P0228 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor C Circuit High
Moderate severityWhat it means
P0228 is stored when the engine control unit sees a fault involving throttle/pedal position sensor C. Sensor C is a third throttle or accelerator-pedal position signal that the control unit cross-checks against the other sensors in a drive-by-wire system. A “high” reading means the signal is pinned near the top of its range — often an open circuit, a lost ground, or a short to voltage.
Common symptoms
- The live reading sits abnormally high or maxed out
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Hesitation or poor throttle response
- Unstable idle
Likely causes
- Open signal or ground wire
- Signal wire shorted to a voltage supply
- A worn pedal/throttle position sensor
- A connector or wiring fault on the C circuit
What to check first
- Check for an open circuit or missing ground at the sensor connector
- Compare all pedal/throttle position signals in live data — they should track together
- Inspect the connector and wiring
Can you keep driving?
Drive-by-wire faults often force reduced power; have it checked promptly as throttle response can be unpredictable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of P0228?
The most likely cause is: Open signal or ground wire. Several other faults can set P0228 as well, so confirm the real cause with live data and the checks above before replacing any parts.
Can I just clear P0228 and keep driving?
Clearing P0228 with an OBD2 scanner turns the warning light off, but if the underlying fault has not been repaired the code will usually come back within a few drive cycles. Fix the cause first, then clear the code to confirm the repair worked.
How serious is P0228?
P0228 is a moderate-severity code. The car is often still drivable, but have it diagnosed soon — the underlying problem can get worse and it may fail an emissions test.
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