P2111 The engine computer commanded the electronic throttle to close further but saw it stay more open than expected

Throttle stuck open (electronic throttle control)

P2111 in short

P2111 means the throttle valve isn't closing as far as the engine computer commands, so the computer usually cuts power. Common causes are a worn throttle body motor or sensor, carbon or ice on the throttle plate, and wiring faults. If the engine drops to idle or stalls while driving, stop safely and tow it.

On an electronic throttle there is no cable to the pedal. Pedal sensors tell the engine computer what you want, a small motor in the throttle body moves the valve, and a pair of throttle position sensors report where it actually is.

P2111 sets when the computer asks the throttle to close and the position sensors show it stayed more open than it should. Because the throttle controls engine power, the computer reacts by switching to a limp mode that limits power and speed, often with a wrench or throttle warning light as well as the check engine light.

Ford's experience is a useful example. NHTSA found that carbon-like buildup on the throttle motor's commutator on 2009-2013 Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan models caused reduced power, and about half of the warranty claims involved P2111 or P2112. Toyota, Mazda and Ford have also published bulletins for the code in cold weather, where ice or condensation in the intake can hold the throttle.

Most likely causes

  1. Worn or failing throttle body motor or internal position sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The throttle body holds both the motor and the position sensors, and NHTSA's Ford investigation traced most of these codes to wear inside the throttle motor.
    What would change this
    Likelier if the code returns after clearing and the throttle plate is clean; less likely if a wiring fault or ice is found.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  2. Carbon or dirt on the throttle plate and bore

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Deposits can stop the plate seating where the computer expects. KBB lists a dirty throttle body among the causes.
    What would change this
    Visible heavy deposits make it likelier; a clean bore rules it out.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  3. Water or ice in the intake behind the throttle in freezing weather

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford, Toyota and Mazda bulletins tie this code to cold-weather ice or condensation on certain models, fixed with redesigned intake parts or software.
    What would change this
    Likelier if it only happens below freezing on a model with a bulletin; unlikely in warm weather.

  4. Damaged, loose or corroded throttle body wiring or connector

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The motor and sensor signals all pass through one connector, and loose or corroded connectors are a common electronic throttle fault.
    What would change this
    Likelier if wiggling the harness changes the live readings or the code is intermittent.

  5. Engine computer software or idle relearn needed

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford has a bulletin for P2111 after the battery was disconnected or went flat, and Toyota's Camry Hybrid bulletin gives a repair procedure for the code.
    What would change this
    Likelier right after battery work or if a bulletin covers your vehicle.

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 and the freeze-frame data, including temperature and whether other throttle or pedal codes are present

    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. Compare commanded and actual throttle position in live data, run the scan tool's throttle test if available, and check motor and sensor circuits against the service manual

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

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

Symptoms

  • Check engine light with a wrench or throttle warning light
  • Reduced power or limp mode, with the car slow to accelerate Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine drops to idle or stalls while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Hard starting or unsteady idle

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:Throttle bodies are usually replaced as a unit, and some need a relearn or programming afterwards. Check for bulletins and extended coverage first; Ford extended throttle body coverage on some 2009-2013 models. 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

  • 2009–2012 · Escape

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA's review found worn throttle motors on these Escapes caused reduced power with P2111 or P2112; Ford extended throttle body coverage and updated software. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2010–2012 · Fusion

    Supported by vehicle data

    Covered by the same throttle body investigation and Ford service information as the Escape. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2015–2016 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford lists intermittent loss of power with P2111, P2112 or P2119 on 2015-2016 F-150s built by 31 May 2016. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2019–2021 · Ranger

    Supported by vehicle data

    Loss of power in freezing weather from ice in the intake manifold behind the throttle body. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2021 · Bronco

    Supported by vehicle data

    Same freezing-weather intake ice condition as the Ranger. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • ASI-32332Status unverified

    Intermittent loss of rpm or lack of acceleration with wrench light

    2009–2012escape, fusion · issued · NHTSA 10053656

    Intermittent loss of rpm or poor acceleration with the wrench light; P2111 or P2112 may be stored. Also covers Mercury Mariner and Milan.

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

  • TSB 16-0139Status unverified

    Intermittent loss of power, wrench lamp, P2111/P2112/P2119

    2015–2016f-150, edge, flex, explorer, escape, fusion, mustang · issued · NHTSA 10090505

    Some 2015-2016 Ford and Lincoln models with 2.0L to 3.7L gasoline engines built by 31 May 2016 may lose power intermittently with the wrench lamp and P2111, P2112 and/or P2119.

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

  • SSM 50203Status unverified

    Loss of power in freezing temperatures, P2111/P2112/P2119 (Ranger, Bronco)

    2019–2021ranger, bronco · issued · NHTSA 10202632

    Loss of power in freezing temperatures with P2111, P2112 and/or P2119 from water or ice in the intake manifold behind the throttle body; the manifold and a vent hose are replaced if found.

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

Toyota

  • 2010–2015 · Prius

    Supported by vehicle data

    P2111 with P0A0F in sub-freezing weather; Toyota improved the intake manifold. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2007–2011 · Camry

    Supported by vehicle data

    Poor acceleration, rough idle or stalling at a stop with P2111. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • T-SB-0103-12 RevStatus unverified

    P2111 and P0A0F below freezing (Prius)

    2010–2016prius, prius-v · issued · NHTSA 10133729

    Check engine light with P2111 and P0A0F below about 23 F; an improved intake manifold addresses it.

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

  • T-SB-0012-16Status unverified

    Lack of acceleration, rough idle or stall with P2111 (Camry Hybrid)

    2007–2011camry-hybrid · issued · NHTSA 10093255

    Lack of acceleration, rough idle or stalling while stopped, with the MIL on and P2111; the bulletin gives a repair procedure.

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

Mazda

  • 2010 · CX-9

    Supported by vehicle data

    Throttle body fault with P2104/P2111 that can limit speed to about 20-25 mph. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • SB-01-045-10Status unverified

    P2104/P2111 with possible fail-safe speed limit (CX-9)

    2010cx-9 · issued · NHTSA 10034537

    Throttle body may not work properly, setting P2104/P2111; in the worst case fail-safe limits speed to about 20-25 mph.

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

  • P2112The engine computer commanded the electronic throttle to open but saw it stay more closed than expected

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P2112 is the opposite fault, a throttle that won't open. The same worn throttle bodies and icing set both codes.

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

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford bulletins list P2119, a general throttle body performance fault, together with P2111 for the same loss-of-power concern.

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

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    On the 2010 Mazda CX-9, a throttle body fault stores P2111 and P2104, the forced-idle fail-safe.

All Electronic throttle and accelerator pedal codes

P2111 questions

Can I drive with P2111?

Usually only gently and to a shop, because the car is likely in limp mode with limited power. If it drops to idle, stalls or can't keep up with traffic, pull over safely and have it towed.

Will cleaning the throttle body fix P2111?

Sometimes, if carbon is holding the plate. But many cases are a worn throttle motor, ice in cold weather or wiring, so check for a bulletin for your vehicle and have it tested before buying parts.

Sources and review

  1. 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 ,
  2. p2111 Code - Throttle Actuator Control System - Stuck Open — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor)
  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. SB-01-045-10: P2104/P2111 with possible fail-safe speed limit (CX-9) — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  6. NHTSA ODI Defect Petition DP12-006: Electronic throttle body malfunction (Ford Escape) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation
  7. SSM 50203: Loss of power in freezing temperatures, P2111/P2112/P2119 (Ranger, Bronco) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  8. T-SB-0103-12 Rev: P2111 and P0A0F below freezing (Prius) — Toyota Motor Sales USA / NHTSA ,
  9. TSB-12-7-4: Hard start and idle fluctuation after battery disconnect, P0505/P0506/P2111/P2112 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  10. T-SB-0012-16: Lack of acceleration, rough idle or stall with P2111 (Camry Hybrid) — Toyota Motor Sales USA / NHTSA ,
  11. TSB 16-0139: Intermittent loss of power, wrench lamp, P2111/P2112/P2119 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  12. ASI-32332: Intermittent loss of rpm or lack of acceleration with wrench light — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  13. SSM 50597: Loss of power in freezing temperatures, P2111/P2112/P2119 (Ranger, Bronco), update — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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