P0224: The engine computer sees a signal from throttle or pedal position sensor B that does not make sense, on and off
Throttle/pedal position sensor B circuit intermittent
Severity: Inspect soon
Throttle sensor faults can cut engine power or cause stalling, so the car should be checked soon.
P0224 in short
P0224 means the engine computer found a intermittent problem in the circuit of throttle or pedal position sensor B. Damaged wiring, a worn sensor or carbon in the throttle body are the listed causes. Expect poor acceleration or rough idle, so get it checked soon.
Throttle and pedal position sensors tell the computer how far the driver is asking the throttle to open. P0224 is set when sensor B's signal does not match what the computer expects for the engine speed.
TroubleCodes.net lists damaged or corroded wiring, defective sensors, misadjusted or worn sensors, carbon blocking the throttle plate and, rarely, the computer as causes. The intermittent form means the fault comes and goes, so wiring and connectors deserve extra suspicion.
TroubleCodes.net says the code applies to drive-by-wire systems. The Delaware DMV list gives the same title.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Damaged, corroded or short-circuited wiring or connector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Listed first by TroubleCodes.net; an intermittent fault often points here.
- What would change this
- Rises if wiggling the harness or a damaged connector changes the reading. Falls if the wiring tests fine.
Cause 2: Defective or worn throttle or pedal position sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- The sensor is the source of the signal and wear makes it erratic.
- What would change this
- Rises if sensor voltage jumps or does not rise smoothly. Falls if the voltage is smooth and in range.
Cause 3: Carbon deposits or wear in the throttle body
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists carbon blocking throttle plate movement.
- What would change this
- Rises if the throttle plate is sooty or sticks. Falls if it is clean and moves freely.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Inspect the wiring and connectors, check nothing is blocking the pedal (such as a floor mat), and read other stored codes.
IfDamaged wiring or an obstruction
It meansFix it first.
Points to: Damaged, corroded or short-circuited wiring or connector
IfAll looks fine
It meansWatch the sensor output.
Step 2: Watch the sensor voltage on a scan tool while slowly pressing the pedal; it should rise smoothly with no spikes or dips.
Warning:The engine may rev or the car may move if the throttle is operated with it in gear; secure the vehicle and keep it in park.
IfVoltage jumps or drops out
It meansThe sensor or its wiring is suspect.
Points to: Defective or worn throttle or pedal position sensor
IfVoltage is smooth but the throttle is sticky or sooty
It meansClean and inspect the throttle body.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Poor acceleration or power loss
- Rough idle, hesitation or stalling
- Hard starting
How to fix
Parts and cost context
- Electronic throttle body:Carbon buildup can be cleaned; sensors that test bad are replaced. Get a quote.
- Accelerator pedal position sensor:Test sensor voltage before replacing the sensor.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
We don't have reviewed vehicle-specific evidence for P0224 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
P0224 questions
What does P0224 mean?
The engine computer found a problem in the circuit of throttle or pedal position sensor B.
Sources and review
- P0224 – Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Intermittent
- On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error