Fault Code Severity and Symptoms
The severity of this code can range from moderate to severe depending on the specific malfunction. Symptoms of a P2176 fault code may include:
- Engine fails to start
- Little or no throttle response
- Check engine light illuminated
- ABS light illuminated
- Automatic transmission won’t shift
- Additional codes present
What are the common repairs?
- Replacement or cleaning of throttle actuator motor
- Cleaning connector corrosion
- Repairing or replacing wiring
- Flashing or replacing PCM
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
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 for this code is to perform a PCM scan to identify other fault codes. This code is an informational code and in most cases functions to alert the driver that the PCM has initiated a fail-safe mode due to a malfunction or failure in a system not directly related to the throttle actuator.
If other codes are identified, you should check TSBs related to the specific vehicle and that code. If no TSB has been issued, you should follow the specific troubleshooting steps for that code to identify the source of the malfunction that the PCM is detecting to put the engine in fail-safe or limp mode.
Once all other codes have been cleared or if no other codes are detected, if the throttle actuator code still exists, both the PCM and throttle actuator need to be evaluated. All wiring and connections should be visually inspected for obvious defects as a starting point.
A strong possibility for this code is that the idle calibration procedure needs to be reapplied to the vehicle using an advanced scan tool.
Common Mistake
Replacing the throttle actuator or PCM when other malfunctions are setting this code.
Rare Repair
Replacing the throttle actuator control
I hope the information in this article has been helpful in pointing you in the right direction to fix the issue with your throttle actuator system force code. This article is strictly informational and specific vehicle technical data and service bulletins should always take priority.