P0222 on 2017-2025 Jeep Compass 2.4L: Throttle Position Sensor 'B' Circuit Low Fixes

What's Unique About the 2017-2025 Jeep Compass

The 2.4L MultiAir engine, used across many Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles, features an electronic throttle body where the throttle position sensors are built-in. This means you cannot replace just the faulty sensor; the entire throttle body assembly must be replaced. While wiring issues can occur, a failure of the sensor electronics inside the throttle body assembly is the most frequent cause for this code on this platform. This issue is common enough that numerous owners across platforms like the Chrysler 200 and Jeep Renegade report the same failure mode.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) warning light (a red lightning bolt symbol) may be illuminated
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' with drastically reduced engine power
• Poor, hesitant, or jerky acceleration
• Accelerator pedal feels unresponsive or vehicle only idles
• Rough or unstable idle
• Engine may stall, especially at low speeds
• Difficulty starting the engine or a no-start condition
• In some cases, a newly installed (but faulty) throttle body's butterfly valve may be heard vibrating or buzzing with the ignition on.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Throttle Body Assembly 🔴 High Probability The throttle position sensor is integrated into the throttle body assembly and is not serviced separately. Internal electronic failure of this non-contact sensor is the most common point of failure for this code. This is a well-documented issue across multiple vehicles using the 2.4L Tigershark engine.
   How to confirm: Using a scan tool with live data, monitor the voltage for Throttle Position Sensor 1 and Sensor 2. As you slowly press the accelerator (with the key on, engine off), both voltages should rise smoothly. If Sensor 2 ('B' circuit) voltage is stuck low (typically under 0.5V) or doesn't respond, and the wiring is confirmed to be good, the throttle body is faulty. Visually, you can remove the intake boot and have a helper turn the key on; the throttle plate should cycle or move. If it doesn't move or just buzzes, it has likely failed.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire throttle body assembly and perform a throttle relearn procedure. 🎬 Watch: How to perform a throttle body calibration relearn.
   Est. part cost: $150-$550
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness leading to the throttle body is subject to engine vibration and heat. On similar Jeep platforms, harness chafing against brackets or other components is a known issue that can lead to shorts or open circuits.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and the connector at the throttle body for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose-fitting pins. Pay close attention to the red locking tab on the connector, ensuring it is fully seated. Check for continuity and shorts to ground on the signal wire between the throttle body connector and the PCM.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the connector. Apply dielectric grease to the connector to prevent future moisture intrusion.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
3. Dirty Throttle Body ⚪ Low Probability Carbon and oil vapor from the PCV system can build up inside the throttle body, restricting the movement of the throttle plate. While this can cause issues, it's less likely to cause a specific 'circuit low' code than an outright electronic failure.
   How to confirm: Remove the air intake hose from the throttle body and inspect the throttle bore and plate for significant carbon buildup. A sticking plate can cause the sensor to report an inaccurate position.
   Typical fix: Clean the throttle body bore and plate thoroughly with a dedicated throttle body cleaner and a soft brush. Do not force the plate open with your fingers. A relearn procedure is often necessary after cleaning.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15

Rare But Worth Checking

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failure: A faulty PCM is rare, but it can fail to correctly process the signal from the TPS. A recall (U87 / NHTSA 18V-524) was issued for some 2018 Compass models due to a faulty voltage regulator chip in the PCM that could cause stalling. This should be considered only after all other possibilities are exhausted and wiring has been proven to be good.
• Low Battery Voltage: Modern Jeep electronics are sensitive to battery voltage. A weak or failing main or auxiliary battery can cause modules to receive insufficient power, leading to a variety of communication and sensor circuit codes, including those related to the throttle body.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner and confirm P0222 is the primary code. Note any other codes present, especially P0122, P0123, or P2135.
2. With the key on and engine off, use the scanner's live data function to observe the voltage of both TPS circuits ('A' and 'B', or '1' and '2').
3. Slowly depress the accelerator pedal and watch the voltage readings. Both should rise smoothly from about 0.5V to 4.5V. If the 'B' circuit voltage is stuck low, intermittent, or doesn't change, a problem is confirmed.
4. Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the electrical connector at the throttle body. Inspect the connector and pins for corrosion, damage, or moisture. Ensure the red locking tab is secure and fully engaged.
5. Inspect the visible portion of the wiring harness for any signs of chafing, melting, or breaks, particularly where it might rub against engine components or brackets.
6. If the wiring and connector appear fine, the most likely cause is a failed sensor within the throttle body assembly.
7. As a final check before replacement, you can test the wiring between the PCM and the throttle body connector for continuity and shorts, but this requires a vehicle-specific wiring diagram and is a more advanced step.
8. After replacing the throttle body, perform a throttle relearn procedure.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Electronic Throttle Body Assembly (OEM #4891970AD) — This is the most common fix because the throttle position sensor (TPS) that triggers code P0222 is integrated into this assembly and cannot be replaced individually.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, Dorman, Cardone
  OEM price range: $350-$550
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$300

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0122 — This code is for 'Throttle Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Low'. Seeing both P0122 and P0222 together strongly suggests a common point of failure, such as the throttle body connector, a shared power/ground wire, or the entire throttle body assembly itself.
• P2135 — This code indicates a 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A/B Voltage Correlation' error. The PCM is seeing a disagreement between the two sensor signals that is outside of the expected range, which often happens when one sensor fails and sets a code like P0222.
• P0123 — This is for 'Throttle Position Sensor 'A' Circuit High'. Seeing opposite codes like P0222 (B low) and P0123 (A high) simultaneously is a strong indicator of an internal throttle body electronic failure.
🎬 Watch how to diagnose these common multi-code throttle failures.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Customer Satisfaction Notification W84: Affects some 2017 models, involves a PCM/TCM software update to address issues like oil consumption and potential stalling.
• TSB 08-033-18: While this TSB is for a Jeep Renegade/Compass in the European market for a different issue, it involves a PCM software update related to throttle body control, indicating that software updates are a common fix for drivability issues on this platform.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Safety Recall U87 / NHTSA 18V-524 was issued for some 2018 Jeep Compass models with the 2.4L engine for a faulty PCM which could cause stalling. While not a direct cause of P0222, a failing PCM is a rare possibility.
• Known oil consumption issues on the 2.4L Tigershark engine can lead to various performance problems and codes. While not a direct cause of P0222, it's a related platform issue that can cause other drivability symptoms.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Throttle Position Sensor 'B' (TPS2) Signal Voltage — expected: Should rise smoothly from ~0.5V (throttle closed) to ~4.5V (throttle wide open).. Failure: Voltage is stuck below the minimum threshold, typically < 0.5V or < 0.3125V, and does not change when the accelerator pedal is pressed.
• 5-Volt Reference from PCM to Throttle Body — expected: Steady 5.0 volts.. Failure: Voltage is significantly lower than 5.0V or is absent, indicating a wiring or PCM issue.
• Sensor Ground at Throttle Body Connector — expected: Near 0V, with good continuity to chassis ground.. Failure: Voltage is present on the ground wire, or there is high resistance to ground, indicating a bad ground circuit.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (OEM Dealer Tool): Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Learn — Required after replacing the throttle body assembly to calibrate the new part's closed, open, and limp-home positions with the PCM.
• High-End Aftermarket (e.g., Autel, Launch): Throttle Body Relearn / ETC Relearn — Used after cleaning or replacing the throttle body to reset adaptations and prevent idle or performance issues.
• High-End Aftermarket (e.g., Autel, Launch): Throttle Actuator Test — To command the throttle plate to open and close, verifying if the internal motor is physically responding. If it fails to move but wiring is confirmed good, the throttle body is faulty.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Throttle Body Connector — On the electronic throttle body itself, at the front of the engine, connected to the air intake duct.. This 6-pin connector is the primary interface for all power, ground, and signal wires for both throttle position sensors and the throttle motor. A loose connection, corrosion, or damaged pins here are a common cause of circuit codes like P0222.
• PCM Connector C2 (Pins 65, 66, 67) — At the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), typically located in the engine bay near the firewall or battery.. For a 2017 Compass 2.0L/2.4L, specific pins on the C2 connector are for the TPS. Pin 67 is the 5-volt supply, Pin 66 is the sensor ground, and Pin 65 is the TPS return signal. Testing at these pins can isolate a wiring fault from a throttle body failure.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube video by a professional mechanic (2014 Jeep Compass) — ETC (lightning bolt) light flashing, check engine light on, no throttle response, engine would only idle, clicking/slipping gear sound from throttle body.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis confirmed accelerator pedal signals were being received by the PCM, but the throttle blade position was not changing.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The throttle body was replaced. Initially, the new throttle body's butterfly valve was stuck and set a 'cannot close' code. The mechanic manually pushed it to free it up, cleared codes, performed a throttle relearn, and all warning lights went out, restoring function.
• NHTSA ODI #11474190 — An owner reported that their check engine light came on and the vehicle had to be towed; a diagnostic check revealed four codes including P0123, P0222, P2111, and U0420, all indicating a failure within the throttle system.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 4891970AB → 4891970AC — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
• 4891970AC → 4891970AD — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: 4891970AD is the current, correct OEM part for the specified vehicle range. Using older stock (AB/AC) is not recommended.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used throttle body from a junkyard can be a cost-effective option if on a tight budget, but it is a significant gamble. The failure mode is electronic, which is not visible. Only consider this if the donor vehicle is low-mileage and you can verify it was running without this specific code.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 50000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Check for a clean throttle bore with minimal carbon buildup.
• Ensure the electrical connector pins are straight and free of corrosion.
• Manually (gently) check if the spring-loaded throttle plate moves smoothly and returns to its closed position without binding.
• Ask for the VIN of the donor car to check for any reported issues or its service history if possible.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Bosch (often the OEM supplier)
• Mopar (OEM)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• No-name, unbranded parts from online marketplaces have a higher reported failure rate. Some Dorman OE FIX models feature upgraded contactless sensors which may offer better longevity.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0122 — Throttle Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Low. This is the companion code to P0222, indicating a failure in the primary TPS circuit instead of the secondary ('B') circuit. They often point to the same root cause: a failed throttle body assembly.
• P0123 — Throttle Position Sensor 'A' Circuit High. This code indicates the primary sensor circuit has a high voltage reading, the opposite of P0122. It can appear with P0222 if the internal electronics of the throttle body fail erratically.
• P2135 — Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A'/'B' Voltage Correlation. This code is set when the PCM detects that the readings from the two internal throttle position sensors do not agree. A P0222 fault (one sensor stuck low) is a direct cause for a P2135 correlation error.
• P0223 — Throttle Position Sensor 'B' Circuit High. This is the direct counterpart to P0222, indicating the secondary sensor circuit is reading too high instead of too low. Both codes point to a failure within the same integrated sensor.
• U0401 — Invalid Data Received From ECM/PCM. This communication code can be set on related platforms like the Dodge Dart when the throttle body fails. The erratic throttle position data from the PCM is seen as invalid by other modules, such as the transmission controller.

Frequently Asked Questions