signal circuit and confirm the 5 V reference is present.
The sources differ in emphasis: OBD-Codes.com focuses on the throttle position sensor (mounting, adjustment, wiring, 5 V reference) and lists rough idle, stalling and surging; RepairPal also names the accelerator pedal assembly, rates the code Urgent and warns of limp 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 P0227?

It's not a good idea. RepairPal rates it 'Urgent' and says the car may be limited to 20 mph or less, and OBD-Codes.com lists stalling and surging. Get it diagnosed before driving in traffic.

Can a new throttle position sensor cause P0227?

Yes. OBD-Codes.com says some vehicles require the TPS to be aligned or adjusted when it's installed, and a loosely mounted sensor is a listed cause.

What is the difference between P0227 and P0228?

Both are for throttle/pedal position sensor 'C'. P0227 means the circuit voltage is too low and P0228 means it is too high, per RepairPal's code list.

Sources

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