P2101 Throttle Actuator “A” Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Range Performance
What does that mean?
This generic powertrain/engine diagnostic trouble code typically applies to all OBDII equipped engines with electric Throttle Actuators, but shows up more often in certain Ford and Nissan vehicles.
The Throttle Actuator A (TA-A) is can usually be found mounted to the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel wells or against the bulkhead. The TA-A is operated by an electrical signal from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The PCM receives inputs to determine when and how long it needs to operate the TA-A. These inputs are voltage signals received from coolant temp, intake air temp, engine rpm and air conditioning system pressure sensors. Once the PCM has received these inputs it can modify the signal to the TA-A.
P2101 is typically set because of electrical (TA-A circuit) issues but can be caused by mechanical issues, such as a mechanically stuck throttle blade on the electrically driven Throttle Actuator. Both electrical and mechanical issues cannot be overlooked in the troubleshooting stage, especially when dealing with an intermittent problem.
Troubleshooting steps may vary depending upon manufacturer, type of TA-A and wire colors.
Related throttle actuator A control motor circuit codes:
Code Severity & Symptoms
Severity is usually severe due to its impact on the cooling system. Because this can be either an electrical or mechanical failure, the PCM cannot fully compensate for it. Partial compensation usually means that the engine has a fixed idle speed (usually around 1000 – 1200 rpm).
Symptoms of a P2101 engine code may include:
Causes
Typically the causes for this code to set are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your issue may be a known issue with a known fix put out by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.
Next, locate the Throttle Actuator A (TA-A) on your particular vehicle. This actuator is usually found mounted to the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel wells or against the bulkhead. Once located, visually inspect the connector and wiring. Look for scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots or melted plastic. Pull the connector apart and carefully inspect the terminals (the metal parts) inside the connector. See if they look burned or have a green tint indicating corrosion. Use electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush if cleaning of the terminals is needed. Let dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals contact.
If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory, and see if P2101 code returns. If it does not, then the connections were most likely your problem.
For this particular code, this is the most common area of concern, as are the relays / connections to the relays, with an actuator failure a close second.
If the code does return, we will need to test the actuator and the associated circuits. Typically, there are 2 wires at each Throttle Actuator. First, disconnect the harness going to the Throttle Actuator. With a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM), connect one lead of the meter to one terminal of the actuator. Connect the remaining meter lead to the other actuator terminal. It should not be open or shorted. Verify the resistance specifications for your particular vehicle. If the actuator motor is either open or shorted (infinite resistance or no resistance/0 ohms), replace the Throttle Actuator.
If that test passes, with a DVOM, check to make sure you have 12V to the Throttle Actuator power supply circuit (Red lead to the actuator power supply 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 to the actuator, repair the wiring from the PCM or relay to the actuator, or possibly a bad PCM.
If that’s OK, check to make sure you have a good ground at the Throttle Actuator. Connect a test light to 12V battery positive (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, see if the test light comes on each time the scan tool actuates the actuator. If the test light does not light up, this would indicate the problem circuit. 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 prior tests have passed and you continue to get a P2101, this would most likely indicate a failed Throttle Actuator, although a failed PCM could not be ruled out until the Throttle Actuator had been replaced. If unsure, seek assistance from a trained automotive diagnostician. PCMs must be programmed, or calibrated to the vehicle in order to be installed correctly.
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"Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p2101 in the ECU"
In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p2101 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.
Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p2101.
