OBD codes / P0223
P0223
ModerateThrottle/Pedal Position Sensor B Circuit High
Usually drivable to a shop, but expect limited power if the car is in limp mode, and throttle behavior can be unpredictable while the fault is active. Treat merging and left turns across traffic with extra caution and get it fixed soon.
What this code means
P0223 means the signal from throttle/pedal position sensor B is stuck at the high end of its voltage range — higher than any real throttle position could produce. Where its sibling P0222 is the signal pinned low, P0223 is the signal pinned high, which usually points to a short to voltage, a broken ground for the sensor, or an internal sensor failure. Because sensor B is one half of a redundant pair, the computer immediately sees it disagreeing with sensor A and typically limits engine power for safety. On most modern cars sensor B is built into the electronic throttle body or the accelerator pedal assembly, so the fix is often a connector/wiring repair or replacement of that assembly. It's an electrical fault, so symptoms can be intermittent — flickering with vibration, moisture, or temperature.
Symptoms you might notice
- Reduced-power or 'limp' mode
- Poor, delayed, or erratic throttle response
- High or unstable idle
- Stalling in some cases
- Check-engine light, sometimes intermittent
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $50–$600 · about ~0.3–1.5 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring / connector repair | $10–$120 | ~0.5–1.5 hrs |
| Throttle position sensor (where separately replaceable) | $40–$200 | ~0.3–1 hrs |
| Electronic throttle body (sensors integrated) | $150–$500 | ~0.5–1.5 hrs |
A 'circuit high' code is often a wiring or ground problem rather than the sensor itself, so a careful electrical check can save the cost of a throttle body. If the sensor is separately replaceable (mostly older designs), the part is cheap.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0223 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
What does 'circuit high' mean on P0223?
The voltage from sensor B is stuck near the top of its range — a reading no real throttle position would produce. That usually means a short to voltage, a lost sensor ground, or an internally failed sensor, rather than a mechanical throttle problem.
How is P0223 different from P0221 or P0222?
All three involve sensor B. P0221 means the signal is present but implausible (range/performance), P0222 means it's stuck low, and P0223 means it's stuck high. Stuck-high faults point most strongly at wiring shorts or a broken ground.
Why does a sensor code cut my engine power?
On drive-by-wire cars the computer controls the throttle based on these sensors. When one reads impossibly high, the computer can't trust its throttle data, so it restricts power on purpose to prevent unintended acceleration.
Can P0223 come and go?
Yes — electrical faults like chafed insulation or a corroded ground often appear with vibration, heat, or moisture and then clear. An intermittent P0223 still deserves diagnosis, because it can strand you in limp mode at a bad moment.
Seeing P0223 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0223 for my vehicleRelated trouble codes
Don’t have a scanner yet? A ~$25 Bluetooth adapter reads codes like P0223 from your phone — see our honest guide to the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters.
Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.