P2100 The computer has detected an open circuit in the control wiring of the throttle motor

Throttle actuator control motor circuit open

P2100 in short

P2100 means the engine computer found an open circuit in the throttle motor's control wiring on a drive-by-wire throttle. Wiring or connectors, the throttle motor or body, a relay or a position sensor are the usual causes. The vehicle may enter limp mode and lose power, so get it diagnosed soon.

On a drive-by-wire engine the computer opens the throttle with a small motor. It checks that motor circuit; if the circuit reads open, it sets P2100.

TroubleCodes.net lists damaged or corroded wiring and connectors, a throttle control relay, the throttle motor, throttle or pedal position sensors, and rarely the PCM. It notes poor electrical connections are common on Ford and Nissan.

Ford bulletins list P2100 with other throttle codes on 2006-2007 Fusion and Milan with the 3.0L and on some 2011-2012 Super Duty engines, but the NHTSA summaries do not say what the repair is.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

  1. Damaged, corroded or loose wiring or connectors in the throttle motor circuit

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    An open circuit is most directly a break or poor connection, and TroubleCodes.net lists wiring first.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiggling the harness or connector changes the symptom. Falls if the circuit tests continuous.

  2. Throttle body motor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The motor is the load on the circuit; an open winding reads as an open circuit.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiring and relay test good and the throttle does not move when commanded. Falls if it moves normally.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  3. Throttle control relay or a position sensor

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists the relay and position sensors as possible causes, but they are less direct than wiring or the motor.
    What would change this
    Rises if relay voltage is missing or sensor signals are bad. Falls if they test normal.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes. Note whether other throttle codes (P2104, P2110, P2112) are present, as in the Freestyle and Fusion reports.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfSeveral throttle codes are stored

      It meansCheck the connectors and power feed to the throttle first.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP2100 alone

      It meansCheck the circuit wiring next.

      Go to step 2

  2. Have a shop check the throttle body connector, harness and relay for damage or corrosion, then test the motor circuit for continuity.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, scan tool

    Warning:The throttle can move on its own when powered. Keep hands clear of the throttle plate and do not probe live circuits without the right tools.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Limp mode or reduced engine power Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Vehicle slows or will not accelerate Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Parts and cost context

  • Electronic throttle body:Wiring and connectors should be tested before the throttle body is replaced. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2006–2007 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford bulletin 07-23-15 covers a light with P2100 and P2110 on the 3.0L engine. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 07-23-15Status unverified

    MIL on with P2100 and P2110, 3.0L

    2006–2007fusion · NHTSA 10023866

    MIL on with P2100 and P2110 in memory, 3.0L engine. The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • TSB 13-6-24Status unverified

    MIL with P2100 and other codes, Super Duty

    2011–2012f-250-super-duty, f-350-super-duty, f-450-super-duty · NHTSA 10053478

    MIL with DTCs including P2100 on some Super Duty truck engines. The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

No curated relationships for P2100 yet.

All Electronic throttle and accelerator pedal codes

P2100 questions

Can I keep driving with P2100?

It is risky. The vehicle may drop into limp mode or lose power without warning. Get it diagnosed soon and stop if it will not accelerate.

Sources and review

  1. P2100 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 10712827: 2006 Ford Freestyle — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11521436: 2019 Subaru Forester — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. Ford bulletin 07-23-15 (NHTSA 10023866) — NHTSA manufacturer communications database
  5. Ford TSB 13-6-24 (NHTSA 10053478) — NHTSA manufacturer communications database
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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