Code Severity and Symptoms
The severity of this code can range from moderate to severe depending on the specific malfunction. Symptoms of a P2119 fault code may include:
- Engine does not start
- Worsening poor performance
- Little or no response from the accelerator
- Engine warning light illuminated
- Smoke from the exhaust pipe
- Increased fuel consumption
Common Causes of a P2119 Code
Possible causes of this code may include:
- Faulty throttle body
- Dirty throttle plate or linkage
- Defective throttle position sensor
- Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor
- Throttle actuator control motor is defective
- Corroded or damaged connector
- Faulty or damaged wiring
- Defective PCM
Common Repairs
- Replacement of the throttle body
- Cleaning of the throttle plate and linkage
- Replacement of the throttle position sensor
- Replacement of the throttle actuator control motor
- Replacement of the accelerator pedal position sensor
- Cleaning corrosion from connectors
- Repairing or replacing wiring
- PCM replacement
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
Check TSBs
The first step in troubleshooting any malfunction is to search for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the specific vehicle by year, model, and powertrain. In some circumstances, this can save significant time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.
The second step is to locate all components associated with the throttle actuator control system. This will include the throttle body, throttle position sensor, throttle actuator control motor, PCM, and the accelerator position sensor on a simplex system. Once these components are located, a thorough visual inspection should be performed to check that all associated cables show no obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, exposed wires, burning, or melted plastic. Then, check the connectors of each component for security, corrosion, and damaged pins.
The final visual and physical inspection is the throttle plate. With the ignition off, you should be able to rotate the throttle plate by pushing on it. It should rotate to the wide-open position. If there is sludge behind the plate, it should be cleaned while accessible.
Advanced Steps
Advanced steps become very vehicle-specific and require appropriate advanced equipment to perform accurately. These procedures require a digital multimeter and the vehicle-specific technical references. Voltage requirements will be highly dependent on the specific vehicle year, model, and engine.
Circuit Checks
With the ignition switch in the off position, disconnect the electrical connector from the throttle body. Locate the 2 pins that go to the motor(s) on the throttle body. Using a digital ohmmeter set to ohms, check the resistance of the motor(s). The motor should read approximately between 2 and 25 ohms depending on the specific vehicle (consult the manufacturer’s specifications for your vehicle). If the resistance is too high or too low, the throttle body will need to be replaced. If all tests have passed up to this point, you will want to check the motor voltage signals.
If this process identifies a missing power source or ground, continuity tests may be required to check the integrity of the wiring. Continuity tests should always be performed with the power disconnected from the circuit, and normal readings should be 0 ohms of resistance unless otherwise stated in the technical data. Resistance or lack of continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that must be repaired or replaced.
I hope the information in this article has helped guide you in the right direction to correct the issue with your throttle actuator control system. This article is strictly informational, and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.