P0221: Throttle or pedal position sensor B range or performance problem

What P0221 means

The two sensors should always move in step. Here sensor B is giving values that do not match sensor A or what is expected, even though the signal is present. On cars with an electronic throttle, both the throttle body and the accelerator pedal carry two position sensors that cross-check each other for safety. Whether sensor B belongs to the throttle or the pedal is up to each manufacturer.

Most common causes

• Poor contact or moisture in the sensor connector
• Worn sensor B with dead spots along its travel
• Dirty or carboned up throttle body that does not move smoothly
• High resistance in the wiring due to corrosion
• Faulty throttle body or pedal needing the whole unit replaced

Symptoms

• Engine or throttle warning light on
• Limp mode with reduced power
• Car does not respond properly to the accelerator
• Rough or slightly high idle

Can you drive with P0221?

With care You can drive with care, but the car often goes into limp mode with little power and may respond poorly to the throttle. Get it to a garage soon.

How to check it

With the ignition on and the engine off, press the accelerator very slowly while watching both position signals live. If one moves in steps or drifts away from the other at some point in its travel, the sensor is worn.

How to read and clear P0221 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0221 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

• P0217 Engine overheating
• P0218 Transmission overheating
• P0219 Engine overspeed condition
• P0220 Throttle or pedal position sensor B circuit malfunction
• P0222 Throttle or pedal position sensor B circuit low
• P0223 Throttle or pedal position sensor B circuit high
• P0230 Fuel pump primary circuit malfunction
• P0231 Fuel pump secondary circuit low
• P0200 Injector circuit malfunction
• P0201 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 1
• P0202 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 2
• P0203 Injector circuit malfunction, cylinder 3

P0221 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Audi, BMW, Fiat, Mazda, Peugeot, Volkswagen. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.