P0227: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "C" Circuit Low

What P0227 means

P means powertrain (engine and transmission). The 0 marks a generic code defined by SAE, so the same number means the same thing across makes. The third character, 2, places it in the fuel and air metering, injector circuits subsystem; the last two digits identify the specific fault.

In the standard's wording this code family covers throttle position sensors and, on electronic throttle ("drive-by-wire") vehicles, accelerator pedal position sensors. Electronic throttle systems use at least two signals for each so the module can cross-check them; "A", "B" and "C" identify which signal is at fault, and the assignment is set by the manufacturer.

What “Circuit Low” means here

"Low" means the signal or control voltage fell below the minimum the module expects. On a three-wire sensor fed by a 5 V reference, typical causes are a lost 5 V reference (which can affect several sensors sharing it), a signal wire shorted to ground, or a failed sensor.

What you may notice

Symptoms depend on the vehicle and on how the module responds to the fault. Any of these can accompany P0227:

• Reduced power or a limp-home mode with limited throttle
• Hesitation or surging
• Erratic or high idle
• Harsh or delayed gear changes on automatic transmissions

Where to start diagnosing P0227

1. Identify from the vehicle's service information whether the "A/B/C" signal is on the throttle body or the pedal assembly.
2. Inspect the connector and harness at that component; flex the wiring while watching live data.
3. Sweep the throttle or pedal slowly and watch for dropouts or jumps in the position signal.
4. On electronic throttles, check the throttle body for carbon build-up that can cause position disagreement.

Clear the code only after recording freeze frame data: it shows the engine speed, load and temperature at the moment the fault set, which is often the best clue to reproducing it.

Live data to watch

These standard OBD2 values relate to P0227. Support varies by vehicle; a value your car does not report will simply be missing.

Related codes

Codes from the same throttle / pedal position sensor family. If several are stored together, the shared part — wiring, a common reference voltage, or the component itself — is the place to start.

Further reading

• It hesitates when you ask for power
• It stalls when you come to a stop

Frequently Asked Questions