P0227 code meaning
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0227 means
Sensor C is a third throttle or pedal position signal; its role depends on the manufacturer. Ford uses it for the sensor of the second throttle body on engines with two throttles and digital (SENT) sensors, GM does not use it. P0227 means the signal of sensor C is below its lower limit – on an analogue sensor a signal wire shorted to ground or an open signal or 5 V reference wire. The module discards sensor C and runs in limp mode with limited power. Ford reports low and high faults of its digital sensor C as U2111/U2112 instead, so no manufacturer using exactly this code was found; the description follows CARB's input monitoring requirement and the sensor A/B siblings.
P0227 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0227
- Check engine light (Ford also the wrench light)
- Limp mode with limited power
- Delayed or missing throttle response
- Rough or raised idle
Common causes of P0227
- Most likelySignal wire of sensor C shorted to ground or open (chafing, connector)
- Possible5 V reference to the sensor open or loaded
- PossibleSensor C or second throttle body faulty
- PossibleCorrosion or water in the throttle body connector
- Less likelyEngine module input 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 cElectronic throttle bodySensor wiring
What each part of P0227 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). |
| 27 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0227 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 P0227
What does P0227 mean?
P0227 means "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit Low". Sensor C is a third throttle or pedal position signal; its role depends on the manufacturer. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0227?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0227 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0227 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0227 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 P0227 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0227 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.