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)
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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
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
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 CM-5260) and do the PCM relearn. Ford extended TSB coverage to 100K on some models -- check with VIN.
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 N14-N18 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.
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.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
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:
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
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