P0221: How to Diagnose & Fix — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance
5 vehicles · 4 makes · $100-$900 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0221: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford Transit Connect · 2014–2021
Owners report sudden reduced power, poor throttle response, and limp-home behavior due to electronic throttle body contamination/wear or throttle actuator control faults. The issue can be intermittent and may clear after a key cycle, then recur, which is a common pattern in NHTSA complaints and owner reports. It often sets throttle/ETC-related DTCs and can be triggered by carbon buildup or failing throttle position sensing.
Common Symptoms
- Reduced engine power message/limp mode
- Poor throttle response or no acceleration
- Stalling or near-stalling at idle
- Intermittent issue resolved by key cycle
- Check engine light on
How to Fix
Confirm DTCs and perform throttle body inspection/cleaning if contamination is present; if faults persist, replace the throttle body assembly and perform the required idle/throttle relearn procedure. Inspect related wiring/connectors and verify PCM updates if applicable.
Sources for this issue (1)
Volvo C70 · 1999–2005
This is the same ETM failure as on the S70/V70/S80/S60 Volvos of the same era (the first-gen C70 shares the P80 platform with the 850/S70). The first-generation C70 (1999-2005) is most susceptible.
Common Symptoms
- Reduced power mode
- Stalling
- Check engine light
How to Fix
Confirm ETM failure by scanning for throttle-related DTCs such as P0121, P0221, P2135, or limp-home faults, then use live data to verify erratic throttle angle signals and inspect the ETM connector and wiring before condemning the unit. On 1999-2001 C70 models, the usual fix is replacement of the original Magneti Marelli electronic throttle module with the updated Volvo unit or a professionally rebuilt contactless-sensor ETM, followed by a software download and throttle adaptation with Volvo's dealer diagnostic tool (VIDA/DiCE). Clean the throttle bore only if carbon buildup is minor; cleaning will not repair worn internal position sensors. Typical repair cost is about $700-$1,400 depending on whether a new OEM ETM, rebuilt unit, and dealer software reload are required.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- XeMODeX VO.1020 pre-programmed contactless Volvo electronic throttle module
replace a scan-data-confirmed internal ETM sensor failure with a VIN-preprogrammed contactless unit Fitment/availability: 1999-2004 Volvo C70 Turbo ME7 electronic-throttle branch; VIN and original module information are required for pre-…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (4)
Volvo V70 · 1999–2002
The drive-by-wire throttle body contacts wear internally. 1999-2002 V70s (late P80 and early P2) are most affected.
Common Symptoms
- Reduced power mode
- Stalling
- Check engine light
- Intermittent throttle response
How to Fix
Confirm ETM failure by scanning for throttle-related Volvo/OBD-II codes such as ECM-91A7, ECM-91B7, P0121, P0221, or limp-home faults, then compare live throttle angle and pedal position data for erratic readings. On 1999-2002 V70 models with the Magneti Marelli electronic throttle, the proper repair is replacement with the updated contactless ETM or a professionally rebuilt unit, followed by software download/ETM adaptation using VIDA/DiCE or dealer-level programming. Also inspect and clean the throttle connector and check for wiring or vacuum issues before condemning the unit. Typical total cost is about $500-$900 for a rebuilt/upgraded ETM installed, or roughly $900-$1,400 with a new unit and dealer software/labor.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- XeMODeX VO.1020.36001822.00.24 pre-programmed contactless Volvo ETM
replace a diagnosed failed ETM with a pre-programmed contactless unit and return the original core Fitment/availability: 1999-2001 Volvo V70 turbo or 1999-2002 V70 non-turbo with a matching Magneti Marelli ETM/reference number and VIN-co…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (2)
Cadillac CTS · 2008–2011
Chevrolet Impala · 2006–2016
Find P0221 by make
Browse every documented model and issue for your make.
P0221 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0221 mean?
P0221 stands for "Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance." This code means the second throttle or accelerator pedal position sensor (circuit B) is sending a signal that is out of the expected range or does not track properly with the other sensor. Modern drive-by-wire systems use redundant sensors, and the computer compares them for agreement. When sensor B's voltage is implausible or inconsistent, this code sets. It can cause hesitation, surging, reduced power, or a forced limp mode for safety.
What are the most common causes of P0221?
The most common causes of P0221 are: Faulty throttle position sensor (sensor B), Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor, Dirty or worn throttle body, Wiring or connector problems (corrosion, chafing), Poor ground or reference voltage to the sensor, Intermittent open or short in the signal circuit, Faulty PCM/ECM (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0221?
Repair costs for P0221 range from $100 to $900, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0221?
Au7o has documented P0221 across 5 vehicle models from 4 manufacturers: Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Volvo.
Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.