P0221 fault code: what it means

P0221: Throttle/pedal position sensor B range/performance. Engine power may be limited.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Costly if missed

Usual causes, most likely first

worn throttle body or pedal sensor
dirty throttle body
wiring or connector fault

P0221 by make

Audi

Throttle angle sensor 2 reading makes no sense. EPC light and limp mode are common.

Usual causes: wiring fault at the throttle body; faulty throttle body (J338); dirty throttle body

Mercedes-Benz

Throttle position sensor B out of range. Limp mode.

Usual causes: faulty throttle body; wiring fault

Skoda

Throttle angle sensor 2 reading makes no sense. EPC light and limp mode are common.

Usual causes: wiring fault at the throttle body; faulty throttle body (J338); dirty throttle body

Volkswagen

Throttle angle sensor 2 reading makes no sense. EPC light and limp mode are common.

Usual causes: wiring fault at the throttle body; faulty throttle body (J338); dirty throttle body

What the repair usually costs

Throttle body clean and idle relearnNZ$90–NZ$190 · A$100–A$200
Electronic throttle body replaceNZ$470–NZ$1,290 · A$440–A$1,190

Not sure what P0221 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.