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

What does P0223 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. P0223 means the signal of sensor B is above its upper limit – GM above 4.59 V, Ford above 4.75 V – typically an open sensor ground, a signal shorted to 5 V or battery voltage, or an open signal wire on a pulled-up input. Both detect it within about a second and switch the warning light on in the first trip. 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 Sensor ground open
• High Sensor B or throttle body faulty
• Medium Signal shorted to 5 V or 12 V in the harness
• Low Engine module faulty

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