P0220 Throttle/pedal position sensor B circuit
What P0220 means
Electronic throttles use two position sensors, A and B, that check each other. The engine computer has detected a problem with the signal from sensor B. Because it can no longer cross-check throttle position, it usually limits engine power.
P0220 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Severity
- High
- Typical repair cost
- 80–500 €
- Workshop time
- 0.3–2 h
- Repair difficulty
- Medium
- DIY possible
- Yes
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- Yes
- Limp mode possible
- Yes
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Limp mode with reduced throttle response
- Hesitation or surging
- Idle too high or too low
Common causes
- Worn sensor track in the electronic throttle body
- Damaged wiring or loose connector at the throttle body or pedal
- Failed accelerator pedal position sensor
- Problem in the 5 V reference circuit
Can I keep driving with P0220?
Get it checked within a few days. Expect limp mode with weak acceleration, which can be unsafe when joining fast traffic.
What to check first
- Check the throttle body and pedal connectors for corrosion, bent pins and damaged wiring.
- Read both throttle position signals live while slowly opening the throttle; they should move smoothly and stay in step.
- Measure the 5 V reference and ground at the sensor connector.
- Replace the throttle body or pedal assembly and run the throttle adaptation procedure.
Related codes
- P0221 Throttle/pedal position sensor B range/performance
- P0222 Throttle/pedal position sensor B circuit low
- P0223 Throttle/pedal position sensor B circuit high
- P0219 Engine overspeed condition
- P0216 Injection timing control circuit
- P0215 Engine shutoff solenoid malfunction
- P0230 Fuel pump primary circuit
- P0234 Turbocharger/supercharger A overboost condition
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
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