P0223 code meaning
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0223 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. P0223 means the signal of sensor B is above its upper limit – GM above 4.59 V, Ford above 4.75 V – typically an open sensor ground, a signal shorted to 5 V or battery voltage, or an open signal wire on a pulled-up input. Both detect it within about a second and switch the warning light on in the first trip. The module carries on with sensor A, limits throttle opening and power and switches off cruise control.
P0223 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 P0223
- Check engine light and throttle warning light
- Reduced power, limp mode
- Poor throttle response, jerking
- Cruise control disabled
Common causes of P0223
- Most likelySensor ground open
- Most likelySensor B or throttle body faulty
- PossibleSignal shorted to 5 V or 12 V in the harness
- 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 P0223 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). |
| 23 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0223 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 P0223
What does P0223 mean?
P0223 means "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit High". 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 P0223?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0223 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0223 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0223 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 P0223 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 P0223 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.