P2106 The engine computer has limited engine power as a fail-safe because of a throttle control fault

Throttle control forced limited power (limp mode)

P2106 in short

P2106 means the engine computer has forced the engine into reduced power because it detected a throttle control fault. It's usually set alongside another code that names the real problem, such as a sensor correlation code. Expect weak acceleration. If the car can't keep up with traffic, drops to idle or stalls, pull over safely and tow.

Electronic throttle systems check themselves constantly. When the engine computer sees something it can't trust, such as two sensor signals that disagree or a throttle that doesn't respond properly, it limits power to keep the car controllable. P2106 records that it did so.

KBB describes it as a secondary code, and Ford's bulletins show it next to other faults: P2135 sensor correlation on 2004-2005 Explorers and F-150s, and P061B on 2005 F-150s after cold starts.

Some causes are environmental or software-related: GM found Aveo throttle bodies freezing shut in very cold, humid weather, and Hyundai issued engine software for P2106 on the 2010-2012 Santa Fe 3.5L.

Most likely causes

  1. The fault behind another stored throttle or sensor code

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    P2106 is a reaction to a separate fault; Ford's bulletin pairs it with P2135.
    What would change this
    Likelier when another throttle, pedal or sensor code is stored with it.

  2. Throttle body fault, including freezing in severe cold

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A throttle that sticks or responds poorly triggers limp mode; GM's Aveo bulletin describes the throttle freezing shut with P2106.
    What would change this
    Likelier in very cold, humid weather or with stuck-throttle codes.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  3. Engine computer software

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Hyundai and GM published engine software for P2106 on specific models.
    What would change this
    Likelier when a bulletin covers the vehicle.

  4. Sensor or throttle wiring and connectors

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Loose or corroded connectors are a common electronic throttle fault that can upset sensor signals.
    What would change this
    Likelier with intermittent faults.

What to test first

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

  1. Read every stored code and the freeze-frame data, and note which code set first

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

  2. With the ignition off, look at the accelerator pedal sensor connector and the throttle body connector for corrosion, backed-out pins or harness rubbing

    Low riskTool: Flashlight

Symptoms

  • Reduced power, car slow to accelerate Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Check engine light with a throttle or wrench warning light
  • Engine drops to idle or stalls 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:Replace parts only for the fault behind the other stored code; P2106 alone doesn't identify a part. 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

  • 2004–2005 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Several Ford bulletins cover P2106 on these trucks, with lack of power or after cold starts. Whether the bulletins are still current is not verified.

  • 2004–2005 · Explorer

    Supported by vehicle data

    MIL and throttle lamps with P2106 and P2135. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 04219Status unverified

    MIL and ETC lamps with both P2106 and P2135

    2003–2005explorer, f-150, thunderbird · issued · NHTSA 10013371

    MIL and electronic throttle control lamps with both P2106 and P2135. Also Lincoln LS and Mercury Mountaineer.

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

  • 17272Status unverified

    Lack of power with MIL, P2106 and ABS lights (F-150)

    2004f-150 · issued · NHTSA 10004919

    Lack of power with MIL, P2106 stored and anti-lock brake lights on.

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

  • 05-4-6Status unverified

    P061B and/or P2106 after cold start and rapid gear engagement (F-150 5.4L 3V)

    2005f-150 · issued · NHTSA 10018053

    MIL with P061B and/or P2106 after a cold start and rapid gear engagement; 5.4L 3-valve trucks built 23 Aug 2004 to 15 Jan 2005.

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

Lincoln

  • 2003–2004 · LS

    Supported by vehicle data

    Throttle warning and P2106 with possible drivability symptoms. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 17740Status unverified

    ETC warning, MIL and P2106, possible drivability symptoms

    2003–2004ls · issued · NHTSA 10008239

    Electronic throttle control warning and MIL with P2106, with possible drivability symptoms. Also Ford Thunderbird.

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

Chevrolet

  • 2006–2008 · Aveo

    Supported by vehicle data

    Throttle body can freeze shut in very cold, humid weather, setting P2106; PCV kit and reprogram. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 08-06-04-004Status unverified

    Throttle body frozen shut in extreme cold, P1516/P2106/P2110: PCV kit and ECM reprogram (Aveo)

    2006–2008aveo · issued · NHTSA 10024425

    Poor acceleration, throttle body frozen shut, P1516, P2106 and/or P2110 in very cold, humid conditions; install a PCV valve kit and reprogram the ECM.

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

Hyundai

  • 2010–2012 · Santa Fe

    Supported by vehicle data

    3.5L engines get updated software for P2106. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 14-01-054Status unverified

    ECM software for P0638/P2106/P2110 (Santa Fe 3.5L)

    2010–2012santa-fe · issued · NHTSA 10057210

    Engine software for 3.5L Santa Fe with P0638, P2106 and P2110.

    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

    Primary / secondary Supported by vehicle data

    Likely primary: P2135. Ford's bulletin shows P2106 limp mode set together with P2135, the sensor correlation fault behind it.

  • P2104The engine computer has forced the engine to idle as a fail-safe because of a throttle control fault

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P2104 is the related forced-idle fail-safe.

  • P061BEngine computer’s internal torque calculation check failed

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford's bulletin covers P061B and/or P2106 on 2005 F-150 5.4L 3V trucks after a cold start and rapid gear engagement.

All Electronic throttle and accelerator pedal codes

P2106 questions

Why is there another code with P2106?

P2106 only says the computer limited power. The other code usually names what went wrong, such as disagreeing throttle or pedal sensors, and that's what needs fixing.

Sources and review

  1. p2106 Code - Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited Power — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor)
  2. 17272: Lack of power with MIL, P2106 and ABS lights (F-150) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  3. What You Should Know About Electronic Throttle Control — AA1Car (Larry Carley)
  4. NHTSA recall 26V081: Electronic throttle body gears may break (2024-2025 Nissan Rogue 1.5L VC-Turbo) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  5. 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 ,
  6. SB-01-045-10: P2104/P2111 with possible fail-safe speed limit (CX-9) — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  7. 04219: MIL and ETC lamps with both P2106 and P2135 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  8. 08-06-04-004: Throttle body frozen shut in extreme cold, P1516/P2106/P2110: PCV kit and ECM reprogram (Aveo) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. 14-01-054: ECM software for P0638/P2106/P2110 (Santa Fe 3.5L) — Hyundai Motor America / NHTSA ,
  10. p2104 Code - Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Idle — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor)
  11. 05-4-6: P061B and/or P2106 after cold start and rapid gear engagement (F-150 5.4L 3V) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  12. 17740: ETC warning, MIL and P2106, possible drivability symptoms — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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