AutoCodes – Generic – P1220

P1220 Code - Series Throttle Control System Malfunction

Quick Answer

The Throttle Position (TP) Sensor is mounted on the throttle body of the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) assembly. Common causes include Faulty Throttle Position (TP) Sensor, Throttle Position (TP) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Throttle Position (TP) Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. 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
P1220 indicates Series Throttle Control System Malfunction.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Throttle Position (TP) Sensor, Throttle Position (TP) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Throttle Position (TP) Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
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.
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Code Popularity 71,652
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 14, 2019
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Code P1220 Description

The Throttle Position (TP) Sensor is mounted on the throttle body of the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) assembly. The sensor is actually 2 individual throttle position sensors within 1 housing. Two separate signal circuits, a low reference circuit, and a 5-volt reference circuit are used in order to connect the TP sensor assembly and the TAC module. The TP sensor signal voltage increases as the throttle opens. The signal circuit for TP sensor is pulled up to 5-volt reference voltage.
OBDII Code P1220 - Series Throttle Control System Malfunction - AutoCodes.com
P1220 Code - Series Throttle Control System Malfunction

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1220?

  • Faulty Throttle Position (TP) Sensor
  • Throttle Position (TP) Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Throttle Position (TP) Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1220?

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 P1220 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.

Need more information about the P1220 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1220 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1220 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1220 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1220 (Series Throttle Control System Malfunction)?

- Common symptoms include engine stalling, loss of power, rough idle, and difficulty accelerating.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1220?

- The code P1220 can be triggered by issues with the throttle position sensor, throttle body, wiring harness, or electronic control unit (ECU).

3. How serious is the OBDII code P1220?

- The code P1220 should be addressed promptly, as it can lead to drivability issues and potential safety concerns if not resolved.

4. What should I do if my vehicle shows OBDII code P1220?

- It is recommended to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair the issue to prevent further damage to the throttle control system.

5. Can I still drive my vehicle with OBDII code P1220?

- It is not advisable to drive the vehicle with code P1220, as it can result in poor performance and potential safety hazards.

6. Are there any DIY repair tips for fixing OBDII code P1220?

- DIY repair for code P1220 is not recommended due to the complexity of the throttle control system. It's best to seek professional help.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1220?

- The cost of repairing code P1220 can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, but it may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.

8. Can a faulty throttle control system cause other OBDII codes to appear?

- Yes, a malfunctioning throttle control system can trigger related codes such as P0120, P0121, P0122, and P0123.

9. Will resetting the OBDII code P1220 make it go away permanently?

- Simply resetting the code may temporarily clear the warning light, but if the underlying issue is not fixed, the code is likely to reappear.

10. How can I prevent OBDII code P1220 from occurring in the future?

- Regular maintenance, including cleaning the throttle body and ensuring proper wiring connections, can help prevent the recurrence of code P1220.

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