This page will cover these three distinct codes:
Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
These codes all indicate an issue with one of the throttle or pedal position sensors. If you’re receiving a P0222 code, then it means the voltage output is too low; the P0223 code means the voltage output is too high; the P0224 code means the voltage output is in some way intermittent, whether sometimes too high and sometimes too low or sometimes accurate and sometimes too high or low.
More About the P0222, P0223, and P0224 Codes
The electronic throttle control system is complex, and these codes all indicate issues with one of the sensors that runs the system. The way these sensors work is that there are two throttle position sensors or switches on the throttle body, as well as two pedal position sensors or switches on the accelerator pedal. When you press the pedal more firmly, it opens the throttle wider, giving the engine more power more quickly.
The most common symptom of these codes is simply a lack of engine power or no acceleration, no matter how hard you press the accelerator pedal. You may experience hesitation within the engine when you speed up, hard starts for the engine, or even the vehicle completely stuck in limp mode, where it shuts down various vehicle components until you fix the problem. You should also see the check engine light illuminate.
Issues with the throttle or pedal position sensor or switch are common causes of this code. Wiring and connections may also be faulty, whether corroded or simply not providing an effective connection. One of the most common causes, however, is that the throttle body may be clogged, which would mean that the throttle plate and the seating surface may be dirty around the edge, restricting airflow through it.
By definition, the P0222, P0223, and P0224 are fairly serious because they will usually impact how you’re able to drive your vehicle. Even if it doesn’t seem like they’re impacting your vehicle’s function right now, it’s still very likely that they will in the future, and you won’t know when. Instead of just hoping that nothing negative happens, it’s best to get a fix as soon as possible.
It’s not recommended to drive if your vehicle is currently throwing a P0222, P0223, or P0224 code. These codes directly impact your ability to accelerate, which can make your vehicle less safe to drive. If you’re having any drivability issues, contact your local repair shop to see whether it’s safe to drive your vehicle to the shop location.
Diagnosis for the P0222, P0223, and P0224 codes can be difficult because there are many possible reasons for this issue. Additionally, if the problem lies within the throttle body, you need to be incredibly careful in fixing it. You can seriously damage your vehicle or even cause serious damage to your body by cleaning the vehicle improperly. Allow an expert to do this instead.
The inspection process raises many similar problems to the diagnosis problems. The throttle body is extremely strong, and if it closes when your hand or finger is inside, it could seriously injure you. Additionally, this problem tends to be deep within your engine, which means if you don’t know how to inspect the engine, you might not be able to find the source of the problem. Instead of trying to fix it yourself, it’s best to hand it over to an expert.
The throttle position sensor can be a difficult problem to fix, especially if you’re not well-versed in what a functioning version of your vehicle’s make and model looks like. This is why many people opt to have an expert handle their vehicle when it’s throwing the P0222, P0223, and P0224 codes.
First, you should find a repair shop in your area using the Kelley repair shop locator. This can be especially helpful if you’re having drivability issues; you can find a repair shop that’s actually local to your area, which can cut down on the cost if you need a tow truck.
Additionally, if you’re looking into P0222, P0223, and P0224 codes, then they probably aren’t the only codes you’re interested in checking out. Use the KBB OBD-II database to gain more knowledge about the error and diagnostic codes for your vehicle.
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.