P1223

What it means

On Ford, P1223 means the powertrain control module has seen a voltage that is too high from the circuit of accelerator pedal demand sensor B. The pedal has two position sensors so the module can cross-check driver demand, and sensor B's signal has gone above the expected range. The module normally limits engine power as a safety measure when it cannot trust the pedal signal.

Symptoms

• Engine management warning light on
• Reduced power or limp-home mode
• Engine stuck at a high idle or slow to return to idle
• Poor or delayed throttle response
• Throttle warning light or wrench symbol on some models
• Engine will not rev above a set speed

Possible causes

• Faulty accelerator pedal assembly with a failed or worn sensor B tracklikely
• Open circuit in the sensor B signal wire or short of the signal wire to the supply voltagelikely
• Open circuit in the sensor B ground return, which pulls the signal highpossible
• Corroded, loose or damaged pedal connector terminalspossible
• Short between the sensor B signal and the 5 volt reference or another powered circuitpossible
• Fault inside the powertrain control module or its software, which varies by model and enginerare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, and note any other pedal, throttle or reference voltage codes
2. Inspect the pedal connector and wiring for damage, water ingress, corrosion, bent or pushed-back pins
3. View live data for both pedal sensor signals and sweep the pedal slowly, looking for sensor B reading high, stuck or not tracking sensor A
4. Check the sensor B signal, reference and ground at the pedal connector with a multimeter against the wiring diagram for the specific model
5. Test the sensor B ground and reference circuits for voltage drop and the signal wire for an open circuit or short to voltage
6. Check for a short between the signal wire and other powered circuits by wiggling the harness while watching live data
7. If the wiring is good, test the pedal assembly by substitution or against the manufacturer's specification
8. Only after all else is ruled out, check for software updates and the module's power and ground supplies

How to fix

• Replace the accelerator pedal assembly if the sensor reading is wrong or erratic
• Repair or replace the damaged wiring, including open or shorted signal and ground circuits
• Clean or replace corroded or damaged connector terminals and secure the connector
• Correct any short to the reference or other powered circuit found in the harness
• Update or repair the module software or module only where a fault in it is confirmed, then clear the codes and road test

Can I keep driving?

This code for other makes

• P1223BMWPedal Position Sensor 2 High Input
• P1223LincolnPedal Demand Sensor B Circuit High Input
• P1223Mercedes-BenzFuel Rack Position Sensor Y2311
• P1223MercuryPedal Demand Sensor B Circuit High Input
• P1223OtherPedal Demand Sensor B Circuit High Input

Nearby codes

• P1222FordTraction Control Output Circuit Malfunction
• P1224FordThrottle Position Sensor B Out of Self-Test Range