Engine

P0224 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor 'B' Circuit Intermittent

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0224 means

The engine control module saw the signal from throttle or accelerator pedal position sensor 'B' drop out or jump outside its expected range. The module compares several position sensor signals to control the throttle accurately, so erratic or disagreeing signals set a fault. Because it is intermittent, the problem may come and go.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Hesitation or surging when pressing the accelerator
  • Reduced power or limp mode
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Occasional stalling
  • Delayed or hard starting

Possible causes

  1. Worn or failing throttle position or accelerator pedal position sensor
  2. Corroded or loose connector at the sensor
  3. Broken, chafed or shorted wiring in the 'B' circuit
  4. Dirty or mechanically worn throttle body or pedal assembly
  5. Poor ground or unstable 5-volt reference supply
  6. Rarely, a faulty ECM or outdated software

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze frame data and note any other throttle or pedal codes
  2. Inspect the sensor and ECM connectors for corrosion, bent pins and moisture
  3. Wiggle the harness and connector with the engine running while watching live data
  4. Graph sensors 'A' and 'B' while slowly pressing the pedal and look for dropouts or spikes
  5. Test the 5-volt reference and ground at the sensor with a multimeter
  6. Check the circuit wires for opens and shorts
  7. Inspect the throttle body for dirt or sticking
  8. If everything else is fine, check for ECM software updates

Common fixes

  • Clean or repair connector terminals, or replace a damaged connector
  • Repair or replace the damaged wiring section
  • Replace the throttle position or accelerator pedal sensor
  • Clean or replace a sticking throttle body
  • Reflash or replace the ECM (rare)

Questions and answers

What does P0224 mean?

The ECM detected an intermittent signal from throttle or pedal position sensor 'B'. Connectors, wiring and the sensor itself are the usual causes.

Can I drive with code P0224?

Only carefully and for a short distance until it is diagnosed. Power can drop suddenly and the engine may stall.

Will P0224 go away on its own?

The light may turn off if the fault does not recur, but the cause remains. It is better to find the bad connection or worn sensor before it gets worse.

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.