The throttle position sensor (TPS) measures how far open the throttle valve is opened by the throttle pedal. Meanwhile, the accelerator pedal position sensor (APP) measures the position of the accelerator pedal. This information corresponds to how much the driver wants to accelerate. The TPS sends this information to the powertrain control module (PCM), where the information is used to help calculate the ideal values for several engine variables. When your vehicle’s throttle position sensor or accelerator pedal position sensor develops an issue, it can trigger the P0229 code or other related trouble codes.
The P0229 code is defined as Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor Switch “C” Circuit Intermittent. The PCM triggers this code when it detects a problem with the sensor or the sensor’s circuit.
Without information from the TPS and APP, the PCM won’t be able to accurately manage the electronic throttle body. Problems with the TPS or APP can result in the engine running much less efficiently. The PCM might also trigger limp mode, which will prevent the vehicle from running at speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour to protect the engine and driver.
Note: The definition of the P0229 code can be different depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.
These are the most common issues related to the P0229 code:
Your vehicle might exhibit the following symptoms when the P0229 code is stored:
Even though the P0229 code’s definition indicates that the TPS or APP have problems, you still need to properly diagnose the issue before performing any kind of repairs. There are several components that might cause the issue aside from the TPS or APP, such as the wiring and the PCM.
Keep in mind that vehicle designs and their respective repair procedures vary depending on the manufacturer. Diagnosing the concerned components might require special knowledge and tools.
If you aren’t familiar with vehicle repair, take your car to a mechanic for a proper diagnosis. Otherwise, you can consult online video resources to learn more about the code.
Before attempting to do any repairs, know that the repair processes for OBD-II trouble codes can vary greatly. There isn’t a magic-bullet fix for them because different vehicle models are designed differently. If you don’t have much experience troubleshooting DTCs, then we recommend leaving the task to a professional mechanic.
You can try to do the job yourself, but you need to make sure to know the vehicle-specific repair procedures before you get started. Luckily, this information is available online. Chilton repair manuals or a subscription to an online repair database like ALLDATA DIY can give you information on the correct diagnostic and repair procedure to clear diagnostic trouble codes like the P0229 code.
This code is typically logged when parts like the throttle plate and the accelerator pedal position sensor fail. It’s important to inspect these parts and replace them as needed.
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