P0222 code meaning
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0222 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. P0222 means the signal of sensor B is below its lower limit – GM about 0.25 V, Ford below 0.25 V – typically a short to ground, an open signal wire or a missing 5 V reference. Both detect it within about a second and switch the warning light on in the first trip. If the shared reference fails, several sensors report low at once. The module carries on with sensor A, limits throttle opening and power and switches off cruise control.
P0222 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 P0222
- Check engine light and throttle warning light
- Reduced power, limp mode
- Poor throttle response, jerking
- Cruise control disabled
Common causes of P0222
- Most likelySignal or 5 V wire open or shorted to ground
- Most likelyThrottle body or sensor B faulty internally
- Possible5 V reference pulled down by another sensor
- PossibleConnector corrosion or water ingress
- Less likelyEngine module 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 P0222 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). |
| 22 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0222 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 P0222
What does P0222 mean?
P0222 means "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Low". 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 P0222?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0222 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0222 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0222 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 P0222 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 P0222 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.