P2103 The computer sees a high voltage condition in the circuit that drives the throttle motor

Throttle actuator control motor circuit high

P2103 in short

P2103 means the engine computer sees a high voltage in the circuit that drives the throttle motor on a drive-by-wire throttle. A wiring short to positive or the throttle motor are the published causes. Owners report sudden loss of power and stalling, so get it diagnosed soon.

The computer drives the throttle motor and watches the circuit. If it sees voltage higher than expected, it sets P2103.

TroubleCodes.net lists a wiring short to positive and the throttle actuator motor as the probable causes.

Two bulletins connect P2103 to specific cases. Toyota's covers 2004-2005 Camry 2AZ-FE engines where a throttle body hose was modified, and GM's links a 2005-2006 Pontiac Vibe's P2103 to a momentary loss of ignition voltage at the PCM. Both are unverified summaries.

Most likely causes

  1. Wiring short to positive in the throttle motor circuit

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists a short to positive as the first probable cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if harness damage or chafing is found. Falls if the circuit tests clear of shorts.

  2. Throttle actuator motor or throttle body

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The motor is the other listed cause. A Corolla Matrix owner was quoted a throttle body repair for this code.
    What would change this
    Rises if wiring tests good and the throttle misbehaves. Falls if the throttle moves normally.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  3. Momentary loss of ignition voltage to the throttle control system (Pontiac Vibe)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM's bulletin on 2005-2006 Vibe attributes P2103 with reduced power to a momentary loss of ignition voltage at PCM connector 3 terminal 6. The summary is unverified.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2005-2006 Vibe with reduced power. Falls on other vehicles.

  4. Throttle body hose (2004-2005 Camry 2AZ-FE)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Toyota's TSB-0187-09 says the throttle body hose was modified for P2103, P2111 and P2112 on these Camry engines. The summary is unverified.
    What would change this
    Rises on a 2004-2005 Camry with 2AZ-FE and these codes. Falls on other vehicles.

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 note P2111 or P2112 stored with P2103, and the make and engine, since Toyota and GM have bulletins.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. Have a shop inspect the throttle body connector and harness and test the motor circuit for a short to power.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter

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

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Reduced engine power or limp mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Sudden loss of power or stalling while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

Parts and cost context

  • Electronic throttle body:Test the wiring and check for bulletins before replacing the throttle body; one owner reports replacing it did not stop the problem. 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

Toyota

  • 2004–2005 · Camry

    Supported by vehicle data

    Toyota TSB-0187-09 covers P2103, P2111 and P2112 on 2AZ-FE engines with a modified throttle body hose. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • TSB-0187-09Status unverified

    MIL with P2103, P2111 and/or P2112 (2AZ-FE)

    2004–2005camry · NHTSA 10032529

    MIL on with P2103, P2111 and/or P2112 on 2AZ-FE engines; the throttle body hose was modified to address it.

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

Pontiac

  • 2005–2006 · Vibe

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin 3704 ties P2103 with reduced power to a momentary loss of ignition voltage at the PCM. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 3704Status unverified

    Reduced power with P2103

    2005–2006vibe · NHTSA 10019452

    SES light and reduced power with P2103 may be due to a momentary loss of ignition voltage on terminal 6 of PCM connector 3.

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

No curated relationships for P2103 yet.

All Electronic throttle and accelerator pedal codes

P2103 questions

Will a new throttle body fix P2103?

Not always. One owner replaced it and still had the problem, and bulletins point to a hose on some Camrys and an ignition voltage dropout on the Vibe.

Sources and review

  1. P2103 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  2. GM bulletin 3704 (NHTSA 10019452) — NHTSA manufacturer communications database
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 10354630: 2006 Toyota Corolla Matrix — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11052617: 2009 Toyota Corolla — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. Toyota TSB-0187-09 (NHTSA 10032529) — NHTSA manufacturer communications database
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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