P2118 Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range

Code P2118 is a generic OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) that relates to throttle control motor current/performance. This code can be seen with other throttle position sensor codes.

DTC P2118 - OBD-II Data Sheet

Throttle Actuator Motor Range / Performance

What does code P2118 mean?

This Generic Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) generally applies to all OBD-II equipped vehicles that use a wired throttle control system, including but not limited to Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Lexus, Volvo, Scion, Nissan vehicles. Kia, etc.

The P2118 OBD-II DTC is one of the possible codes that indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction in the throttle actuator control system.

There are six codes associated with throttle actuator control system malfunctions: P2107, P2108, P2111, P2112, P2118 and P2119. P2118 is set by the PCM when the throttle actuator control motor is out of range or does not operate as expected.

The PCM controls the throttle actuator control system by monitoring one or more throttle position sensors. Throttle body operation is determined by the position of the throttle body, which is controlled by one or more throttle actuator control motors. The PCM also monitors the accelerator pedal position sensor to determine how fast the driver wants to drive, and then determines the appropriate throttle response. The PCM accomplishes this by changing the flow of current to the throttle actuator control motor, which moves the throttle valve to the desired position. Some faults will cause the PCM to restrict the operation of the throttle actuator control system. This is called fail-safe or non-stop mode in which the engine idles or may not start at all.

Code severity and symptoms

The severity of this code can be medium to severe depending on the specific problem. Symptoms of a P2118 DTC may include:

• The engine will not start
• Poor performance that progresses
• Little or no throttle response
• Check Engine light is on
• Exhaust smoke
• Increased fuel consumption

Common Causes of the P2118 Code

Possible reasons for this code could include:

• Defective throttle body
• Dirty throttle or lever
• Defective throttle position sensor
• Defective accelerator pedal position sensor
• Throttle actuator motor defective
• Corroded or damaged connector
• Faulty or damaged wiring
• Defective PCM

P2118 routine repair

• Replacing the throttle body
• Cleaning the throttle body and linkage
• Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
• Replacing the throttle actuator control motor
• Replacing the accelerator pedal position sensor
• Cleaning connectors from corrosion
• Repair or replacement of wiring
• Flashing or replacing PCM

P2118 Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

Check for TSB availability

The first step in troubleshooting any problem is to review the vehicle-specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) by year, model, and powerplant. In some cases, this can save you a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.

The second step is to find all the components related to the throttle actuator control system. This will include the throttle body, throttle position sensor, throttle actuator control motor, PCM and accelerator position sensor in a simplex system. Once these components are located, a thorough visual inspection must be performed to check all associated wiring for obvious defects such as scratches, abrasions, exposed wires, burn marks, or melted plastic. The connectors of each component must then be checked for security, corrosion, and pin damage.

The final visual and physical inspection is the throttle body. With the ignition off, you can turn the throttle by pushing it down. It should rotate to a wide open position. If there is sediment behind the plate, it should be cleaned while it is available.

Advanced steps

The additional steps become very vehicle specific and require appropriate advanced equipment to be performed accurately. These procedures require a digital multimeter and vehicle-specific technical reference documents. Voltage requirements depend on the specific year of manufacture, vehicle model and engine.

Checking circuits

Ignition OFF, disconnect the electrical connector at the throttle body. Locate the 2 motor or motors pins on the throttle body. Using a digital ohmmeter set to ohms, check the resistance of the motor or motors. The motor should read approximately 2 to 25 ohms depending on the specific vehicle (check your vehicle manufacturer's specifications). If the resistance is too high or too little, the throttle body must be replaced. If all tests have passed so far, you will want to check the voltage signals on the motor.

If this process detects that there is no power source or ground connection, a continuity test may be required to verify 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 specified in the technical data. Resistance or no continuity indicates a wiring problem that needs to be repaired or replaced.

Hopefully the information in this article has helped point you in the right direction for solving a problem with your throttle actuator control system. This article is for informational purposes only and specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.

What are the symptoms of the P2118 code?

Code P2118 can have some pretty serious symptoms. Worst of all, the car does not respond at all if the gas pedal is depressed due to emergency mode. Other possible symptoms are engine misfiring, poor engine performance, lack of power, and the Check Engine light coming on. In some cases, the Check Engine light may not appear until symptoms appear.

How does a mechanic diagnose a P2118 code?

Qualified technicians will begin by using a scan tool to check any codes stored in the vehicle's ECM. All codes will be flagged, including codes stored in its history and codes that may be pending. Each code will also have freeze frame data associated with it that tells the technician what condition the car was in when the code was set, and which code was set first.

After that, all codes will be deleted and a test drive will be carried out. Upon returning from a test drive, the technician will check again for the P2118 code.

A visual inspection will then be carried out for obviously faulty components or damaged wiring. The scan tool will then be used to monitor the data stream and check the throttle and throttle position sensor values ​​as they work. The multimeter will then be used to check the voltage at the throttle actuator motor.

Finally, the air intake will be removed and the throttle body will be tested to see if the throttle is capable of moving.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P2118

Mistakes can easily be made if simple steps like visual inspection are overlooked. Repairs can be as simple as finding a worn wire and fixing it. All steps must be done in the correct order and complete.

How serious is the P2118 code?

Code P2118 can prevent a vehicle's throttle from working, which can cause serious problems. The vehicle may not move or move after the onset of symptoms, so extreme caution should be exercised and the vehicle should not be driven if there are drivability problems.

What repairs can fix code P2118?

Typically, a simple repair such as this will fix the P2118 code:

• Wiring harness repaired or replaced
• Throttle actuator motor replaced
• Pedal position sensor replaced
• Faulty throttle position sensor dampers replaced by
• Bad electrical connection fixed

Additional comments to consider regarding code P2118

An advanced scan tool is very important to accurately diagnose code P2118. These scanning tools give technicians much greater access to a vehicle's ECM. Basic scanning tools can only clear codes and display current codes. Advanced scanning tools allow access to a real-time data feed that displays useful sensor data in ways that would otherwise be unavailable.

HOW TO FIX Error Code P2118 EASY! Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance

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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.