P2100 Open circuit of the throttle actuator control motor A

OBD-II Trouble Code - P2100 - Data Sheet

P2100 - Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Open

What does trouble code P2100 mean?

This Generic Transmission / Engine DTC usually applies to all OBDII equipped engines with electric throttle actuators, but is more common in some Ford and Nissan vehicles.

Throttle Actuator A (TA-A) can usually be found mounted at the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel arches, or opposite a bulkhead. The TA-A is controlled by an electrical signal from the powertrain control module (PCM).

The PCM receives input to determine when and how long it takes to operate the TA-A. These inputs are voltage signals received from the coolant temperature, intake air temperature, engine speed, and air conditioning pressure sensors. Once the PCM has received this input, it can change the signal to TA-A.

The P2100 is usually installed due to electrical problems (TA-A circuit). They should not be overlooked during the troubleshooting phase, especially when solving an intermittent problem.

Troubleshooting steps may vary depending on manufacturer, TA-A type and wire colors.

Corresponding Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Codes:

• P2101 Throttle Actuator "A" Motor Control Circuit Range / Performance
• P2102 Throttle actuator "A" - low signal in the motor circuit.
• P2103 Throttle Actuator "A" Motor Control Circuit High

Code severity and symptoms

The severity is usually very severe due to the impact on the cooling system. Since this is usually an electrical fault, 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 P2100 engine code may include:

• Fault indicator light is on
• Fixed idle speed
• Unable to overclock the engine
• The throttle will remain at idle and will not exceed idle if the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Causes of the P2100 code

Usually the reason for installing this code is:

• An open in the throttle actuator circuit - probably
• Throttle Actuator Malfunction - Open Circuit Electrical Fault - Likely
• Faulty PCM - Unlikely
• The ECM does not receive correct throttle readings from the TACM during start-up or during operation.
• The ECM puts the TACM in failure mode and closes the throttle if possible.

Diagnostic and repair procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your problem may be a known issue with a known manufacturer-released fix and could save you time and money while troubleshooting.

Then find the throttle actuator A (TA-A) on your specific vehicle. This drive is usually installed at the front of the engine, on top of the engine, inside the wheel arches, or opposite a bulkhead. Once found, visually inspect the connector and wiring. Look for scratches, scuffs, exposed wires, burn marks, or molten plastic. Disconnect the connector and carefully inspect the terminals (metal parts) inside the connector. See if they look burnt or have a green tint indicating corrosion. If you need to clean the terminals, use an electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush. Allow to dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals touch.

If you have a scan tool, clear the DTCs from memory and see if P2100 returns. If this is not the case, then there is most likely a connection problem.

For this particular code, this is the most common area of ​​concern, as are relays / relay connections, with an actuator error close to a second.

If the code returns, we will need to test the drive and associated circuits. There are usually 2 wires on each throttle actuator. Disconnect the harness going to the throttle actuator first. Using a digital volt ohmmeter (DVOM), connect one lead of the meter to one terminal of the drive. Connect the remaining meter lead to the other terminal on the drive. It must not be open or short-circuited. Check the resistance characteristics for your specific vehicle. If the drive motor is open or shorted (infinite resistance or no resistance / 0 ohms), replace the throttle actuator.

If this test passes, with the DVOM, make sure you have 12V in the throttle actuator power circuit (red wire to the actuator power circuit, black wire to good ground). With a scan tool that can activate the throttle actuator, turn on the throttle actuator. If the actuator is not 12 volts, repair the wiring from the PCM or relay to the actuator, or possibly a faulty PCM.

If this is normal, make sure you have a good ground at the throttle actuator. Connect a test lamp to the 12 V battery positive (red terminal) and touch the other end of a test lamp to the ground circuit that leads to the throttle actuator circuit ground. Using a scan tool to actuate the throttle actuator, check to see if the test lamp illuminates each time the scan tool actuates the actuator. If the test lamp does not light up, it indicates a faulty circuit. If it illuminates, wiggle the wiring harness going to the actuator to see if the test lamp blinks, indicating an intermittent connection.

If all previous tests pass and you keep getting P2100, it will most likely indicate a faulty throttle actuator, although the failed PCM cannot be ruled out until the throttle actuator is replaced. If you are unsure, seek help from a qualified automotive diagnostician. To install correctly, the PCM must be programmed or calibrated for the vehicle.

COMMON ERRORS WHEN DIAGNOSING CODE P2100

• Clear the ECM memory codes before checking the fault lock data.
• Unable to clear ECM codes after troubleshooting P2100 codes.
• Manual movement of the throttle valves (causes other codes to appear in the memory)

HOW SERIOUS CODE P2100 IS?

Code P2100 indicates that the actuator is unable to open the throttle and the vehicle will only idle. This will make the vehicle uncontrollable.

WHAT REPAIRS CAN FIX CODE P2100?

• Throttle Actuator Assembly Replacement
• Repair wiring or connection to actuator assembly.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ON CODE P2100 FOR CONSIDERATION

Code P2100 is the most common throttle actuator fault other than the actuator's internal throttle position sensor. The drive is replaced as an assembly. Attempting to move the throttles by hand may cause the throttle to operate and injure your fingers.

P2100 trouble code repair

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