P2119 Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range

OBD-II Trouble Code - P2119 - Data Sheet

Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range / Performance

What does DTC P2119 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 Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Chevy, Toyota, Cadillac, GMC vehicles. Land Rover, etc.

The P2119 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 related to throttle actuator control system malfunctions and they are P2107, P2108, P2111, P2112, P2118 and P2119. Code P2119 is set by the PCM when the throttle body of the throttle actuator is out of range or is not working properly.

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 P2119 DTC may include:

• The vehicle will have reduced power and slow throttle response (Limp mode).
• 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 P2119 Code

The most common cause for this code is either the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), which is an integral part of the throttle body, or the Throttle Pedal Position Sensor (TPPS), which is part of the accelerator pedal assembly at your feet.

These components are part of the ETCS (Electronic Throttle Control System). The electronically controlled throttle valves used in most modern vehicles use PCM programming to set and control the throttle position. Due to the complex nature of programming, the PCM often sets up codes for what it thinks is a problem. There are many scenarios where this code can be installed, but the issue is not with the ETCS components. It is important to recognize other symptoms and/or codes that will indirectly set this 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

Normal 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

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.

HOW DOES A MECHANIC DIAGNOSTIC CODE P2119?

The first step is to check the codes with a scanner and make sure the problem is still there. This is achieved by clearing the code and test driving the car. The mechanic will primarily use a scan tool to monitor data from two sensors: TPS and TPPS. Most of the time the problem will be obvious in the scanner data.

If the data is good, but the code and/or symptoms persist, you will need to test each component individually. A visual inspection of the throttle valve operation must be accompanied by a spot test of each component of the ECTS system. The exact tests will be done differently for each manufacturer and should be researched with a professional information system.

COMMON ERRORS WHEN DIAGNOSING CODE P2119

A common mistake is not being able to check if the throttle is actually moving. Internal components in the throttle body can fail. If this happens, it's possible that the TPS is indicating that the throttle is moving, but it isn't actually moving.

Problems with electrical connectors are common to all vehicles and systems. Problem areas are not always visually obvious and provide a better idea of ​​each component's wiring and connectors. Connector problems are easy to miss, as they are not immediately obvious.

HOW SERIOUS CODE P2119 IS?

This code indicates a problem with the throttle control system, which is a vital system for any vehicle's speed. If this system were error-free, a failure in the system would present a serious danger to passengers and bystanders. Because of this, if this code is set, the vehicle usually lacks significant power. Some manufacturers choose to put the vehicle into shutdown mode for safety reasons. Programming and fail-safe modes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

WHAT REPAIRS CAN FIX CODE P2119?

• Repair / replacement of the throttle body (consists of TPS, throttle and throttle motor)
• Repair / replacement of the accelerator pedal assembly
• Troubleshooting wiring

The two most common repairs are the throttle body assembly and the accelerator pedal assembly. Both components contain position sensors used by the PCM to detect the position of the accelerator pedal under the foot and the throttle valve at the top of the intake manifold.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS TO BE AWARE OF CODE P2119

Personally, I don't like the use of electronically controlled throttle systems (ECTS) found on most modern cars. This complicates the very simple and robust cabling system that has been in use for many decades. In addition, the introduction of ECTS increases the cost of owning any vehicle. In my opinion, this creates more components that fail, which are expensive and often difficult to replace.

The goal of the manufacturer is to achieve more precise control over the operation of the engine. They may have, but the gain in control is minimal compared to the significant cost of ownership passed on to the buyer. Not to mention the added inconvenience of having a car that won't start when those systems fail. The traditional cable system did not and could not contribute to the need for roadside assistance.

This opinion is easily discussed among mechanics and customers facing ECTS failures. Often, vehicle manufacturers lack a real perspective on the customers they sell their vehicles to.

p2119 throttle actuator control throttle body 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.