Is it safe to drive with this code?

Many vehicles remain driveable in the short term, though performance may be erratic and the car might enter limp mode with restricted throttle opening. Prolonged driving is not advisable, as unpredictable acceleration or stalling can pose a safety risk—please see our disclaimer for further guidance.

It may affect the MOT result if the malfunction indicator lamp remains illuminated at the time of test—this is what emissions testers primarily check. For full detail on how fault codes interact with MOT requirements, please refer to our site disclaimer.

Roughly how much does it cost to fix?

Costs typically fall within the low to mid three-figure range when a sensor or connector requires replacement; if throttle body cleaning resolves the issue, you may see a low three-figure bill. More complex cases involving throttle body assembly replacement or ECU recalibration can reach the high three-figure band, especially at main dealers.

Can a dirty throttle body cause this code?

Yes, carbon deposits or contamination within the throttle body can interfere with sensor readings and trigger P0221. Cleaning the throttle body is often one of the first diagnostic steps and may resolve the fault in many cases.

Professional mechanic working in workshop

← All fault codes | Electrical & Sensors

P0221

Powertrain

Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance

The engine control unit has detected that the voltage signal from throttle position sensor circuit B falls outside the expected range for the current engine speed.

garage.co.uk

Need a garage?

Compare quotes from verified UK garages near you.

→

car.co.uk

Sell your car

We specialise in problem cars: warning lights, faults, high mileage. Fair instant offer.

→

trader.co.uk

List your car

Free private listing. Reach thousands of UK buyers, no fees.

→

ⓘ Information only. This page provides general educational information about fault code P0221. We do not assess the urgency or safety implications of any specific fault. That requires in-person diagnosis by a qualified mechanic. Full terms.

Recommended next steps

Whether a fault is urgent, drivable, or routine depends entirely on the cause on a specific vehicle, and that can only be determined by a qualified mechanic with diagnostic equipment. If a warning light is illuminated, the most reliable next step is professional diagnosis.

What does P0221 mean?

P0221 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance.

This is a standardised OBD-II code. The technical definition is the same regardless of the make or model of vehicle, although specific causes and symptoms can vary between vehicles.

About Electrical & Sensors codes

Codes in the Electrical & Sensors category.

P0221 is one of 4,010 codes in this category. Browse all Electrical & Sensors codes →

What we know about P0221 specifically

We record the SAE J2012 standardised definition and the system this code belongs to, but we have not yet published detailed driver-reported symptoms, common causes, or step-by-step diagnostic guidance for P0221.

Rather than invent that information by generating generic content from a template, we leave it out. For specific guidance, the most reliable sources are:

•your vehicle's own service manual or manufacturer-specific technical bulletins
•a qualified mechanic with a manufacturer-level diagnostic tool
•a marque specialist familiar with your make and model

Codes nearby

Codes adjacent to P0221 in the P-code series. Many fault codes appear together with their neighbours because they relate to the same circuit or component.

P021E Cylinder 11 Injection Timing

P021F Cylinder 12 Injection Timing

P0220 Throttle Position Sensor/Switch (TPS) B Circuit Malfunction

P0222 Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Low Input

P0223 Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit High Input

P0224 Throttle Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Intermittent

Other Electrical & Sensors codes

Other fault codes in the same system as P0221. The ones with detailed guides have plain-English explanations, symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

B1257

Air Temperature External Sensor Circuit Short To Ground Detailed guide

B1363

DBPT Circuit Short To Ground Detailed guide

B2100

Ignition Run/Start Input Circuit Performance Detailed guide

C2000

Steering Angle Sensor Not Calibrated Detailed guide

P0030

HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Detailed guide

P0031

Oxygen (A/F) Sensor Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 1) Detailed guide

Spotted an issue or have something to add? Mechanics, technicians, and drivers who have first-hand experience with P0221 can submit a correction or expansion. We review every submission before publishing, mechanic submissions are prioritised.

Information only, not professional advice

The information on this page is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or repair advice from a qualified mechanic. Always verify any fault before paying for repairs. carfaultcodes.co.uk accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information. Full terms →

✎

Help us improve the P0221 page

Spotted an error, missing detail, or have first-hand experience to add? Tell us, we review every submission.