P2102

Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Low

Q: Is it safe to drive with P2102?

Not really. The system commands reduced power or forced idle to protect you, which can leave the car unable to accelerate normally. Have it repaired before driving in traffic.

Q: Can I just clear P2102?

Clearing may briefly restore power, but the fault returns and limp mode with it. The throttle motor circuit must be repaired.

Fuel & air metering Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P2102 means the PCM detected an abnormally low voltage in the circuit that drives the electronic throttle actuator motor. Because this is the drive-by-wire motor that opens and closes the throttle, the car often drops into reduced-power or forced-idle limp mode to stay safe. The usual cause is a wiring short or a failed throttle body motor.

High

Can I keep driving? Drive as little as possible — a drive-by-wire throttle motor fault can force the engine into reduced-power or idle-only limp mode, which is unsafe in traffic.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

149

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P2102 scans

P0123in 37.6% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on (often with a throttle/powertrain warning)
Reduced power or forced-idle limp mode
Poor or unresponsive throttle response
Stalling or rough idle in some cases

Common causes

Most likely first

Short-to-ground or open in the throttle actuator motor wiringLikely
Failed throttle actuator motor inside the throttle bodyCommon
Corroded or loose connector at the throttle bodyCommon
Faulty PCM driving the throttle motor — less commonLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and inspect the throttle body connector and wiring for shorts, opens, or corrosion.
Measure the throttle motor circuit resistance and check for a short to ground.
Test the throttle actuator motor; clean or replace the throttle body if the motor is faulty.
If wiring and motor are good, have the PCM evaluated. Clear, relearn the throttle, and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2102?+

Not really. The system commands reduced power or forced idle to protect you, which can leave the car unable to accelerate normally. Have it repaired before driving in traffic.

Can I just clear P2102?+

Clearing may briefly restore power, but the fault returns and limp mode with it. The throttle motor circuit must be repaired.

Read & clear P2102 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX