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

What does P0222 mean?

With electronic throttle control the throttle body carries two position sensors, A and B, usually with opposite or offset signals, and the engine module compares them (correlation code P2135). GM and Ford give the pedal sensors their own codes (P2120 ff), so B is in practice the second throttle sensor. P0222 means the signal of sensor B is below its lower limit – GM about 0.25 V, Ford below 0.25 V – typically a short to ground, an open signal wire or a missing 5 V reference. Both detect it within about a second and switch the warning light on in the first trip. If the shared reference fails, several sensors report low at once. The module carries on with sensor A, limits throttle opening and power and switches off cruise control.

The code tells you which monitor failed, not which part is broken. Test before replacing parts.

Symptoms

• Check engine light and throttle warning light
• Reduced power, limp mode
• Poor throttle response, jerking
• Cruise control disabled

Common causes

• High Signal or 5 V wire open or shorted to ground
• High Throttle body or sensor B faulty internally
• Medium 5 V reference pulled down by another sensor
• Medium Connector corrosion or water ingress
• Low Engine module faulty

Likelihood is a general estimate across vehicles; your make and model may differ.