P0229 code meaning
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0229 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. P0229 reports a fault of sensor C that comes and goes. Ford documents it exactly: if its digital sensor on the second throttle body reports a fault for more than 0.4 s, P0229 sets; if the fault persists beyond 4 s it becomes P0225. Both switch on the warning light and the wrench light. Typical causes are a loose contact at the second throttle body's connector or chafed wiring.
P0229 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0229
- Check engine light and wrench light (Ford)
- Brief jerking or loss of power
- Occasional limp mode
Common causes of P0229
- Most likelyLoose contact at the second throttle body connector (spread pins, corrosion)
- PossibleHarness chafing with intermittent short or open
- PossibleSensor or second throttle body with an internal intermittent fault
- Less likelyVoltage dips in the supply or ground
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 P0229 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). |
| 29 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0229 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 P0229
What does P0229 mean?
P0229 means "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit Intermittent". 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 P0229?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0229 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0229 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0229 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 P0229 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0229 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.