Second TPS too low.
P0222 — also written PO222, P 0222, 0222 — is the OBD-II code for throttle position sensor 'b' low. Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.
This code means the ECU isn't seeing enough voltage from the backup throttle sensor, usually triggering 'Limp Mode'. You'll see this constantly on Vauxhalls and VWs where the loom has rubbed through.
P0222 is a sensors fault code, typically costing £80–£500 to put right in a UK garage.
What P0222 actually feels like to drive
- The car goes into 'Limp Mode' (reduced power) and won't go over 15-20mph.
- The 'Service ESP' or 'Service Traction Control' light pops up alongside the EML.
- Sudden loss of throttle response while cruising on the dual carriageway.
- Engine won't rev past 2,000 RPM no matter how hard you bury your foot.
- A sudden, jerky 'hunting' idle that feels like the car is about to stall at traffic lights.
What causes P0222?
- Sensor failure
UK vehicles that throw P0222 most often
- Vauxhall Corsa D/E 1.2 & 1.4 A12XER/A14XER (2010-2017)
- Vauxhall Astra J/K 1.4 Turbo (2009-2018)
- Volkswagen Golf MK6/7 1.4 TSI (2009-2016)
- Ford Fiesta 1.25 Zetec (2008-2017) (Corroded pins common)
- Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi A20DTH (2008-2015)
- Audi A3 1.6/2.0 TDI (2012-2018)
How P0222 is fixed
- Throttle body service
The P0222 misdiagnosis that wastes money
I’ve seen dozens of lads rush to fit a brand new throttle body the second they see P0222, but on the Vauxhall Astra and Insignia, it’s often a waste of money. The 'low signal' usually comes from high resistance in the wiring loom or a corroded multi-plug pins rather than the sensor itself. People spend £300 on a VDO unit when all it actually needed was the pins tightened and a bit of contact cleaner. Always check the plug for 'green death' (corrosion) before condemning the hardware.
What a UK garage should charge for P0222
For a simple fix like a wiring repair or terminal cleaning, you're looking at an hour's labour, maybe £60 to £90 at a decent independent. If the throttle body is genuinely toasted, a Bosch or VDO unit will set you back £180 to £280 plus VAT, and main dealers will charge north of £500 for the same part in a different box. Tack on another £60 for the basic setting/relearn procedure using a decent scan tool like a G-Scan or Snap-On Zeus.
P0222 repair cost in the UK
Most P0222 repairs land between £80–£500 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.
Bob's tip on P0222
If a garage tells you that you need a whole new throttle body, ask them if they’ve 'scoped' the signal. A proper tech will use an oscilloscope to check the 5V reference and the sweep of the TPS 'B' sensor. If it’s flatlining, it’s the sensor; if it’s flickering, it’s a wiring break in the loom near the plug. Also, insist they use a 'Contact Stabiliser' or 'DeoxIT' on the terminals—sometimes that's all it takes to get you back through the MOT without spending a fortune.
Can you drive with P0222?
Drivable.
Urgency: medium.