P2176 Throttle Actuator Control System - Idle Position Undetermined

OBD-II Trouble Code - P2176 - Data Sheet

P2176 - Throttle actuator control system - idle position not determined.

DTC P2176 indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected that the throttle body actuator/motor has failed to determine the correct position that the throttle valve in the throttle body needs to be in to allow the engine to idle smoothly. .

What does trouble code P2176 mean?

This Generic Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) typically applies to all OBD-II equipped vehicles that use a wired throttle control system, including but not limited to cars from Honda, Cadillac, Saturn, Ford, Chevrolet / Chevy, Buick , Pontiac et al.

The P2176 OBD-II DTC is one of the possible codes that indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction and is restricting the throttle actuator control system.

This situation is known as activating failsafe or braking mode to prevent the motor from accelerating until the fault is corrected and the associated code is cleared. The PCM sets them when other codes are present that indicate a problem that could be safety related or cause damage to the engine or transmission components if not corrected in a timely manner.

P2176 is set by the PCM when the idle position is not detected by the throttle actuator control system.

The throttle actuator control system is a duty cycle controlled by the PCM and system function is limited when other DTCs are detected.

Code severity and symptoms

The severity of this code can be medium to severe depending on the specific problem. Symptoms of a P2176 DTC may include:

• The engine will not start
• Poor throttle response or no throttle response
• Check Engine light is on
• Backlit ABS light
• Automatic transmission does not shift
• Additional codes are present

What are the causes of the P2176 code?

• Programming error
• Defective manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
• Large engine vacuum leak
• Large deposits on the throttle valve opening
• Faulty throttle body motor or wiring and connectors associated with it
• Faulty throttle position sensor or related wiring and connectors
• Faulty engine control module

What are common repairs for error P2176?

• Replacing or Cleaning the Throttle Control Motor
• Cleaning connectors from corrosion
• Repair or replacement of wiring
• Flashing or replacing PCM

Diagnostic and repair procedures

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 for this code is to complete a PCM scan to determine other trouble codes. This code is informational and in most cases the function of this code is to alert the driver that the PCM has initiated a failover due to a fault or failure in a system that is not directly connected to the throttle control actuator.

If other codes are found, you should check the TSB associated with the specific vehicle and that code. If the TSB has not been generated, you must follow the specific troubleshooting steps for this code to pinpoint the exact source of the fault that the PCM detects in order to put the engine into failsafe or fail-safe mode.

Once all other codes have been cleared, or if no other codes are found, if the throttle actuator code still exists, the PCM and the throttle actuator must be evaluated. As a starting point, visually inspect all wiring and connections for obvious defects.

A good opportunity for this code is that the idle calibration procedure needs to be reapplied to the vehicle using the extended scan tool.

General error

Replacing the throttle control actuator or PCM when other faults set this code.

Rare repair

Replace the throttle actuator control

Hopefully the information in this article has helped point you in the right direction for resolving the force code problem of 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.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P2176

A common mistake that can be made when diagnosing this problem is to manually open the electronic throttle body with your hand or other tool. This may damage the throttle body.

How serious is the P2176 code?

I would consider this problem serious, but not the main problem. This condition only affects engine idling. In this case, the engine should work normally in all other situations. I would still strongly recommend diagnosing and fixing the problem as soon as possible to make sure the problem doesn't get worse.

What repairs can fix code P2176?

• Reprogramming the engine control module
• Cleaning the throttle valve
• Throttle motor replacement
• MAP sensor replacement
• Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
• Repair or replace wiring or connectors associated with the throttle body.
• Replacing the engine control module

Additional comments regarding code P2176?

Although this problem is not as severe as some of the other Check Engine light codes, it can lead to or be related to other problems. That's why it's so important to fix a problem like this as soon as possible.

Engine Trouble Code P2176

Need more help with your p2176 code?

If you still need help with DTC P2176, 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.