P0221 on Volvo
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Range/Performance
P0221 on Volvo vehicles indicates throttle/pedal position sensor/switch b circuit range/performance. Au7o has documented this code across 3 Volvo models — most commonly on C70, V40, V70. 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. Typical repair costs on Volvo range from $300 to $800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0221
- •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)
P0221 on Volvo by Model
Volvo C70(1 issue)
- Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure1999-2005
Same ETM failure as other P2 platform Volvos. The early C70 (1998-2005, first gen) is most susceptible.
Volvo V40(1 issue)
- Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure2000-2004
The S40/V40 first generation (2000-2004) uses the same problematic ETM as other Volvos of the era. Internal contact wear causes throttle position sensor errors and reduced power mode.
Volvo V70(1 issue)
- Electronic Throttle Module (ETM) Failure1999-2002
Same ETM failure as S70/S60/S80 of the era. The drive-by-wire throttle body contacts wear internally. Early P2 V70s (1999-2002) are most affected.
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View P0221 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0221 mean on Volvo?▼
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. On Volvo specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0221 on Volvo vehicles?▼
Common causes on Volvo: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0221 on a Volvo?▼
Repair costs on Volvo range from $300 to $800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Volvo models have P0221 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0221 on 3 Volvo models: C70, V40, V70.