Can I drive with P0223?

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.

Why did P0223 appear after I cleaned the throttle body?

Usually because the connector was not pushed fully home or a pin was disturbed, which breaks the circuit and makes the signal read high. Cleaner running into the sensor can also cause trouble. Reseat the plug, let any cleaner dry out and clear the code before buying parts.

What is the difference between P0222 and P0223?

Both concern throttle or pedal position sensor "B". P0222 means the voltage is too low, usually a short to ground or a missing 5 V reference. P0223 means it is too high, usually an open circuit in the ground or signal wire, an unplugged connector or a short to voltage.

How much does it cost to fix P0223?

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.

P0223: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "B" Circuit High

Quick Answer

Not safe to drive

P0223 means the voltage on the signal wire of throttle position sensor "B" has risen above the highest value the circuit should produce. That is an electrical fault, most often an open circuit in the sensor ground or signal wire, an unplugged or damaged connector, a short to voltage, or a failed sensor. 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 unusable the engine computer normally limits power.

Severity: Moderate · Electrical

Scan your own car in about 60 seconds: see whether P0223 is really what it has, how urgent it is, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android with an ELM327 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone).

Get Skanyx free

What does P0223 mean?

P0223 is a electrical-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0223 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 P0223?

If your vehicle has triggered P0223, 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
P0123 or P2135 stored alongside on some cars

What causes P0223?

Here are the most common causes of P0223:

Open circuit in the sensor ground or signal wire, often a broken wire or a loose pin
: high
Failed sensor inside the electronic throttle body
: high
Connector not fully latched, corroded or damaged, sometimes after earlier work on the intake
: medium
Signal wire shorted to a voltage supply
: 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 P0223?

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 P0223?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0223:

Read all stored codes and the freeze frame. If several sensors report high-input codes at once, a shared ground fault is a likely cause. 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 near the top of the scale confirms the high input.
Check that the throttle body connector is pushed fully home and latched, then unplug it and inspect for corrosion and damage. A connector left loose after cleaning the throttle body or replacing an intake part is a common trigger.
With the ignition on, measure the reference and ground on the harness side. A ground that does not read close to 0 V, or a signal wire carrying battery voltage, points to the wiring.
Check the signal and ground wires for continuity back to the engine computer and for a short to voltage. 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 P0223 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0223 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 P0223 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0223

What does P0223 mean?: P0223 means the signal from throttle position sensor "B" is too high, above what the circuit can normally produce. It is an electrical fault: usually an open circuit in the ground or signal wire, an unplugged connector, a short to voltage 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 P0223?: 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.
Why did P0223 appear after I cleaned the throttle body?: Usually because the connector was not pushed fully home or a pin was disturbed, which breaks the circuit and makes the signal read high. Cleaner running into the sensor can also cause trouble. Reseat the plug, let any cleaner dry out and clear the code before buying parts.
What is the difference between P0222 and P0223?: Both concern throttle or pedal position sensor "B". P0222 means the voltage is too low, usually a short to ground or a missing 5 V reference. P0223 means it is too high, usually an open circuit in the ground or signal wire, an unplugged connector or a short to voltage.
How much does it cost to fix P0223?: 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.

Read our detailed guides

Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P0223

Your car logged P0223. Skanyx reads it on a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and breaks down the likely repair so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.