P2112 The engine computer commanded the electronic throttle to open but saw it stay more closed than expected

Throttle stuck closed (electronic throttle control)

P2112 in short

P2112 means the throttle valve isn't opening as far as the engine computer commands. Expect a no-start or limp mode with little power. Causes include a failing throttle body motor, ice or carbon holding the plate, wiring faults and, on some models, software. If power drops to idle or the engine stalls while driving, stop and tow.

With electronic throttle control, a motor in the throttle body opens the valve when the pedal sensors say you want power, and two position sensors report the actual opening back to the engine computer.

P2112 sets when the computer asks for more opening and the sensors show the throttle stayed nearer closed. Without enough air the engine may not start, may idle poorly or may only creep along in limp mode.

Several makers tie the code to cold weather: Ford Ranger and Bronco intakes can collect ice behind the throttle, Mazda describes condensation on the CX-9 and a sub-zero start fault on the 2023 Mazda3 and CX-30. NHTSA's Ford Escape and Fusion investigation linked P2111 and P2112 to wear in the throttle motor.

Most likely causes

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

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The throttle motor has to drive the plate open. NHTSA's Ford review found most P2111 and P2112 claims came from wear inside it.
    What would change this
    Likelier if the code returns on warm days with a clean throttle; less likely if ice or wiring is found.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  2. Ice or condensation in the intake in cold weather

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford, Mazda and Toyota bulletins report this code after cold starts or parking below freezing.
    What would change this
    Likelier if it only happens in freezing weather on a model with a bulletin.

  3. Carbon or debris binding the throttle plate

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Deposits can make the plate stick or move slowly. KBB names the throttle plate among the causes.
    What would change this
    Heavy visible deposits make it likelier.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  4. Damaged or corroded throttle body wiring or connector

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    An open or high-resistance motor circuit stops the motor opening the throttle.
    What would change this
    Likelier if wiggling the harness changes the fault or the circuit tests out of range.

  5. Engine computer software

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Mazda and Chrysler fixed this code on certain models by reprogramming the engine computer.
    What would change this
    Likelier if a bulletin covers your vehicle and the hardware tests good.

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, noting outside temperature and whether the car had just been parked or started cold

    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 opening in live data and check the motor and sensor circuits 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 starts and dies
  • Check engine light with a wrench or throttle warning light
  • Very little power, car won't accelerate normally Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine drops to idle or 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:Usually replaced as an assembly, sometimes followed by a relearn. Cold-weather cases may need intake parts or software instead, so check bulletins first. 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

  • 2019–2021 · Ranger

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ice in the intake behind the throttle body can cause loss of power with P2112 in freezing weather. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2009–2012 · Escape

    Supported by vehicle data

    NHTSA linked P2111/P2112 on these Escapes to throttle motor wear; Ford extended coverage. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

Mazda

  • 2016–2018 · CX-9

    Supported by vehicle data

    Lack of power with P2112 after parking below freezing. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2023 · Mazda3

    Supported by vehicle data

    P2112 after a sub-zero start; fixed with a PCM reprogram. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2023 · CX-30

    Supported by vehicle data

    Same sub-zero start condition as the 2023 Mazda3. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 01-001-18Status unverified

    Lack of power after parking in freezing weather, P0638/P2112 (CX-9)

    2016–2018cx-9 · issued · NHTSA 10129572

    Lack of power with the check engine light after parking below freezing, with P0638 and/or P2112; condensation in the intake is the concern.

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

  • 01-007-26Status unverified

    P2112 at sub-zero start (CX-30, Mazda3)

    2023cx-30, mazda3 · issued · NHTSA 11032002

    P2112 stored after starting at sub-zero temperatures; the PCM is reprogrammed.

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

Chrysler

  • 2005–2006 · 300

    Supported by vehicle data

    Check engine light at start-up with P2112; a computer flash is the fix. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 18-035-05Status unverified

    Flash: MIL at start-up with P2112 or P1521

    2005–2006300 · issued · NHTSA 10018588

    Check engine light at start-up from P2112 or P1521; fixed by a computer flash. Also lists Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander and Dodge Durango and Ram 1500.

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

Jeep

  • 2005–2006 · Grand Cherokee

    Supported by vehicle data

    Covered by the same Chrysler flash bulletin for P2112 at start-up. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

Toyota

  • 2004–2005 · Camry

    Supported by vehicle data

    P2112 on the 2AZ-FE engine; Toyota modified the throttle body hose. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • TSB-0187-09Status unverified

    P2103/P2111/P2112 (Camry 2AZ-FE)

    2004–2005camry · issued · NHTSA 10032529

    Check engine light with P2103, P2111 and/or P2112 on the 2AZ-FE; a modified throttle body hose addresses it.

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

  • P2111The engine computer commanded the electronic throttle to close further but saw it stay more open than expected

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    P2111 is the opposite direction, a throttle that won't close. The same throttle bodies and cold-weather icing set both.

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

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford lists P2119 alongside P2112 for the same throttle and intake-ice concerns.

All Electronic throttle and accelerator pedal codes

P2112 questions

Why does P2112 show up only on cold mornings?

On some models moisture freezes in the intake or throttle and stops the plate opening. Ford, Mazda and Toyota have bulletins for this, using new intake parts, hoses or software.

Is it safe to drive with P2112?

If the car starts and drives normally, drive gently to a shop. If it will barely accelerate, drops to idle or stalls, don't drive it in traffic; have it towed.

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. p2112 Code - Throttle Actuator Control System - Stuck Closed — 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. SSM 50203: Loss of power in freezing temperatures, P2111/P2112/P2119 (Ranger, Bronco) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  7. 01-001-18: Lack of power after parking in freezing weather, P0638/P2112 (CX-9) — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  8. TSB-0187-09: P2103/P2111/P2112 (Camry 2AZ-FE) — Toyota Motor Sales USA / NHTSA ,
  9. 01-007-26: P2112 at sub-zero start (CX-30, Mazda3) — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  10. 18-035-05: Flash: MIL at start-up with P2112 or P1521 — Chrysler LLC / NHTSA ,
  11. TSB 16-0139: Intermittent loss of power, wrench lamp, P2111/P2112/P2119 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  12. SSM 50597: Loss of power in freezing temperatures, P2111/P2112/P2119 (Ranger, Bronco), update — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  13. ASI-32332: Intermittent loss of rpm or lack of acceleration with wrench light — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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