P0226: Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance
Throttle position sensor C signal is not tracking the other channels of the redundant TPS within tolerance. The ECU compares all three channels and detects rationality failure.
What P0226 means
P0226 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the fuel & air group. In plain English: the signal is within electrical limits but doesn’t make sense compared with other readings, so the part or system isn’t performing as expected.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Required
Get it fixed
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Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Reduced throttle response, possible limp mode
- Hesitation or surging
- Idle too high or too low
Common causes
- 01TPS contact agingMost likely
- 02Dirty or sticking throttle platePossible
- 03Sensor element aged beyond calibration windowLess likely
Can I drive with P0226?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a repair
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0226
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0226. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the throttle position sensor and throttle body for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: TPS contact aging; dirty or sticking throttle plate; sensor element aged beyond calibration window. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and complete a full drive cycle (cold start, idle, steady highway cruise, deceleration). The code is fixed when the related readiness monitor completes without it returning.
P0226 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Throttle position sensor
- Throttle body
P0226 FAQ
What does P0226 mean?
P0226 means “Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance”. Throttle position sensor C signal is not tracking the other channels of the redundant TPS within tolerance. The ECU compares all three channels and detects rationality failure.
Is P0226 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0226 as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P0226?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: TPS contact aging; Dirty or sticking throttle plate; Sensor element aged beyond calibration window. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0226?
Typical labor is about $65–$250 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0226 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0226 clear itself?
Once the fault is fixed, the check engine light usually goes off by itself after the system passes its self-test over several drive cycles. Clearing the code with a scan tool resets readiness monitors, so an inspection station may turn you away until a full drive cycle is completed.