P2100 and related codes: electronic throttle actuator and its protective modes

The motor that opens the electronic throttle, its control module or its current has a fault, the throttle is stuck or not where it was told to be, the airflow changed suddenly, the idle position was not learned, or the system has forced a protective mode: idle only, limited power, limited engine speed or engine shutdown.

SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.

Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshop

What does P2100 mean?

With an electronic throttle there is no cable from the pedal: a small motor opens the throttle plate, and the engine computer checks its position against two sensors many times a second. If the motor does not respond, draws the wrong current or the plate ends up somewhere unexpected, the computer cannot be sure the engine is doing what the driver asked. It then forces a safe mode, such as a fixed idle or very limited power, and some of these codes simply name the mode it chose.

What causes P2100?

A throttle body clogged with carbon so the plate sticks or cannot close fully
A worn throttle motor or its gears
A damaged wire or a corroded connector at the throttle body
A throttle body replaced or cleaned without the idle position being relearned
A low battery voltage or a poor ground upsetting the motor control

What to check first for P2100

Note which protective mode the car went into and when
With the engine off and the ignition off, look inside the throttle body for carbon around the plate
Inspect the throttle body connector and check the battery and grounds
Have the throttle adaptation or idle relearn done with a scan tool after cleaning or replacing it

Can you drive with P2100?

Drive only to a workshop, and only if the car accelerates normally. In a forced idle or limited power mode the car may not keep up with traffic or climb a hill, so keep to the slow lane or have it towed, and have it towed at once if the engine shuts down.

In states with an OBD-II emissions inspection, a car with the check engine light on fails the test until the fault is fixed.

Codes on this page

P2100Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit/Open
P2101Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance
P2102Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Low
P2103Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit High
P2104Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Idle
P2105Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Engine Shutdown
P2106Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited Power
P2107Throttle Actuator Control Module Processor
P2108Throttle Actuator Control Module Performance
P2110Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited RPM
P2111Throttle Actuator Control System - Stuck Open
P2112Throttle Actuator Control System - Stuck Closed
P2118Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance
P2119Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Performance
P2172Throttle Actuator Control System - Sudden High Airflow Detected
P2173Throttle Actuator Control System - High Airflow Detected
P2174Throttle Actuator Control System - Sudden Low Airflow Detected
P2175Throttle Actuator Control System - Low Airflow Detected
P2176Throttle Actuator Control System - Idle Position Not Learned
P0638Throttle Actuator Control Range/PerformanceBank 1
P0639Throttle Actuator Control Range/PerformanceBank 2

P2135 to P2140throttle and pedal sensor correlation P2120 to P2134 and related codespedal and throttle position sensors and their end stops P0641 to P0643, P0651 to P0653, P0697 to P0699 and P0657 to P0659sensor reference and actuator supply

Checked on November 1, 2026 · Rafael Soares

These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.