Engine

P0223 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor B Circuit High Input

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0223 means

The engine computer constantly monitors the voltage signal from the throttle and accelerator pedal position sensors. The signal normally rises smoothly from a low value at closed throttle to a high value at wide open. P0223 sets when the channel B signal goes above its allowed range or disagrees with channel A. Typical triggers are a short to power, a lost ground, or a failed sensor.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Limp mode with poor pedal response
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Hesitation when pressing the accelerator
  • Occasional stalling

Possible causes

  1. Failed throttle position or accelerator pedal sensor
  2. Signal wire shorted to power
  3. Open sensor ground wire
  4. Corroded or loose connector pins
  5. Worn or dirty throttle body with built-in sensor
  6. Rarely, a faulty PCM

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and freeze frame data, noting any other throttle or pedal codes
  2. Inspect the throttle and pedal connectors and harness for corrosion, damage, or moisture
  3. Compare sensor A and B readings in live data while slowly pressing the pedal
  4. Measure the 5 V reference and ground at the sensor connector with a multimeter
  5. Test the signal wire for a short to power and for an open circuit with the connector unplugged
  6. Check that the sensor signal changes smoothly with no jumps across its full travel
  7. If wiring is good, replace the suspect sensor or assembly and run a throttle relearn
  8. Consider the PCM last, after everything else is ruled out

Common fixes

  • Replace the accelerator pedal sensor
  • Replace the throttle body assembly and perform a relearn
  • Repair the wire or replace the damaged harness
  • Clean or replace corroded connector terminals
  • Replace or reflash the PCM if confirmed faulty

Questions and answers

What does P0223 mean?

The PCM detected a voltage that is too high in the throttle or pedal position sensor B circuit. It can no longer reliably tell how far the driver is pressing the accelerator.

Can I drive with P0223?

Only a short distance to a shop, and carefully. Power may be limited and the engine can suddenly lose power.

What most often causes P0223?

Usually a failed pedal or throttle sensor, or damaged wiring and a corroded connector. Start with a connector inspection and voltage checks.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.