P2107 Throttle Actuator Control Module Processor

Code Severity and Symptoms

The severity of this code can range from moderate to severe depending on the specific malfunction. Symptoms of a P2107 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 P2107 Code

Causes

Possible causes of this code may include:

  1. Faulty throttle body
  2. Dirty throttle plate or linkage
  3. Defective throttle position sensor
  4. Faulty accelerator pedal position sensor
  5. Throttle actuator control motor is defective
  6. Corroded or damaged connector
  7. Faulty or damaged wiring
  8. Faulty PCM
  9. Common repairs
  10. Throttle body replacement
  11. Cleaning throttle plate and linkage
  12. Throttle position sensor replacement
  13. Throttle actuator control motor replacement
  14. Accelerator pedal position sensor replacement
  15. Cleaning connector corrosion
  16. Repairing or replacing wiring
  17. 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 you significant time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction. This is particularly important if you own a Ford, as we are aware of a number of known issues with Ford and Lincoln models.

The second step is to locate all components associated with the electronic throttle control system. This will include the throttle body, throttle position sensor, throttle actuator control motor, PCM, and accelerator position sensor on a simplex system. Once these components are located, a thorough visual inspection should be performed to check that all related cables show no obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burning, or melted plastic. Then, check each component’s connectors for security, corrosion, and damaged pins.

The final visual and physical inspection is the throttle plate. With ignition off, you should be able to rotate the throttle plate by pushing on it. It should rotate to wide open position. If there is sludge buildup 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 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 manufacturer 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’ll want to check the motor voltage signals.

If this process identifies missing power source or ground, continuity tests may be required to verify wiring integrity. Continuity tests should always be performed with power disconnected from the circuit and normal readings should be 0 ohms resistance unless otherwise specified in technical data. Resistance or lack of continuity indicates faulty wiring that must be repaired or replaced.

I hope the information in this article has helped point you in the right direction to correct the issue with your electronic throttle control system. This article is strictly informational and your vehicle-specific technical data and service bulletins should always take priority.

P2108 – Throttle Actuator Control Module Performance

Code Severity and Symptoms

The severity of this code can range from moderate to severe depending on the specific malfunction. Symptoms of a P2108 fault code may include:

  • Engine does not start
  • Worsening poor performance
  • Little or no throttle response
  • Check engine light illuminated
  • Exhaust smoke
  • Increased fuel consumption

Common Causes of P2108 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
  • Defective throttle actuator control motor
  • Corroded or damaged connector
  • Faulty or damaged wiring
  • Faulty PCM
  • Common repairs
  • Throttle body replacement
  • Cleaning throttle plate and linkage
  • Throttle position sensor replacement
  • Throttle actuator control motor replacement
  • Accelerator pedal position sensor replacement
  • Cleaning connector corrosion
  • Repairing or replacing wiring
  • Replacing PCM

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 electronic throttle control system. This will include the throttle body, throttle position sensor, throttle actuator control motor, PCM, and accelerator pedal position sensor on a simplex system. Once these components are located, a thorough visual inspection should be performed to check that all associated wiring shows no obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burning, or melted plastic. Next, check each component’s connectors for security, corrosion, and damaged pins.

The final visual and physical inspection is the throttle plate. With ignition off, you should be able to rotate the throttle plate by pushing on it. It should rotate to wide open position. If there is sludge buildup 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 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 manufacturer specifications for your vehicle). If 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’ll want to check the motor voltage signals.

If this process identifies missing power source or ground, continuity tests may be required to verify wiring integrity. Continuity tests should always be performed with power disconnected from the circuit and normal readings should be 0 ohms resistance unless otherwise specified in technical data. Resistance or lack of continuity indicates faulty wiring that needs to be repaired or replaced.

I hope the information in this article has helped point you in the right direction to correct the issue with your electronic throttle control system. This article is strictly informational and your vehicle-specific technical data and service bulletins should always take priority.

P2109 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor A Minimum Stop Performance

How severe is this DTC?

A P2109 should be considered severe as it can result in the vehicle being undrivable.

What are some symptoms of the code?

Symptoms of a P2109 trouble code may include:

  • Unresponsive accelerator
  • Limited or no acceleration
  • Engine stalling at idle
  • Hesitation during acceleration
  • Inoperative cruise control

What are some common causes of the code?

Causes

of this P2109 throttle/pedal position sensor code may include:

  • Faulty TPS or PPS
  • Open or shorted circuits between TPS, PPS and PCM
  • Corroded electrical connectors
  • Defective DBW actuator motor

What are the P2109 troubleshooting steps?

Check your vehicle information source for technical service bulletins (TSB) matching the vehicle’s make, model and engine size. Symptoms and stored codes should also match. If you find a matching TSB, it will significantly assist your diagnosis.

My diagnosis for a P2109 code typically begins with a visual inspection of all cables and connectors related to the system. I would also check the throttle plate for signs of carbon buildup or damage. Excessive carbon buildup, which keeps the throttle body open at startup, can lead to a P2109 code being stored. Clean carbon from the throttle body according to manufacturer recommendations and repair or replace faulty wiring or components as needed, then retest the DBW system.

You’ll need a diagnostic scanner, digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM) and a reliable vehicle information source to accurately diagnose this code.

Next, connect the scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port and retrieve all stored trouble codes. Record them in case you need the information later in your diagnosis. Also save all associated freeze frame data. These notes may prove useful, especially if P2109 is intermittent. Now clear the codes and test drive the vehicle to see if the code resets.

If the code immediately resets, voltage spikes and inconsistencies between TPS, PPS and PCM can be detected using scanner data stream. Narrow the data stream to display only relevant data for faster response. If no spikes and/or inconsistencies are detected, use the DVOM to retrieve live data from each sensor signal wire. To retrieve live data with the DVOM, connect the positive test lead to the appropriate signal wire and the ground test lead to the ground circuit, then observe the DVOM display while operating the DBW. Look for voltage spikes when the accelerator is slowly moved from closed position to wide open throttle. Voltage typically ranges from 0.5 volts at throttle closed to 4.5 volts at wide open throttle, but consult your vehicle information source for exact specifications. If spikes or other irregularities are detected, suspect the tested sensor is faulty. An oscilloscope is also an excellent tool for testing sensor operation.

If the sensor operates as expected, disconnect all associated controllers and test individual circuits with the DVOM. System wiring diagrams and connector pinout charts can help determine which circuits to test and where to find them on the vehicle. Repair or replace system circuits as needed.

Only suspect a faulty PCM or PCM programming error after all system sensors and circuits have been verified.

Some manufacturers require the throttle body, throttle actuator motor and all throttle position sensors to be replaced as a single unit

P210A – Open Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit

Code Severity and Symptoms

The severity is generally severe due to its impact on the cooling system. Since it is typically an electrical failure, the PCM cannot fully compensate for it. Partial compensation usually means the engine has a fixed idle speed (generally around 1000 – 1200 RPM).

Symptoms of a P210A engine code may include:

  • Malfunction indicator light illuminated
  • Fixed idle speed
  • Unable to accelerate the engine

Causes

Typically, the causes for this code to set are as follows:

  1. Open in the throttle actuator circuit – likely
  2. Faulty throttle actuator – electrically failed open circuit – likely
  3. Failed PCM – unlikely

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. Your issue may be a known problem with a known fix released by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.

Next, locate the Throttle Actuator B (TA-B) on your specific vehicle. This actuator is usually found mounted on the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel wells, or against the firewall. Once located, visually inspect the connector and wiring. Look for scratches, rubbing, bare wires, burns, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connector and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connector. See if they appear burnt or have a greenish tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic-bristled brush if cleaning the terminals is necessary. Let it dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals make contact.

If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if the P210A code returns. If not, the connections were likely your issue.

For this particular code, this is the most common area of concern, just like relay/connections to relays, with actuator failure a close second.

If the code returns, we will need to test the actuator and related circuits. Typically, each throttle actuator has 2 wires. First, disconnect the wiring harness going to the throttle actuator. With a digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM), connect one meter lead to one terminal of the actuator. Connect the remaining meter lead to the other terminal of the actuator. It should not be open or shorted. Check the resistance specifications for your specific vehicle. If the actuator motor is open or shorted (infinite resistance or no resistance/0 ohms), replace the throttle actuator.

If this test passes, with a DVOM, check that you have 12V at the throttle actuator power circuit (red lead to the actuator power circuit, black lead to a good ground). With a scan tool that can activate the throttle actuator, turn on the throttle actuator. If there is no 12 volts at the actuator, repair the wiring from the PCM or relay to the actuator, or possibly a faulty PCM.

If that checks out, ensure you have a good ground at the throttle actuator. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the throttle actuator circuit ground. Using the scan tool to actuate the throttle actuator, check if the test light illuminates each time the scan tool actuates the actuator. If the test light does not illuminate, it would indicate a circuit problem. If it does light up, wiggle the wiring harness going to the actuator to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.

If all previous tests have passed and you continue to get a P210A, it would most likely indicate a faulty throttle actuator, although a defective PCM cannot be ruled out until the throttle actuator has been replaced. If in doubt, seek assistance from a qualified automotive diagnostician. PCMs need to be programmed or calibrated to the vehicle to be installed correctly.

P210B – Performance of the Actuator B Gas Control Motor Circuit Range

Code Severity and Symptoms

The severity is generally severe due to its impact on the cooling system. Since it could be an electrical or mechanical failure, the PCM cannot fully compensate for it. Partial compensation typically means the engine has a fixed idle speed (usually around 1000 – 1200 RPM).

Symptoms of a P210B engine code may include:

  • Malfunction indicator light illuminated
  • Fixed idle speed
  • Unable to accelerate the engine

Causes

Typically, the causes for this code to set are as follows:

  • Open or short circuit in the throttle actuator circuit – likely
  • Failed throttle actuator – inoperative (mechanically or electrically) – probable
  • Failed PCM – unlikely

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. Your issue might be a known problem with a known fix released by the manufacturer and could save you time and money during diagnosis.

Next, locate the Throttle Actuator B (TA-B) on your specific vehicle. This actuator is typically found mounted on the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel wells, or against the firewall. Once located, visually inspect the connector and wiring. Look for chafing, rubbing, bare wires, burns, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connector and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connector. Check if they appear burnt or have a greenish tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic-bristled brush if cleaning the terminals is necessary. Let it dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals make contact.

If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if the P210B code returns. If it does not, the connections were likely your issue.

For this particular code, this is the most common area of concern, just like relay/connections to relays, with actuator failure being a close second.

If the code returns, we will need to test the actuator and related circuits. Typically, each throttle actuator has 2 wires. First, disconnect the wiring harness going to the throttle actuator. With a digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM), connect one meter lead to one terminal of the actuator. Connect the remaining meter lead to the other terminal of the actuator. It should not be open or shorted. Check the resistance specifications for your specific vehicle. If the actuator motor is open or shorted (infinite resistance or no resistance/0 ohms), replace the throttle actuator.

If this test passes, with a DVOM, verify that you have 12V at the throttle actuator power circuit (red lead to the actuator power circuit, black lead to a good ground). With a scan tool that can activate the throttle actuator, turn on the throttle actuator. If there is no 12 volts at the actuator, repair the wiring from the PCM or relay to the actuator, or possibly a faulty PCM.

If that checks out, ensure you have a good ground at the throttle actuator. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the throttle actuator circuit ground. Using the scan tool to actuate the throttle actuator, check if the test light illuminates each time the scan tool actuates the actuator. If the test light does not illuminate, it would indicate a circuit problem. If it does light up, wiggle the wiring harness going to the actuator to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.

If all previous tests have passed and you continue to get a P210B, it would most likely indicate a failing throttle actuator, although a failing PCM cannot be ruled out until the throttle actuator has been replaced. If in doubt, seek assistance from a qualified automotive diagnostician. PCMs need to be programmed or calibrated to the vehicle to be installed correctly.

P210C – Low Throttle Actuator B Control Motor Circuit

Code Severity and Symptoms

The severity is generally severe due to its impact on the cooling system. Since it is typically an electrical failure, the PCM cannot fully compensate for it. Partial compensation usually means the engine has a fixed idle speed (generally around 1000 – 1200 RPM).

Symptoms of a P210C engine code may include:

  • Malfunction indicator light illuminated
  • Fixed idle speed
  • Unable to accelerate the engine

Causes

Typically, the causes for this code to set are as follows:

  • Open or short circuit in the throttle actuator circuit – likely
  • Failed throttle actuator – probable
  • Failed PCM – unlikely

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. Your issue may be a known problem with a known fix published by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.

Next, locate the Throttle Actuator B (TA-B) on your specific vehicle. This actuator is typically mounted on the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel wells, or against the firewall. Once located, visually inspect the connector and wiring. Look for scratches, rubbing, bare wires, burns, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connector and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connector. See if they appear burnt or have a greenish tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic-bristled brush if terminal cleaning is necessary. Let it dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals make contact.

If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if the P210C code returns. If not, the connections were likely your problem.

For this code, this is the most common area of concern, just like relay/connections to relays, with actuator failure being a close second.

If the code returns, we will need to test the actuator and related circuits. Typically, each throttle actuator has 2 wires. First, disconnect the wiring harness going to the throttle actuator. With a digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM), connect one meter lead to one terminal of the actuator. Connect the remaining meter lead to the other terminal of the actuator. It should not be open or shorted. Check the resistance specifications for your specific vehicle. If the actuator motor is open or shorted (infinite resistance or no resistance/0 ohms), replace the throttle actuator.

If this test passes, with a DVOM, verify that you have 12V at the throttle actuator power circuit (red lead to the actuator power circuit, black lead to a good ground). With a scan tool that can activate the throttle actuator, turn on the throttle actuator. If there is no 12 volts at the actuator, repair the wiring from the PCM or relay to the actuator, or possibly a faulty PCM.

If that checks out, ensure you have a good ground at the throttle actuator. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the throttle actuator circuit ground. Using the scan tool to actuate the throttle actuator, check if the test light illuminates each time the scan tool actuates the actuator. If the test light does not illuminate, it would indicate a circuit problem. If it lights up, wiggle the wiring harness going to the actuator to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.

If all previous tests have passed and you continue to get a P210C, it would most likely indicate a failing throttle actuator, although a faulty PCM cannot be ruled out until the throttle actuator has been replaced. If in doubt, seek assistance from a qualified automotive diagnostician. PCMs need to be programmed or calibrated to the vehicle to be installed correctly.

P210D – High Throttle Actuator B Control Motor Circuit

Code Severity and Symptoms

The severity is generally severe due to its impact on the cooling system. Since it is typically an electrical failure, the PCM cannot fully compensate for it. Partial compensation usually means the engine has a fixed idle speed (generally around 1000 – 1200 RPM).

Symptoms of a P210D engine code may include:

  • Malfunction indicator light illuminated
  • Fixed idle speed
  • Unable to accelerate the engine

Causes

Typically, the causes for this code to set are as follows:

  • Open in the throttle actuator circuit – likely
  • Failed throttle actuator – probable
  • Failed PCM – unlikely

Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle. Your issue may be a known problem with a known fix released by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.

Next, locate the Throttle Actuator B (TA-B) on your specific vehicle. This actuator is typically mounted on the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel wells, or against the firewall. Once located, visually inspect the connector and wiring. Look for scratches, rubbing, bare wires, burns, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connector and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connector. See if they appear burnt or have a greenish tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic-bristled brush if cleaning the terminals is necessary. Let it dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals make contact.

If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if the P210D code returns. If not, the connections were likely your problem.

For this code, this is the most common area of concern, just like relay/connections to relays, with actuator failure a close second.

If the code returns, we will need to test the actuator and related circuits. Typically, each throttle actuator has 2 wires. First, disconnect the wiring harness going to the throttle actuator. With a digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM), connect one meter lead to one terminal of the actuator. Connect the remaining meter lead to the other terminal of the actuator. It should not be open or shorted. Check the resistance specifications for your specific vehicle. If the actuator motor is open or shorted (infinite resistance or no resistance/0 ohms), replace the throttle actuator.

If this test passes, with a DVOM, check that you have 12V at the throttle actuator power circuit (red lead to the actuator power circuit, black lead to a good ground). With a scan tool that can activate the throttle actuator, turn on the throttle actuator. If there is no 12 volts at the actuator, repair the wiring from the PCM or relay to the actuator, or possibly a faulty PCM.

If that checks out, ensure you have a good ground at the throttle actuator. Connect a test light to the positive 12V battery (red terminal) and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit going to the throttle actuator circuit ground. Using the scan tool to actuate the throttle actuator, check if the test light illuminates each time the scan tool actuates the actuator. If the test light does not illuminate, it would indicate a circuit problem. If it does light up, wiggle the wiring harness going to the actuator to see if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.

If all previous tests have passed and you continue to get a P210D, it would most likely indicate a failing throttle actuator, although a faulty PCM cannot be ruled out until the throttle actuator has been replaced. If in doubt, seek assistance from a qualified automotive diagnostician. PCMs need to be programmed or calibrated to the vehicle to be installed correctly.

P210E Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch C / F Voltage Correlation

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P210E code can range from stalling when you stop, complete lack of power, no acceleration, sudden loss of power at cruising speeds, or a throttle stuck at the current RPM. Additionally, the check engine light will illuminate and the code will be set.

Potential Causes of P210E DTC

From my experience, the wiring connector or “pigtail” on the throttle body causes issues in the form of a poor connection. The female terminals on the pigtail corrode or pull out of the connector.

  • Possible bare wire on a pigtail shorting to ground.
  • The upper cover of the throttle body is warped, preventing the gears from turning properly.
  • The electronic throttle body is faulty.
  • The accelerator pedal sensor or its wiring has failed.
  • The engine management computer has failed.

The TPS sensors did not correlate for a few seconds and the computer needs to go through its relearn phase to restore active throttle body response, or the computer needs to be reprogrammed at the dealership.

Diagnostic Steps / Repair

A few points about the electronic throttle control. This system is incredibly sensitive and vulnerable to damage, more than any other system. Handle it and its components with extreme care. A drop or rough handling and it’s history.

Aside from the accelerator pedal sensor, the rest of the components are located in the throttle body. During inspection, you will notice a flat plastic cover on top of the throttle body. This houses the gears to operate the throttle plate. The motor has a small metal gear that protrudes through the housing under the cover. It drives a large “plastic” gear attached to the throttle plate.

The pin that centers and supports the gear fits into the throttle body housing and the upper pin fits into the “thin” plastic cover. If the cover is warped in any way, the speed will be compromised requiring the complete replacement of the throttle body.

  1. The first thing to do is go online and get the TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) for your vehicle regarding the code. These TSBs result from customer complaints or recognized issues and the factory-recommended repair procedure.
  2. Check online or in a service manual for a possible relearn procedure to reset the computer. For example, on a Nissan, turn the ignition on and wait 3 seconds. Within the next 5 seconds, press and release the pedal 5 times. Wait 7 seconds, press and hold the pedal for 10 seconds. When the check engine light starts flashing, release the pedal. Wait 10 seconds and press the pedal again for 10 seconds and release. Turn off the ignition.
  3. Pull the electrical connector off the throttle body. Inspect it carefully for missing or bent female terminals. Look for corrosion. Clean any corrosion using a small pocket screwdriver. Place a small amount of electrical grease on the terminals and reconnect it.
  4. If the terminal connector has twisted or missing pins, you can buy a new “pigtail” at most auto parts stores or the dealership.
    Inspect the upper cover on the throttle body for cracks or warping. If there are any, call the dealer and ask if they sell just the upper cover. Otherwise, replace the throttle body.
  5. Using a voltmeter, probe the accelerator pedal sensor. It will have 5 volts for reference and next to it a variable signal. Turn the key and slowly press the pedal. The voltage should climb smoothly from 0.5 to 5.0. Replace it if the voltage jumps or there is no voltage on the signal wire.
  6. Look online for the cable terminal identification on your vehicle’s throttle body. Probe the throttle body connector to power the throttle motor. Have an assistant turn the key on and lightly press the pedal. If no power is present, the computer is faulty. If there is power, the throttle body is malfunctioning.

P2110 Throttle Actuator Control System – Forced Limited RPM

Code Severity and Symptoms

The severity of this code can range from moderate to severe depending on the specific malfunction. Symptoms of a P2110 trouble code may include:

  • Engine does not start
  • Little or no throttle response
  • Check engine light illuminated
  • ABS light illuminated
  • Automatic transmission won’t shift
  • Additional codes present

Common Causes of This DTC Code

The most common situations that set this code and put the engine in fail-safe or limp mode to indicate a problem and act as a red flag are:

  1. Engine overheating
  2. Coolant leaks
  3. EGR valve malfunction
  4. Mass airflow sensor malfunction
  5. Engine axle modifications
  6. ABS, traction control, or stability control failures
  7. Automatic transmission problems
  8. Abnormal system voltages

What Are Common Repairs?

  • Repair coolant leak
  • Replace or clean ABS sensor
  • Replace or clean EGR valve
  • Replace or clean mass airflow sensor
  • Clean connector corrosion
  • Repair or replace 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 you considerable 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 trouble codes. This code is an informational code and in most cases its function is to alert a 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 control.

If other codes are identified, you should check TSBs related to the specific vehicle and that code. If a TSB hasn’t been issued, you should follow the specific troubleshooting steps for that code to identify the source of the malfunction detected by the PCM that caused the engine to enter fail-safe or limp mode.

Once all other codes have been cleared or if no other codes are detected, if the throttle actuator control code still exists, the PCM and throttle actuator must be evaluated. All wiring and connections should be visually inspected for obvious defects as a starting point.

Common Mistake

Replacing the throttle actuator control 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 control system force code. This article is strictly informational and specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.

P2111 Throttle Actuator Control System Stuck Open

Code Severity and Symptoms

The severity of this code can be moderate to severe depending on the specific malfunction. Symptoms of a P2111 trouble code may include:

  1. Engine does not start
  2. Poor performance that progresses
  3. Little or no response from the accelerator
  4. Engine light illuminated
  5. Smoke from the exhaust pipe
  6. Increased fuel consumption

Common Causes of a P2111 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

  1. Replacement of the throttle body
  2. Cleaning of the throttle plate and linkage
  3. Replacement of the throttle position sensor
  4. Replacement of the throttle actuator control motor
  5. Replacement of the accelerator pedal position sensor
  6. Cleaning corrosion from connectors
  7. Repairing or replacing wiring
  8. Flashing or replacing PCM

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 you a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.

2010-2011 Ford & Lincoln P2111 / P2112 TSB Bulletin 10-21-6
A known bulletin, for example, is Ford TSB 10-21-6 which applies to certain 2010-2011 Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Focus, E-150, E-250, Ford Edge, Ford F150, Lincoln, and Ford Flex vehicles with certain engines. If you have a P2111 and/or P2112 code with this vehicle, here is a PDF copy of the full TSB 10-21-6 bulletin. The fix involves replacing the throttle body with part number 7T4Z-9E926-FA or 8S4Z-9E926-B.

Some 2010 Edge, MKX, F-150, E-Series, 2010-2011 Flex, MKT, Focus, Taurus, MKS, Fusion, and MKZ vehicles with one of the following engines: 2.0L, 3.5L (except GTDI), 3.7L, and 4.6L 2V, may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P2111, P2112, or the idle speed drops lower than desired and/or fluctuates. The idle issue may be intermittent, and the P2111, P2112 fault codes may or may not be present.

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 accelerator pedal position sensor on a simplex system. Once these components are located, a thorough visual inspection should be performed to check that all related 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 pressing 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 operate accurately. These procedures require a digital multimeter and the technical references specific to the vehicle. Voltage requirements will be highly based on the specific year, model, and engine of the vehicle.

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 manufacturer 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 the absence of a power source or ground, continuity tests may be required to check the integrity of the wiring. Continuity tests should always be performed with power disconnected from the circuit, and normal readings should be 0 ohms of resistance unless otherwise indicated in the technical data. Resistance or lack of continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that needs to 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 technical data and service bulletins specific to your vehicle should always take priority.