OBD-II Code P0220 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

P0220 means the PCM detected a problem with the throttle position sensor B circuit. Modern vehicles use two TPS signals for redundancy and safety. Sensor B is the second of the two built into the throttle body assembly. You may notice reduced power, hesitation, or the vehicle going into limp mode.

Affected Models

All 1996+ vehicles with electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire)
Common in Ford and Lincoln drive-by-wire models
Common in GM trucks and SUVs with TAC (Throttle Actuator Control)
Common in Dodge and Jeep vehicles with electronic throttle
Common in Toyota and Honda models with electronic throttle body

Common Causes

Worn or failed throttle position sensor B inside the throttle body assembly
Damaged or corroded wiring in the TPS B signal circuit
Poor connection or corrosion at the throttle body wiring harness connector
Carbon buildup on the throttle plate affecting sensor calibration
Failed throttle body assembly where the TPS is not serviceable separately

How to Fix It

Connect an OBD-II scanner and read live data for TPS A and TPS B voltage. With the ignition on and throttle closed, TPS A should read near 0.5V and TPS B should read near 4.5V (or vice versa, depending on the design). A flat or erratic reading on TPS B confirms a sensor issue.

Some scanners show this as a percentage rather than voltage. The key is that both sensors should move proportionally as you open the throttle.
Inspect the throttle body wiring harness connector for corrosion, bent pins, or loose fit. Unplug the connector and look inside both halves. Spray electrical contact cleaner on the connector and reconnect firmly.

A corroded connector is one of the most common causes of intermittent TPS codes and is easy to overlook.
Clean the throttle body if it has visible carbon buildup around the throttle plate. Use throttle body cleaner and a soft rag with the engine off. Heavy carbon deposits can affect the plate position and trigger sensor errors.

Do not spray cleaner directly into the intake while the engine is running on vehicles with a mass airflow sensor — it can damage the MAF.
Check the wiring from the throttle body connector back toward the PCM. Look for pinched, cut, or heat-damaged wires. A wiring fault on the TPS B signal wire will cause P0220 even with a perfectly good sensor.

On some vehicles the throttle body wiring runs near a hot coolant line or the exhaust manifold. Heat damage is common.
Replace the throttle body assembly if all wiring and connections check out. On most modern vehicles the TPS sensors are sealed inside the throttle body and cannot be replaced individually. Clear codes and perform a throttle body relearn procedure.

Many vehicles require a throttle body relearn after replacement. Check your service manual for the specific procedure for your vehicle.

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning the throttle body and checking connections does not clear the code, the throttle body likely needs replacement. On most modern vehicles, the TPS is integral to the throttle body and cannot be replaced separately. A shop can confirm proper throttle body operation with live data. Diagnosis typically runs $80-$130. Throttle body replacement costs $200-$600 depending on the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TPS A and TPS B?

Modern drive-by-wire throttle bodies contain two position sensors. They work in opposite directions as a safety check. When one reads high, the other reads low. The PCM compares both signals constantly. If they disagree or one falls out of range, a fault code is set.

Will P0220 put my car in limp mode?

Yes, it often will. A throttle sensor fault is a safety concern because the PCM controls the throttle electronically. If the sensor data is unreliable, the PCM limits engine power to protect you. This is called limp mode or reduced power mode.

Can I replace just the TPS sensor instead of the whole throttle body?

On older vehicles with a separate TPS bolted to the throttle shaft, yes. On modern drive-by-wire vehicles, the sensors are usually molded into the throttle body. In those cases, the whole throttle body assembly must be replaced. Check your specific vehicle — some aftermarket sensors are available for popular models.