P2119 The electronic throttle body's actual position doesn't match the position the engine computer expects

Throttle body range/performance

P2119 in short

P2119 means the throttle body isn't moving to the position the engine computer expects. Common causes are a worn or dirty throttle body, faulty throttle or pedal sensors, and wiring problems; ice in the intake causes it on some Fords. Expect limp mode. If power drops to idle or the engine stalls while moving, stop and tow.

The engine computer constantly compares where it told the throttle to go with where the throttle position sensors say it went. P2119 is the general 'it didn't get there properly' code for the throttle body, rather than a specific stuck-open or stuck-closed fault.

Most engines respond with a limp mode that limits power, often with a wrench or throttle light. Mazda's 2007 CX-7 bulletin describes exactly that: P2119 at start-up, then limp mode with reduced engine output.

It isn't always dramatic. GM tells technicians that on the 2016-2018 Volt, P2119 alone doesn't light the check engine lamp or cut power, and the throttle body shouldn't be replaced on that code alone. Cadillac's CTS bulletin points at the wrong air filter.

Most likely causes

  1. Worn or failing throttle body (motor, gears or internal sensor)

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    KBB lists the throttle body first, and Ford's loss-of-power bulletins group P2119 with the stuck-open and stuck-closed codes caused by throttle body wear.
    What would change this
    Likelier if live data shows actual position lagging the command with good wiring.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  2. Dirty throttle plate or bore

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    KBB names a dirty throttle plate; deposits make the plate move or seat wrongly.
    What would change this
    Heavy visible deposits make it likelier.
    How to test the electronic throttle body

  3. Water or ice in the intake behind the throttle

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford's Ranger and Bronco bulletin lists P2119 with loss of power in freezing weather from intake ice.
    What would change this
    Likelier only in freezing weather on covered models.

  4. Throttle or pedal sensor wiring and connectors

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The computer judges position from sensor signals, so a bad connection can look like a throttle that won't follow orders.
    What would change this
    Likelier if the fault comes and goes with harness movement.

  5. Wrong or restricted air filter (some Cadillacs)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM's CTS bulletin links P2119 with P2101 and P0121 to an incorrect air filter.
    What would change this
    Only relevant on vehicles with that bulletin.

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; note whether the MIL is on, the temperature, and any other throttle or pedal codes

    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 angle in live data and test 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

  • Check engine light, sometimes with a wrench or throttle light
  • Reduced power or limp mode 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 start or no-start in severe cases

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:Don't replace the throttle body on this code alone until wiring, ice and bulletins are ruled out; GM says as much for the Volt. 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

    Loss of power in freezing weather with P2119 from intake ice. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2015–2016 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Intermittent loss of power with P2119 on trucks built by 31 May 2016. 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.

  • 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

    Intermittent loss of power with the wrench lamp and P2111, P2112 and/or P2119 on some 2015-2016 Ford and Lincoln models built by 31 May 2016.

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

Mazda

  • SB-01-024-10Status unverified

    P2119 at start, then limp home with reduced output (CX-7)

    2007cx-7 · issued · NHTSA 10033730

    MIL with P2119 at start-up, then limp mode with reduced engine output.

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

Chevrolet

  • 2016–2018 · Volt

    Supported by vehicle data

    P2119 here doesn't light the MIL or reduce power; GM advises against replacing the throttle body for it alone. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIP5513Status unverified

    P2119 does not light the MIL or reduce power; do not replace throttle body on this code alone (Volt)

    2016–2018volt · issued · NHTSA 10137729

    P2119 on the Volt doesn't light the MIL or reduce power; don't replace the throttle body on this code alone.

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

Cadillac

  • 2016–2017 · CTS

    Supported by vehicle data

    Engine shut-off after full throttle with P2119; GM points to the air filter. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • PIP5424AStatus unverified

    Engine may shut off after wide-open throttle with P0121/P2101/P2119: inspect air filter (CTS)

    2016–2017cts · issued · NHTSA 10119017

    Engine may shut off after wide-open throttle with P0121, P2101 and P2119; inspect for and fit the correct air filter.

    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

    Ford lists P2111 and P2119 together for the same intermittent loss of power.

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

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford lists P2112 with P2119 for intake ice and throttle faults.

  • P2101The engine computer sees a problem in the throttle actuator motor circuit or the motor's response, so actual throttle position doesn't match what was commanded

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM's CTS bulletin sees P2119 and P2101 together, both pointing at throttle performance.

All Electronic throttle and accelerator pedal codes

P2119 questions

Is P2119 the same as a stuck throttle?

Not exactly. It's a general mismatch between where the throttle should be and where it is. P2111 and P2112 are the more specific stuck-open and stuck-closed codes, and they often appear together.

Sources and review

  1. p2119 Code - Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Performance — Kelley Blue Book (KBB Service Advisor)
  2. SB-01-024-10: P2119 at start, then limp home with reduced output (CX-7) — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  3. TSB 16-0139: Intermittent loss of power, wrench lamp, P2111/P2112/P2119 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  4. PIP5513: P2119 does not light the MIL or reduce power; do not replace throttle body on this code alone (Volt) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  5. NHTSA recall 26V081: Electronic throttle body gears may break (2024-2025 Nissan Rogue 1.5L VC-Turbo) — Nissan North America / NHTSA ,
  6. 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 ,
  7. SB-01-045-10: P2104/P2111 with possible fail-safe speed limit (CX-9) — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  8. SSM 50203: Loss of power in freezing temperatures, P2111/P2112/P2119 (Ranger, Bronco) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  9. What You Should Know About Electronic Throttle Control — AA1Car (Larry Carley)
  10. PIP5424A: Engine may shut off after wide-open throttle with P0121/P2101/P2119: inspect air filter (CTS) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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