OBD2 Error Code P0220: How to Fix It

Medium 1-2 hours High Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
P0220
Brand
OBD2
Product Type
automotive
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
1-2 hours
OBD2 error code P0220 indicates a malfunction in the throttle position sensor B circuit, which monitors your accelerator pedal position and throttle body angle. This sensor is critical for proper engine performance and fuel delivery. When it fails, you may experience poor acceleration, rough idling, or reduced fuel economy.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code P0220

  1. Scan for Additional Codes

    Always turn off the engine and engage the parking brake before connecting diagnostic equipment.
  2. Inspect Throttle Position Sensor Wiring

    Disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on electrical components to prevent short circuits.
  3. Clean Electrical Connections

  4. Test Sensor Voltage

    Be careful not to short circuit any pins while testing with the multimeter.
  5. Clean Throttle Body

    Do not force the throttle plate open manually on electronic throttle bodies, as this can damage the motor.
  6. Replace Throttle Position Sensor

    Some sensors require calibration after installation - consult your vehicle's service manual for specific procedures.
  7. Perform Throttle Relearn Procedure

Parts You May Need

Throttle position sensor
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Electrical contact cleaner
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Throttle body cleaner
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Dielectric grease
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Throttle position sensor
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Electrical contact cleaner
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Throttle body cleaner
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Dielectric grease
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Throttle position sensor
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Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle position sensor
Check Price on Amazon
Electrical contact cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Throttle body cleaner
Check Price on Amazon
Dielectric grease
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Call a professional mechanic if you're uncomfortable working with electrical systems, if the throttle body is integrated with other engine management components, or if the error persists after replacing the sensor and checking all wiring. Also seek professional help if your vehicle requires specialized calibration procedures that can't be performed with a basic OBD2 scanner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with error code P0220?
While you may be able to drive short distances, P0220 can cause unpredictable acceleration, reduced power, and poor fuel economy. It's recommended to address this issue promptly as it affects vehicle safety and performance.
What's the difference between throttle position sensor A and B?
Most modern vehicles have dual throttle position sensors for redundancy. Sensor A is typically the primary sensor, while sensor B provides backup readings. The PCM compares both signals to detect malfunctions.
How much does it cost to fix P0220?
DIY repairs typically cost $50-150 for a replacement sensor. Professional repair costs range from $200-400 including labor, depending on vehicle make and accessibility of the throttle body.
Will cleaning the throttle body fix P0220?
Sometimes yes, if carbon buildup is interfering with sensor operation. However, P0220 usually indicates an electrical circuit problem that requires sensor replacement or wiring repair.
How often should throttle position sensors be replaced?
Throttle position sensors typically last 100,000+ miles under normal conditions. They don't require regular replacement but should be inspected if you experience acceleration issues or check engine lights.