P0220 - THROTTLE/PEDAL POSITION SENSOR/SWITCH CIRCUIT "B" MALFUNCTION

The TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) is a potentiometer located above the throttle body. Its function is to detect the angle of the throttle lever. As this lever moves, the sensor sends a signal to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

This sensor has three wires, a 5-volt reference signal, a ground wire from the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) to the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) and a return signal from the TPS to the PCM.  The sensor returns the throttle position information to the powertrain control module via this same signal cable. When the throttle is closed the signal approaches 0.45 volts. In WOT (Wide Open Throttle) the voltage of the TPS signal approaches 5 volts in total. When the PowerTrain Control Module (PCM) observes a voltage that is out of the expected range, the fault code P0220 OBD2 is established.

• The Check Engine light comes on.
• You may have trouble starting the engine.
• Idle quality can be poor.
• The vehicle may start and stop.

The problems that can lead to the establishment of the code P0220 OBD II can be:

• Retention of the accelerator return spring.
• A bad electrical connection of the MAP sensor or the
• Belt may be in bad position and cause chafing.
• The TPS sensor may be defective.

Before a diagnostic code P0220 you can do the following:

• If you have access to a scanning tool and the engine key is turned off, you should observe the sensor voltage. Remember that with the throttle closed the voltage should be approximately 0.45 volts, then it should gradually rise by approximately 4.5 to 5 volts as you press the throttle.
• In case the voltage is not 0.45 volts with the throttle closed, you should unplug the sensor connector and with your tool check the reference voltage of 5 volts present in the connector, as well as a good ground.
• Likewise, you can check the continuity of the signal circuit of the ground if the reading of the TPS shows 0, in that case you must change the sensor.
• If the reading does not change to 0, you must verify that the circuit does not have a short in the signal cable.
• You can replace the TPS