Faulty throttle or pedal position sensor 'C' (internal wear or electrical failure); Damaged or corroded wiring in the sensor 'C' circuit (open, short, or high resistance); Loose or contaminated electrical connector at the sensor or ECM; ECM software issue or internal fault in the signal processing circuit; Mechanical binding or wear in the throttle body or accelerator pedal assembly affecting sensor movement; Water intrusion or debris in the sensor housing; Aftermarket electronic throttle controllers or improper modifications interfering with signals

DTC codes / P02xx · Fuel and air metering (injector circuits) / P0226

P0226Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'C' Circuit Range/Performance

P0226 indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected an out-of-range or performance fault in the 'C' circuit of the throttle or pedal position sensor, which is typically the third sensor track or a secondary signal path. The ECM compares this signal against expected values and other sensor inputs, and it flags the code when the voltage or correlation falls outside the acceptable range for a calibrated period.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Reduced engine power or limp mode, limiting acceleration
Hesitation or stumble during acceleration
Unresponsive or erratic throttle pedal feel
Poor fuel economy or increased emissions
In rare cases, the engine may stall or fail to start

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty throttle or pedal position sensor 'C' (internal wear or electrical failure)
Damaged or corroded wiring in the sensor 'C' circuit (open, short, or high resistance)
Loose or contaminated electrical connector at the sensor or ECM
ECM software issue or internal fault in the signal processing circuit
Mechanical binding or wear in the throttle body or accelerator pedal assembly affecting sensor movement
Water intrusion or debris in the sensor housing
Aftermarket electronic throttle controllers or improper modifications interfering with signals

How to diagnose and fix it

Use an OBD-II scanner to read live data and compare throttle and pedal position sensor voltages across all tracks to identify the faulty circuit.
Visually inspect the sensor 'C' wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, or loose pins, and repair as needed.
Perform a wiggle test on the harness while monitoring sensor data to detect intermittent faults.
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or software updates for the ECM that address sensor 'C' range/performance issues.
Test the sensor 'C' with a multimeter for resistance and voltage output through its full range of motion, replacing it if out of specification.
If the sensor and wiring are good, diagnose the ECM and its connections, looking for signal integrity issues or internal faults.
After repairs, clear the code and perform a relearn or calibration procedure if required by the manufacturer, then verify the fix with a test drive.

Don't overlook the pedal assembly

Many technicians replace the throttle body when the real problem is a worn accelerator pedal sensor 'C' track, so always compare pedal and throttle signals side by side.
A loose or corroded ground connection for the sensor circuit can cause a range/performance code without any visible damage to the sensor itself.
The code can be set by a momentary glitch that leaves no current symptoms, so intermittent faults often require data logging during a test drive to catch.
Aftermarket floor mats or pedal covers that restrict pedal travel can trigger this code by preventing the sensor from reaching expected positions.
On some vehicles, a weak battery or charging system issue can cause voltage spikes that confuse the ECM and set a false P0226.

Can I keep driving with P0226?

You can usually drive with P0226, but the vehicle may enter limp mode with reduced power, so avoid heavy acceleration and plan to have it diagnosed soon. If the engine stalls or the throttle becomes unresponsive, pull over safely and seek professional help.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.