P2101 Throttle Actuator A Motor Control Circuit Range
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Trouble Code P2101 OBD-II Datasheet
Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Performance
What does code P2101 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.
P2101 is usually installed due to electrical problems (TA-A circuit), but can be caused by mechanical problems such as mechanical sticking of the throttle valve on the electrically actuated throttle actuator. Both electrical and mechanical problems must not be overlooked during the troubleshooting phase, especially when dealing with intermittent problems.
Troubleshooting steps may vary depending on manufacturer, TA-A type and wire colors.
Corresponding Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Codes:
- P2100 Open circuit of the throttle actuator motor "A"
- P2102 Throttle actuator "A" - low signal in the motor circuit.
- P2103 Throttle Actuator "A" Motor Control Circuit High
Code P2101 severity and symptoms
The severity is usually very severe due to the impact on the cooling system. Since this may be 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:
- Fault indicator light is on
- Fixed idle speed
- Unable to overclock the engine
Causes
Usually the reason for installing this code is:
- Open or short in throttle actuator circuit - likely
- Faulty throttle actuator - not working (mechanically or electrically) - probably
- Failed PCM – Unlikely
- The engine control module (ECM) signal returns to open circuit from the TAC.
- The TAC engine wires are crossed, resulting in an open circuit to the ECM.
- The wiring harness or connector has an open circuit or the connector is loose.
Diagnostic and repair procedures for code P2101
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 P2101 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 P2101, 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.
HOW DOES A MECHANIC DIAGNOSTIC CODE P2101?
- Scans codes and documents code in ECM
- Diagnoses the code according to the manufacturer's spot test to check the TAC signal.
- Depresses the accelerator pedal, monitoring the throttle position sensors and TAC operation.
- Visually inspects the wiring harness and connection to the TAC for problems, plug is on.
- Tests the TAC according to the manufacturer's specified spot test.
COMMON ERRORS WHEN DIAGNOSING CODE P2101?
- Clearing ECM memory codes before checking TAC error freeze frame data, so error can be duplicated
- Unable to Clear ECM Codes After Correcting P2101 Codes
- Replacing the TAC if the problem does not reoccur
WHAT REPAIRS CAN FIX CODE P2101?
- Replacing the TAC assembly if all tests fail and the problem is confirmed
- Repair wiring or connection to the TAC assembly
- Replace the ECM as described in the Pinpoint Test.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS REGARDING CODE P2101 CONSIDERATION
Code P2101 can be generated without error on some vehicles if the accelerator pedal is depressed before the button is engaged. Replacing the key without touching the pedal may solve the problem, although the code is stored in memory and the check engine light is on and needs to be reset. Because of this, it is important to check the problem before trying to repair.
Need more help with your p2101 code?
If you still need help with DTC P2101, post a question in the comments below this article.
NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.
