P2101 The engine computer sees a problem in the throttle actuator motor circuit or the motor's response, so actual throttle position doesn't match what was commanded

Throttle actuator motor circuit range/performance

P2101 in short

P2101 means the engine computer sees the throttle motor or its circuit not performing as commanded. Causes include a failing throttle body, poor wiring crimps or connectors, a faulty power supply module on some Nissans, and software needing an update. Expect reduced power or a no-start. If the engine drops to idle or stalls while moving, stop and tow.

The throttle motor in an electronic throttle body is driven by the engine computer, which watches both the current it sends and the position the throttle reaches. P2101 sets when the motor circuit or the motor's response falls outside the expected range.

Because the computer can no longer be sure it controls engine air, it falls back to a failsafe. Honda describes lack of power that often clears after the ignition is cycled on the 2012-2013 Ridgeline; Ford describes reduced power at start-up on some 2022-2023 F-150s; Honda's 2013-2015 Accord bulletin covers a no-start.

Many fixes on record are software or wiring rather than the throttle body itself: GM and Ford reprogram the engine computer, Nissan replaced a power distribution module on the 2014 Versa, and GM found poor crimps in the Aveo harness.

Most likely causes

  1. Failing throttle body motor or gears

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    KBB names the throttle control motor and position sensors, and GM's 2019 pickup bulletin points to a throttle body issue.
    What would change this
    Likelier if wiring and power supply test good and actual position won't follow the command.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  2. Poor crimps, damaged wiring or connectors in the motor circuit

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    An open, short or high-resistance motor circuit sets this code directly; GM found poor crimps behind P2101 on the 2009 Aveo.
    What would change this
    Likelier with intermittent faults that change when the harness is moved.

  3. Engine computer software needs updating

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM, Ford and Honda published reprogramming or revised diagnostics for P2101 on specific models.
    What would change this
    Likelier if a bulletin covers the vehicle and the hardware tests good.

  4. Throttle motor power supply fault (for example a power distribution module)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan replaced the IPDM on the 2014 Versa for crank-no-start or no throttle response with P2100/P2101 in freezing weather.
    What would change this
    Likelier if a motor power code (such as P2100) is stored too.

  5. Wrong or restricted air filter (some Cadillacs)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM's CTS bulletin ties P2101 with P2119 to an incorrect air filter.
    What would change this
    Only relevant where that bulletin applies.

What to test first

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

  1. Read all codes and freeze-frame data, including any motor power codes and the temperature when it set

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. With the ignition off, remove the intake duct and look at the throttle plate and bore for heavy carbon, ice or water, and check the throttle body connector for corrosion or loose pins

    Use cautionTool: Flashlight, basic hand tools

    Warning:Keep the ignition off and fingers out of the bore: the throttle motor can snap the plate shut if the key is turned on. Don't pry the plate open by hand or spray cleaner into it unless the maker's procedure allows it.

  3. Test throttle motor circuit resistance and command response to the service manual

    Best left to a shopTool: Bidirectional scan tool, digital multimeter

    Warning:Back-probing throttle and computer circuits can damage terminals or the computer; follow the maker's procedure.

Symptoms

  • Engine won't start or has no throttle response
  • Reduced power or failsafe at start-up, sometimes cleared by restarting Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Fixed idle with poor acceleration Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine stalls while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

  1. Ask a dealer to check your VIN for open recalls, bulletins or extended-coverage programs for the throttle body or pedal; several makers have published repairs for these codes.

  2. Write down when it happens (cold start, after rain or frost, at cruise, after a battery disconnect) and whether turning the engine off and on clears it. That detail helps the shop find an intermittent fault.

Parts and cost context

  • Electronic throttle body:Check for software and wiring bulletins before replacing the throttle body; several makers fix P2101 with reprogramming. 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

Honda

  • 2012–2013 · Ridgeline

    Supported by vehicle data

    Intermittent failsafe with lack of power and P2101; Honda says the computer misreads the throttle system. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2013–2015 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    No-start with P2101. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • Service Bulletin (2015-04-23)Status unverified

    MIL with P2101, possible failsafe and lack of power (Ridgeline)

    2012–2013ridgeline · issued · NHTSA 10108558

    MIL with P2101; the vehicle may enter failsafe with lack of power. Intermittent; cycling the ignition usually restores normal operation.

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

  • A19-034Status unverified

    Engine will not start, with P2101 (Accord)

    2013–2015accord · issued · NHTSA 10158740

    Engine will not start and sets P2101.

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

Chevrolet

  • 2017–2018 · Silverado

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM reprograms the engine computer for P2101. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2009 · Aveo

    Supported by vehicle data

    Reduced power with P2101/P2135 from poor harness crimps. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 18-NA-037Status unverified

    ECM reprogramming to correct P2101

    2017–2018silverado, tahoe, suburban · issued · NHTSA 10137321

    Engine computer reprogramming to correct P2101; also covers Escalade, Sierra and Yukon.

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

  • PIP5660BStatus unverified

    Reduced power with P2101/P1516 from a possible throttle body issue

    2019silverado-1500 · issued · NHTSA 10249278

    Reduced power message with P2101 and/or P1516 from a possible throttle body issue; also covers the 2019 XT4 and Sierra 1500.

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

  • 09-06-04-016AStatus unverified

    P2101/P2135 with reduced power from poor terminal crimps (Aveo)

    2009aveo · issued · NHTSA 10034366

    Reduced power with P2101 and P2135 from poor terminal crimps in the engine harness.

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

Ford

  • 2022–2023 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Reduced power at start-up with P2101 on some 3.5L trucks; PCM software fix. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • TSB 25-2320Status unverified

    Reduced power at startup with P2101: PCM reprogram (supersedes 23-2364)

    2022–2023f-150 · issued · NHTSA 11020892

    Supersedes TSB 23-2364: reduced engine power at start-up with P2101 on some F-150s and 2023 Expedition/Navigator, corrected with PCM software.

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

Nissan

  • 2014 · Versa

    Supported by vehicle data

    Crank-no-start or no throttle response in freezing weather; IPDM replacement. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2020–2025 · Sentra

    Supported by vehicle data

    Loss of power with P2100/P2101; revised confirmation test. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • NTB16-066Status unverified

    Crank no start or no throttle response after a short drive in freezing weather, P2100/P2101 (Versa)

    2014versa, versa-note · issued · NHTSA 10091418

    Below freezing, after a short drive and a stop: crank-no-start or no throttle response with ETC codes; the IPDM is replaced.

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

  • NTB25-005Status unverified

    P2100/P2101 with loss of power: revised DTC confirmation procedure (Sentra)

    2020–2025sentra · issued · NHTSA 11013281

    P2100 or P2101 with loss of power: perform the revised DTC confirmation procedure.

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

  • P2135Two throttle or pedal position sensor signals (A and B) that should agree with each other don't

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM saw P2101 and P2135 together on the 2009 Aveo from poor harness crimps.

  • P2119The electronic throttle body's actual position doesn't match the position the engine computer expects

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P2119 often appears alongside P2101; GM's CTS bulletin lists both.

All Electronic throttle and accelerator pedal codes

P2101 questions

Why did P2101 go away after I restarted the car?

The failsafe often resets on a restart, but the code stays stored. Honda describes exactly that on the Ridgeline. The fault is still there, so have it diagnosed before it leaves you with no power.

Sources and review

  1. p2101 Code - Throttle Actuator 'A' Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor)
  2. Service Bulletin (2015-04-23): MIL with P2101, possible failsafe and lack of power (Ridgeline) — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  3. TSB 23-2364: Reduced power at startup with MIL/wrench and P2101: PCM reprogram — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  4. A19-034: Engine will not start, with P2101 (Accord) — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  5. NHTSA recall 26V081: Electronic throttle body gears may break (2024-2025 Nissan Rogue 1.5L VC-Turbo) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  6. NHTSA ODI Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003: Electronic throttle body malfunction (2009-2013 Escape, Fusion, Mariner, Milan) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation ,
  7. SB-01-045-10: P2104/P2111 with possible fail-safe speed limit (CX-9) — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  8. PIP5660B: Reduced power with P2101/P1516 from a possible throttle body issue — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. 09-06-04-016A: P2101/P2135 with reduced power from poor terminal crimps (Aveo) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  10. 18-NA-037: ECM reprogramming to correct P2101 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  11. TSB 25-2320: Reduced power at startup with P2101: PCM reprogram (supersedes 23-2364) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  12. NTB16-066: Crank no start or no throttle response after a short drive in freezing weather, P2100/P2101 (Versa) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  13. PIP5424A: Engine may shut off after wide-open throttle with P0121/P2101/P2119: inspect air filter (CTS) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  14. NTB25-005: P2100/P2101 with loss of power: revised DTC confirmation procedure (Sentra) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  15. What You Should Know About Electronic Throttle Control — AA1Car (Larry Carley)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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