P0220 code meaning
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0220 means
With electronic throttle control the throttle body carries two position sensors, A and B, usually with opposite or offset signals, and the engine module compares them (correlation code P2135). GM and Ford give the pedal sensors their own codes (P2120 ff), so B is in practice the second throttle sensor. P0220 is the general circuit fault of sensor B without telling low from high. GM uses it in a special sense on 2015–2016 V8 engines: the signal lies outside 0.25–4.59 V only in the monitoring processor while the main processor sees it as valid; this sets immediately with the warning light. Newer GM and Ford engines report sensor B faults as P0222/P0223. The module carries on with sensor A, limits throttle opening and power and switches off cruise control.
P0220 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0220
- Check engine light and throttle warning light
- Reduced power, limp mode
- Poor throttle response, jerking
- Cruise control disabled
Common causes of P0220
- Most likelyThrottle body or sensor B faulty (worn track)
- Most likelyWiring or connector at the throttle body (corrosion, break)
- Possible5 V reference disturbed (short in another sensor on the same reference)
- Less likelyEngine module input or monitoring processor faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Throttle position sensor bElectronic throttle bodySensor wiring
What each part of P0220 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 20 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0220 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0220
What does P0220 mean?
P0220 means "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit". With electronic throttle control the throttle body carries two position sensors, A and B, usually with opposite or offset signals, and the engine module compares them (correlation code P2135). It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0220?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0220 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0220 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0220 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0220 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0220 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.