P0121 on Your 2022 Dodge Charger: What the PCM Found
When your 2022 Dodge Charger logs a P0121, the PCM has detected an anomaly in the throttle position sensor data. The voltage is within normal range, but the signal pattern is inconsistent with your accelerator pedal input—our detective notes that the evidence is present but doesn't tell a coherent story. The throttle body's electronic controls need investigation.
The 2022 Charger offers the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (SXT/GT), 5.7L Hemi V8 (R/T), 6.4L SRT Hemi V8 (Scat Pack), and the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat. All variants use Stellantis drive-by-wire throttle control with an integrated TPS in the throttle body. The Pentastar and Hemi engines use port fuel injection.
Symptoms to Watch For
- Check engine light on
- Hesitation during acceleration, particularly off the line
- Rough or hunting idle
- Throttle pedal momentarily unresponsive
- Engine may stumble during MDS transitions (Hemi models)
Most Likely Causes
- Carbon deposits on throttle body – Even with port injection, PCV vapors deposit carbon on the throttle plate over time. The wide-open throttle blasts that Charger owners enjoy can temporarily clean deposits but also redistribute them unevenly. Likelihood: 45%
- Throttle body assembly degradation – Internal TPS sensor or actuator motor wear. Likelihood: 25%
- Connector or wiring fault – Corroded pins or chafed wiring, especially near the exhaust manifold heat zone. Likelihood: 15%
- PCM software calibration – Stellantis has released updates for throttle response mapping on late-model LX-platform vehicles. Likelihood: 10%
- Intake air leak – Cracked intake snorkel or loose throttle body mounting bolts. Likelihood: 5%
Repair Cost Breakdown
- Throttle body cleaning: $80–$150 (shop) / $10–$20 (DIY)
- Throttle body replacement: $250–$500 parts and labor
- Wiring repair: $100–$250
- PCM reflash: $100–$180 (dealer)
Warranty & DIY Options
Your 2022 Charger may still be within Stellantis's 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty depending on mileage. The 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty should still apply. Check with your Dodge dealer first. If tackling it yourself, throttle body cleaning is straightforward on all Charger engines. After cleaning, a throttle body relearn is needed—disconnect the battery for 20–30 minutes, reconnect, turn the key to ON for 30 seconds without starting, then start and idle for 15 minutes.
How AutoDetective AI Can Help
Feed your scan results into AutoDetective's AI diagnostic tool. We'll analyze your 2022 Charger's engine variant and freeze frame data to identify the most probable cause and estimate repair costs in your area.