P2118: Throttle motor drawing the wrong amount of current
Throttle actuator control motor current range/performance
Severity: Inspect soon
The computer has found a fault in the current the throttle motor draws, so it usually limits power as a precaution. KBB rates it serious because the car may stop responding to the pedal, so book a check promptly.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop somewhere safe and arrange a tow if the engine loses most of its power, drops to idle or stalls while you are driving. Losing drive power in traffic raises the risk of a crash.
P2118 in short
P2118 means the electronic throttle's motor is drawing current outside the range the engine computer expects. Likely causes are a worn or dirty throttle body, motor, or wiring, and on a few models a software issue. Expect reduced power. Book a diagnosis soon, and stop driving if power drops suddenly.
Modern engines have no cable to the throttle. The computer drives a small electric motor that opens the throttle plate, and it watches the current that motor draws. If the current is too high or low for what it commanded, it sets P2118.
KBB lists a faulty throttle body, a dirty throttle plate, a bad throttle or pedal position sensor, the actuator motor itself, a damaged connector or frayed wiring, and, rarely, the computer. When the computer distrusts the throttle it goes into a failsafe mode, so the car may barely accelerate.
Some makers have software fixes. Kia has a service action that updates the engine computer logic for P2118 on some 2022-2023 Carnivals with throttle body freezing, and a Toyota bulletin covers a check engine light with P2118 on Camry and RAV4 models.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Throttle body or its motor failing or sticking
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- KBB lists a faulty throttle body, a dirty throttle plate and a defective actuator motor first.
- What would change this
- Rises if the throttle plate feels gritty or sticks when cleaned and moved by a technician, or motor current is out of range on a scan tool. Falls if the throttle moves freely and current is normal.
Cause 2: Damaged throttle connector or wiring
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- KBB lists a broken connector and frayed wiring as causes, and a motor circuit fault can look the same as a bad motor.
- What would change this
- Rises if wiggling the harness changes the code or throttle response, or terminals are corroded. Falls if circuit tests are good.
Cause 3: Engine computer software that needs an update (some models)
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Kia's service action updates the engine computer logic for P2118 on some 2022-2023 Carnivals with a frozen throttle body, and Toyota has a P2118 bulletin on Camry and RAV4 models.
- What would change this
- Rises if a dealer finds your VIN in the campaign and the software is not at the latest level. Falls if it is current or the vehicle is not listed.
Cause 4: Throttle or accelerator pedal position sensor fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- KBB names these sensors, but they usually set their own codes, so they rank below the motor and wiring unless other throttle codes are stored.
- What would change this
- Rises if codes for the throttle or pedal sensor are stored with P2118. Falls if P2118 is the only code.
Cause 5: Engine computer fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- KBB lists the computer as a rare cause, to be considered only after the throttle motor circuit tests good.
- What would change this
- Rises only after the throttle body, wiring and software are ruled out.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all codes and freeze-frame data, and ask a dealer whether your VIN is covered by a throttle or engine computer software campaign.
IfOther throttle or pedal codes are stored
It meansTreat the whole throttle system together.
IfA software campaign applies and has not been done
It meansUpdate the software before replacing parts.
Points to: Engine computer software that needs an update (some models)
IfP2118 is the only code and no campaign applies
It meansCheck the throttle body and its wiring.
Step 2: With the key off, look at the throttle body connector and harness for corrosion, chafing or pushed-back pins. Have a shop inspect the throttle plate for carbon or sticking.
Warning:Keep fingers out of the throttle opening with the ignition on. The motor can snap the plate shut.
IfDamaged or corroded wiring or terminals
It meansRepair the wiring first.
IfThrottle plate gritty, sticking or the motor current is out of range on a scan tool
It meansThe throttle body is the likely cause.
IfEverything looks good and the code returns
It meansHave the circuit tested at the connector with the service manual values.
Step 3: Test the throttle motor circuit and its supply and ground at the connector against the service manual.
Warning:Back-probe gently and never short a supply pin to ground, which can damage the computer.
IfMotor circuit or supply outside specification
It meansRepair the wiring or replace the throttle body.
IfCircuit tests good
It meansThe engine computer is suspect; confirm with the dealer.
Symptoms
- Car barely accelerates or hesitates when you press the pedal
- Reduced power or a limp mode
- Check engine light, sometimes with misfires
- 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
Step 1: Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open throttle or engine computer software campaign for P2118.
Parts and cost context
- Electronic throttle body:A worn motor or dirty plate usually means replacing the throttle body as a unit on many cars. Confirm the cause first, and ask for a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
KiaYour car
2022–2023 · Carnival
Supported by vehicle dataKia service action SA514 updates the engine computer logic for P2118 on some Carnivals with throttle body freezing. Whether it is still current is not verified.
TSB_FUE062Status unverified
ECM logic update for P2118 and throttle body freezing (SA514)
2022–2023carnival · NHTSA 10227838
Service action that updates the engine computer software logic on some 2022-2023 Carnival vehicles built from January 2021.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
ToyotaYour car
2009–2015 · Camry
Supported by vehicle dataToyota bulletin T-TT-0321-15 covers a check engine light with P2118 on Camry, Camry Hybrid and RAV4 models. The repair is not in the summary, and whether it is still current is not verified.
T-TT-0321-15Status unverified
MIL on with DTC P2118
2009–2015camry, camry-hybrid, rav4 · NHTSA 10111246
Customer complaint of a check engine light with P2118 (throttle actuator motor current range/performance). The NHTSA summary does not give the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
P2118 questions
Can I keep driving with P2118?
Only carefully and to a shop. The car may limit power or stop responding to the pedal. Stop in a safe place if power drops suddenly.
Sources and review
- P2118 Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance
- Toyota T-TT-0321-15, MIL on with DTC P2118
- Kia TSB FUE062 / SA514, ECM logic update for DTC P2118 and throttle body freezing
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error