Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2100 Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit/Open

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P2100 reports an electrical fault in the drive circuit of the first electronic throttle motor, usually an open line. Ford's 2012 summary uses it for an open circuit or a short to power or ground (no MIL, wrench lamp). GM's 2023 table 23OBDG07 checks the bank 1 H-bridge three ways: open load above 200 kOhm, driver overtemperature and short to ground below 0.5 Ohm, each in one trip. Ford's 2024 summary even uses P2100 as the base code for several throttle faults with failure-type bytes. Ducati reports P2100 for the front-bank throttle motor of its V4. The throttle springs to limp position, so the engine runs with little power. Wrong position is P2101; low/high circuit are P2102/P2103; the B actuator is P210A.

Likely causes

Moisture or corrosion in the throttle body or ECU connector
Broken or chafed motor wire between ECU and throttle body
Open winding or worn brushes in the throttle motor
Damaged H-bridge output stage in the engine control unit

Symptoms

  • Throttle held in limp position, very low power
  • Engine or ETC warning lamp on
  • Little or no response to the accelerator pedal

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€30–600
Time0.5–2.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

throttle actuator motorthrottle body wiringecm

Related codes

P2101P2102P2103P2118P210AP2106

References: newtonnet.co.uk, gsi.ext.gm.com, fordservicecontent.com, static.nhtsa.gov.