Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit High
The P0223 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit High. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $120 - $450 (parts and labor)
Best-selling code reader on Amazon. Reads and clears check engine codes on any 1996+ vehicle. Under $30.
Essential for diagnosing sensor codes, checking voltage, and testing circuits. Under $15 and pays for itself on the first job.
Affiliate links — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Common Symptoms
- Engine enters limp mode or reduced power mode
- Unstable or surging idle
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Throttle does not respond to pedal input
- Engine may rev unexpectedly
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Open circuit in TPS B ground wire Very High
- Short to voltage in TPS B signal circuit High
- Faulty throttle position sensor B High
- Damaged wiring harness between TPS and PCM Moderate
- Failed PCM/ECM Low
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0223 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2011-2018 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost easy DIY
TPS-B high almost always = internal throttle body failure on EcoBoost engines. The second TPS track wears out. Replace the throttle body (Motorcraft) and do the PCM relearn. Ford extended TSB coverage to 100K on some models -- check with VIN. Confirm the exact part for your year and engine with a retailer's fitment lookup or your VIN before ordering - these applications split by engine and build date.
Labor: 20-30 min2008-2015 Dodge Ram/Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L Pentastar moderate DIY
Check the 5V reference circuit to the throttle body. A shorted TPS sensor pulls the reference voltage down and can make P0222 and P0223 appear together. Backprobe pin 2 (5V ref) -- should read 4.9-5.1V key on. If low, the sensor is internally shorted.
Labor: 1 hour2007-2016 MINI Cooper S / BMW 1.6L N14/N18 moderate DIY
For MINI Cooper S / BMW engines, P0223 means the throttle body signal is sticking high. Carbon buildup on the throttle plate causes erratic return. Walnut blast the intake and clean throttle plate with CRC Throttle Body Cleaner. If code returns, replace TB. Confirm the exact part for your year and engine with a retailer's fitment lookup or your VIN before ordering - these applications split by engine and build date.
Labor: 2-3 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0223?
You can drive short distances, but the vehicle will likely be in limp mode. The engine may also rev unexpectedly, which can be dangerous. Repair as soon as possible.
What does a high TPS B circuit mean?
It means the PCM is reading a voltage from the TPS B sensor that is higher than the expected range. This is usually caused by an open ground wire or a short to voltage in the signal circuit.
Can I just clean the throttle body to fix P0223?
Cleaning alone is unlikely to fix a high circuit code. The problem is typically electrical -- a wiring fault or sensor failure rather than a mechanical restriction.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Read TPS B voltage with a scan tool -- a reading above 4.8V at closed throttle indicates a high circuit fault
-
Check continuity of the TPS B ground wire from sensor connector back to PCM
-
Inspect TPS connector for water intrusion, corrosion, or loose terminals
-
Test TPS B signal wire for shorts to the 5V reference circuit using a multimeter
-
Replace TPS or throttle body if sensor is confirmed faulty after wiring checks pass
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
P0223 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- 2008-2018 Toyota Corolla
- 2010-2019 Ford Fusion
- 2007-2016 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2012-2020 Nissan Rogue
- 2009-2017 Honda CR-V
Related Codes
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
Explore More
Was this helpful?
Send this to whoever is fixing the car — your mechanic, or the person asking what the light means.