P0228
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch C Circuit High
Throttle / pedal position
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0228 means the powertrain module sees an abnormally high voltage on the 'C' throttle- or accelerator-pedal-position sensor circuit. Because the module relies on this signal to judge how far the throttle is opened, a high or out-of-range reading usually forces the engine into a reduced-power or limp mode until the circuit is trusted again.
High
Can I keep driving? Often triggers reduced-power or limp mode — the car may still move but can hesitate or feel gutless, so get it looked at promptly.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced power or a limp/failsafe mode
- Hesitation or poor throttle response on acceleration
- Rough or unstable idle
Common causes
Most likely first
- Corroded, chafed, or damaged wiring in the 'C' sensor circuitLikely
- Faulty throttle or accelerator-pedal position sensor 'C'Common
- Loose or poor electrical connections at the sensor connectorCommon
- Failed engine/powertrain control module (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and inspect the sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or a short to voltage.
- Back-probe the sensor's signal and reference circuits and compare readings to spec through pedal sweep.
- Clean or repair loose connections; repair any wiring found shorted high.
- If wiring and signal check out, replace the throttle/pedal position sensor.
- Only consider the control module after wiring and sensor are confirmed good. Clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0228?+
Briefly, but the car may drop into reduced-power mode with poor throttle response, which is unsafe in traffic. Fix it before relying on the vehicle.
Can I just clear P0228?+
It will come back until the circuit fault is repaired. This is an electrical signal fault, not something clearing resolves.
Related codes
Often seen with P0228
Read & clear P0228 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX