P0221 Code - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit Range/Performance Problem
Quick Answer
Electric Throttle Control Actuator consists of throttle control motor, throttle position sensor (TPS), etc. Common causes include Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) harness is open or shorted, Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) circuit poor electrical connection, Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
- What it means
- P0221 indicates Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit Range/Performance Problem.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) harness is open or shorted, Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) circuit poor electrical connection, Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (TPS).
- Severity
- High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
- Can I drive?
- Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Code P0221 Description
The throttle position sensor has the two sensors. These sensors are a kind of potentiometers which transform the throttle valve position into output voltage, and emit the voltage signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM) In addition, these sensors detect the opening and closing speed of the throttle valve and feed the voltage signals to the ECM. The ECM judges the current opening angle of the throttle valve from these signals and the ECM controls the throttle control motor to make the throttle valve opening angle properly in response to driving condition.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0221?
- Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) harness is open or shorted
- Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
- Fault Electric Throttle Control Actuator (or Throttle Body Motor)
- Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor (APP)
How to Fix the DTC P0221?
Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the P0221 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.
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Information for Specific Makes
- P0221 Acura — Throttle Position Sensor 'B' Out of Range
- P0221 BMW — Throttle Valve Potentiometer 2 Plausibility To Air Mass
- P0221 Buick — Throttle Position Sensor 2 Performance
- P0221 Cadillac — Throttle Position Sensor 2 Performance
- P0221 Chevrolet — Throttle Position Sensor 2 Performance
- P0221 Chrysler — Throttle Position Sensor 2 Circuit Performance
- P0221 Ford — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit
- P0221 GMC — Throttle Position Sensor 2 Performance
- P0221 Honda — Throttle Position Sensor 'B' Out of Range
- P0221 Hyundai — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit
- P0221 Infiniti — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Problem
- P0221 KIA — TPS/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit
- P0221 Mazda — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor 'B' Circuit
- P0221 Mercedes-Benz — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit Range/Performance Problem
- P0221 MINI — Throttle Valve Potentiometer 2 Plausibility To Air Mass
- P0221 Mitsubishi — Throttle Position Sensor 2 Performance
- P0221 Nissan — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance Problem
- P0221 Volkswagen — Throttle Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions about P0221 Code
1. What does the OBDII code P0221 mean?
P0221 indicates a problem with the Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' circuit, specifically a range or performance issue where the readings are outside the expected values.
2. What are the common symptoms of code P0221?
Symptoms include poor throttle response, reduced engine power (limp mode), difficulty accelerating, stalling, and illumination of the check engine light.
3. What causes the P0221 code?
Common causes include a faulty throttle position sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, throttle body issues, or a malfunctioning ECM.
4. How can I fix code P0221?
Repairs may involve replacing the throttle position sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, cleaning or replacing the throttle body, or updating/reprogramming the ECM.
5. Is it safe to drive with a P0221 code?
Driving with a P0221 code is not recommended because throttle or pedal position issues can result in unpredictable acceleration or a sudden loss of power.
6. How do I diagnose the P0221 code?
Diagnosis typically involves using a scan tool to monitor throttle position sensor readings, visually inspecting wiring and connectors, and testing the throttle body for mechanical or electrical defects.
7. Can a dirty throttle body cause code P0221?
Yes, a dirty or clogged throttle body can affect sensor readings and lead to a P0221 code.
8. Will replacing the throttle position sensor always fix P0221?
Not always. While a faulty sensor is a common cause, the issue could also stem from wiring problems, throttle body issues, or ECM faults.
9. How much does it cost to repair code P0221?
Repair costs vary depending on the cause but can range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor, with throttle body replacements costing more.
10. Can software updates fix P0221?
In some cases, ECM software updates or reprogramming may resolve the issue if the problem is related to incorrect calibration or logic errors.
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