Can I drive with P0222?

Only gently and only to a workshop. Most cars go into limp mode with this code, capping power, and some hold a fixed idle. If the other throttle sensor also fails, the engine may do little more than idle, so do not plan any long or fast trips.

Does P0222 mean I need a new throttle body?

Often, but not always. Check the connector and the wiring first, and check whether other sensors also report low voltage, because a shared 5 V reference shorted somewhere else gives the same code. If the supply and wiring test good, the sensor inside the throttle body has failed, and on most cars it is only sold as part of the throttle body.

What is the difference between P0122 and P0222?

Both are low-voltage faults, P0122 on throttle position sensor "A" and P0222 on sensor "B". When both are stored together, look first at what the two sensors share, such as the 5 V reference, the ground and the throttle body connector.

How much does it cost to fix P0222?

Cleaning and reseating the connector costs nothing to 50 euros and a wiring repair 70 to 220 euros, mostly fault-finding time. A new electronic throttle body costs 150 to 600 euros fitted, plus 30 to 80 euros where the adaptation needs diagnostic software.

P0222: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit Low

Quick Answer

Not safe to drive

P0222 means the voltage on the signal wire of throttle position sensor "B" has dropped below the lowest value the circuit should ever produce. That is an electrical fault, usually a signal wire shorted to ground, a lost 5 V reference or a failed sensor, not a problem with how the engine is running. On most drive-by-wire cars sensor "B" is the second position sensor inside the electronic throttle body, and with one of its two signals gone the engine computer normally limits power.

Severity: Moderate · Electrical

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What does P0222 mean?

P0222 is a electrical-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0222 and illuminates the check engine light.

Where it is on the car

Air filter box
Mass airflow sensor (MAF)
Throttle body and throttle position sensor
Intake manifold and MAP sensor
Engine (cylinder head)

What are the symptoms of P0222?

If your vehicle has triggered P0222, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

EPC light (on Volkswagen group cars) or check engine light on, often with a reduced power message
Reduced power or limp mode, sometimes with a raised, fixed idle
Slow or weak response to the accelerator
Stalling or a hunting idle when coming to a stop
P0122 or P2135 stored alongside on some cars

What causes P0222?

Here are the most common causes of P0222:

Signal or reference wire chafed through and shorted to ground
: high
Failed sensor inside the electronic throttle body
: high
Corroded, wet or pushed-back pins at the throttle body connector
: medium
5 V reference pulled down by a fault in another sensor that shares it
: medium
Accelerator pedal sensor fault, on makes where sensor "B" is in the pedal
: low
Engine computer fault (rare)
: low

Is it safe to drive with P0222?

No - address this immediately. Not safe for normal driving. With one throttle sensor signal lost, most cars switch to limp mode with power capped and sometimes a fixed idle, and if the second sensor also drops out the engine may do little more than idle. Drive gently and directly to a workshop, avoiding motorways and overtaking.

How do you diagnose P0222?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0222:

Read all stored codes and the freeze frame. If other sensors report low-input codes at the same time, a shared 5 V reference shorted to ground is the likely cause rather than the throttle body. A generic OBD2 reader shows the codes, the freeze frame and, where the engine computer reports them, the standard throttle position and accelerator pedal position readings.
With the ignition on and the engine off, check the sensor "B" reading. A value stuck at or near zero confirms the low input.
Unplug the throttle body connector and inspect the pins for corrosion, water and damage.
With the connector unplugged and the ignition on, measure the 5 V reference on the harness side. If it is missing, unplug the other sensors on the same reference one by one; if it comes back, that sensor is dragging the supply down. If it stays missing, trace the wiring back to the engine computer.
If the reference and ground are good, check the signal wire for a short to ground. With the wiring good, replace the throttle body, as the sensor is built into it on most cars.
After fitting a new throttle body or pedal, run the throttle adaptation. On some makes it is a key-on and idle procedure; on others it needs manufacturer-level software, which a generic OBD2 reader cannot run. Clear the code and road-test.

How much does P0222 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0222 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Clean and reseat throttle body connector	€0–€10	€0–€40	€0–€50	Easy
Repair throttle body wiring or connector	€10–€40	€60–€180	€70–€220	Moderate
Replace electronic throttle body	€120–€450	€30–€150	€150–€600	Moderate
Throttle adaptation with diagnostic software (where required)	€0–€0	€30–€80	€30–€80	Professional

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

These codes are often seen alongside P0222 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0222

What does P0222 mean?: P0222 means the signal from throttle position sensor "B" is too low, below what the circuit can normally produce. It is an electrical fault: usually a wire shorted to ground, a missing 5 V reference or a failed sensor. On most drive-by-wire cars sensor "B" is the second sensor inside the electronic throttle body.
Can I drive with P0222?: Only gently and only to a workshop. Most cars go into limp mode with this code, capping power, and some hold a fixed idle. If the other throttle sensor also fails, the engine may do little more than idle, so do not plan any long or fast trips.
Does P0222 mean I need a new throttle body?: Often, but not always. Check the connector and the wiring first, and check whether other sensors also report low voltage, because a shared 5 V reference shorted somewhere else gives the same code. If the supply and wiring test good, the sensor inside the throttle body has failed, and on most cars it is only sold as part of the throttle body.
What is the difference between P0122 and P0222?: Both are low-voltage faults, P0122 on throttle position sensor "A" and P0222 on sensor "B". When both are stored together, look first at what the two sensors share, such as the 5 V reference, the ground and the throttle body connector.
How much does it cost to fix P0222?: Cleaning and reseating the connector costs nothing to 50 euros and a wiring repair 70 to 220 euros, mostly fault-finding time. A new electronic throttle body costs 150 to 600 euros fitted, plus 30 to 80 euros where the adaptation needs diagnostic software.

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