P0222 on 2013-2016 Dodge Dart 2.4L: Throttle Position Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2016 Dodge Dart

The 2.4L MultiAir 'Tigershark' engine, used in the Dart and other FCA vehicles like the Jeep Cherokee and Chrysler 200, is known for issues with its electronic throttle body. The throttle position sensors are integrated into the throttle body and are not sold as separate parts, so a sensor failure requires replacing the entire assembly. Owners frequently report that this code appears alongside P0123 ('A' Circuit High), which is a very strong indicator of a complete internal failure of the throttle body unit.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) or 'lightning bolt' light is on
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' with drastically reduced engine power
• Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Rough or unstable idle
• In some cases, a no-start or no-crank condition
• Difficulty starting the engine

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Electronic Throttle Body Assembly 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Injection Throttle Body The 2.4L MultiAir engine platform has a high rate of internal electronic failure within the throttle body assembly. The two internal sensors often fail simultaneously, causing conflicting codes like P0222 and P0123. This is the most common real-world fix reported by owners and mechanics for these symptoms on this platform.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool to monitor live data for TPS1 and TPS2. If TPS2 voltage is stuck low (e.g., <0.2V) and does not change when the accelerator is pressed, the throttle body has failed. The presence of both P0222 and P0123 codes is also a strong confirmation.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire throttle body assembly. The OEM Mopar part number is 04891970AC 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step Dodge Dart throttle body replacement (or superseded 4891970AB). After installation, perform a throttle relearn procedure.
   Est. part cost: $95-$250
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness leading to the throttle body can be susceptible to damage from heat, vibration, or chafing against other components. In other Dodge vehicles, a similar code has been traced to the accelerator pedal wiring rubbing on sharp metal under the dashboard, causing a short.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring and connector at the throttle body for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Perform a 'wiggle test' on the harness with the engine running to see if it causes the engine to stumble or the code to appear. Check the harness from the accelerator pedal for similar damage.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the connector pigtail. Clean any corrosion from the connector pins. Reroute wiring away from sharp edges.
   Est. part cost: $15-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is extremely rare and should only be considered after definitively ruling out the throttle body and wiring. A PCM failure can mimic sensor issues.
• Dirty Throttle Body: → Shop Fuel Injection Throttle Body While heavy carbon buildup can cause throttle plate movement issues, it is less likely to cause a specific circuit-low electrical code like P0222 compared to an outright electronic failure. Cleaning is a good maintenance step but is unlikely to fix this specific code.
🎬 Watch: How to clean your Dodge Dart throttle body
• Outdated PCM Software: While no TSB specifically lists P0222, TSB 18-023-16 REV. C was issued for 2013-2015 Darts with the 2.4L engine to fix numerous other erroneously-triggered DTCs via a software update. It is a worthwhile step to check with a dealer if your vehicle's software is up-to-date before replacing parts.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan the PCM for fault codes. Note if P0222 is present with other codes like P0123 or P2135, which strongly suggests throttle body failure.
2. Check with a Dodge dealer using your VIN to see if TSB 18-023-16 REV. C (for 2013-2015 models) is open for your vehicle. A PCM software update can fix many erroneous codes.
3. Visually inspect the electrical connector and wiring harness at the throttle body. Look for broken wires, corrosion, or a loose connection.
4. Using a scan tool with live data, monitor the voltage for 'Throttle Position Sensor 1' and 'Throttle Position Sensor 2'.
5. With the key on and engine off, the voltage for TPS2 will likely be stuck below 0.5V.
6. Slowly press and release the accelerator pedal. The voltage for TPS1 should change smoothly, while the voltage for TPS2 will likely remain stuck low. This confirms a failed sensor inside the throttle body.
7. If the wiring is confirmed to be good and the sensor voltage is stuck low, the throttle body assembly needs to be replaced.
8. After replacement, perform a throttle relearn procedure. This can sometimes be done by letting the vehicle idle with the A/C on for 10-15 minutes, but a scan tool may be required.
🎬 Watch: Quick tips to reset your throttle position sensor

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Electronic Throttle Body Assembly (OEM #04891970AC) — This is the most common cause of P0222 on the 2.4L MultiAir engine. The internal throttle position sensors are not serviceable separately and fail frequently, requiring the replacement of the entire unit.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Dorman, Hitachi, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $200-$300
  Aftermarket price range: $98-$180

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0123 — Throttle Position Sensor 'A' Circuit High. This code often appears with P0222. When one sensor fails low and the other fails high simultaneously, it's a definitive sign of internal throttle body failure.
• P2135 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' / 'B' Voltage Correlation. This code indicates the signals from the two sensors don't match, which is a direct result of one sensor reporting a low voltage (P0222). It confirms a fault within the throttle body assembly.
• P2172 — High Airflow/Vacuum Leak Detected. A Reddit user reported this code appearing with P0123 and P0222, pointing to a comprehensive failure of the throttle body system. This code is also addressed by a PCM software update TSB.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 18-023-16 REV. C: For 2013-2015 Darts with the 2.4L engine, this TSB involves reprogramming the PCM to fix a list of erroneously triggered codes like P2172, U0140, and P0133. While P0222 is not listed, checking for this software update is a crucial first diagnostic step for any electronic issues.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A Reddit user with a 2015 Dart 2.4L reported a no-crank/no-start condition accompanied by codes P0222 and P0123, pointing to a throttle body electrical fault as the root cause.
• Mechanic videos confirm that on the 2.4L MultiAir engine platform, the combination of codes P0123, P0222, and P2135 is a classic sign of a bad throttle body.
• A Reddit thread for a 2016 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L (a platform mate) with codes P2172, P0123, and P0222 confirmed the throttle body was the issue, and that cleaning it was only a very temporary fix.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• TPS 'B' (TPS2) Signal Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: Approx. 0.3V - 0.8V at closed throttle, sweeping smoothly to ~4.7V at wide-open throttle.. Failure: Voltage is stuck below 0.2V, and specifically under 0.16V for more than 0.7 seconds, which triggers the P0222 code.
• 5-Volt Reference at Throttle Body Connector (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: Between 4.5 and 5.2 volts.. Failure: Voltage significantly lower than 4.5V indicates a short on the shared reference circuit or a PCM fault.
• Sensor Ground at Throttle Body Connector — expected: Less than 5.0 ohms of resistance to a known good chassis ground.. Failure: High resistance indicates a poor ground connection, which can cause erratic sensor readings and trigger low voltage codes.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (or equivalent professional scanner): Throttle Body Relearn / ETC Relearn — This function is mandatory after replacing the throttle body. It commands the PCM to learn the new sensor's closed, open, and intermediate positions. Failure to perform this can result in incorrect idle speed, stalling, or continued ETC faults.
• wiTECH (or equivalent professional scanner): Clear Mis-fire TLC — According to a Chrysler TSB, this function may be required after a PCM flash. While not directly for P0222, it's part of the overall software reset procedure that can affect drivability.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Throttle Body Connector (6-Pin) — On the electronic throttle body, located on the back side of the 2.4L engine.. This is the main connection point for the integrated TPS sensors. Corrosion, pushed-out pins, or wire damage here is a primary cause of P0222. The pinout is: Pin 1: 5V Reference, Pin 2: TPS1 Signal, Pin 3: Sensor Ground, Pin 4: TPS2 Signal, Pin 5: Motor Control (+), Pin 6: Motor Control (-). A fault on Pin 4 (TPS2 Signal) or Pin 3 (Sensor Ground) is the direct cause of P0222.
• G100 / G102 — Left front of the engine compartment.. These are primary engine compartment ground points. A loose or corroded connection here can affect the PCM and its sensor readings, potentially causing erratic voltage and codes like P0222.
• Engine to Chassis Ground Strap — On the passenger side of the engine, connecting the engine to the strut tower/chassis.. A poor engine ground can create a voltage potential difference between the engine block (where sensors are grounded) and the chassis/battery negative. This can cause sensor signals to read artificially low, directly leading to a P0222 fault. A user reported this is often a rusty ribbon cable.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• r/dodgedart on Reddit (Dodge Dart, year/engine not specified) — Throttle body code appeared.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Clearing the code.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user found that the battery connections were corroded. Cleaning the battery posts and terminals with a wire brush and ensuring a tight connection resolved the issue, which was mimicking a throttle body fault.
• NHTSA ODI #11138905 — An owner reported that their check engine light came on and a diagnostic scan revealed codes P0123, P2122, P2127, P0222, and U0401. The vehicle was able to restart after the initial failure but the check engine light remained active.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 04891970AB → 04891970AC — Standard part revision and update by the manufacturer. The parts are interchangeable.
  Heads up: Parts 04891970AB and 04891970AC are functionally identical and interchangeable for the 2013-2016 Dart 2.4L.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Excessive Oil Consumption 🔴 High — Extremely common across all model years with the 2.4L engine. Can manifest as needing to add a quart of oil every 1,000-2,000 miles. Caused by alleged piston ring defects. (Ref: TSB 09-006-20 REV. B and 09-003-23 detail an oil consumption test. A class-action lawsuit was also filed over this issue.)
• Automatic Transmission Shifter Cable Bushing Failure 🔴 High — Affects all 2013-2016 Darts with automatic transmissions. The bushing on the shifter cable can detach, preventing the car from actually being in Park even when the shifter indicates it is, creating a rollaway risk. (Ref: Safety Recall V34 / NHTSA 19V-293. A second recall was issued in 2025 because the initial fix was found to be insufficient.)
• Dual Dry-Clutch (DDCT) Transmission Unreliability 🔴 High — Common on 1.4L Turbo models but a significant platform issue. Known for high failure rates, shifting problems ('gear unavailable' message), and expensive repairs. Failures can be related to the TCM or the electro-hydraulic actuator unit.
• MultiAir Actuator ('Brick') Failure 🟠 Medium — A known, expensive failure point on the 2.4L MultiAir engine, often occurring after 80,000 miles. Symptoms include cylinder misfires (e.g., P0304), rough running, and specific actuator codes. (Ref: null)
• Erroneous Check Engine Lights from PCM Software 🟡 Low — Common on 2013-2015 models. The original PCM software was overly sensitive and could trigger a variety of codes (e.g., P2172, P0133, U0140) incorrectly. (Ref: TSB 18-023-16 REV. C provides a software reflash to fix this.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: It is NOT recommended to use a junkyard or used throttle body for this repair. The electronic components inside these specific throttle bodies have an extremely high failure rate, and a used part carries a significant risk of failing again shortly after installation.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Not applicable, as used parts are not recommended.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• While not strictly OEM-only, purchasing a new Mopar throttle body is the highest-probability fix. Given the electronic sensitivity, a new OEM part removes variables.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Dorman (specifically OE FIX versions like 977-779 or 977-025 which claim to have improved internal components like Hall effect sensors and better shaft seals to prevent the common failure modes).
• Hitachi
• Standard Motor Products (SMP)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• No-name, unbranded, or suspiciously cheap throttle bodies from online marketplaces should be avoided, as their internal electronics may not meet the precise voltage tolerances required by the PCM, leading to repeat failures.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0123 — Often appears simultaneously with P0222 on the 2.4L MultiAir engine when the two internal throttle position sensors fail or provide conflicting data.
• P2135 — A companion code indicating a voltage correlation issue between Throttle Position Sensors 1 and 2, frequently seen during throttle body failure.
• P2172 — Often triggered alongside P0222 on this platform, relating to the High Airflow/Vacuum Leak detection within the throttle control system.
• U0140 — A communication code mentioned in TSB 18-023-16 REV. C that can be erroneously triggered alongside other electronic faults on 2013-2015 Darts.
• P0133 — An oxygen sensor circuit code that, like P0222-related symptoms, may be erroneously triggered and addressed by the PCM software update in TSB 18-023-16.
• P0304 — A cylinder misfire code that can occur on the 2.4L MultiAir engine, sometimes associated with the failure of the MultiAir actuator 'brick'.

Frequently Asked Questions