P2105

Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Engine Shutdown

Q: Is it safe to drive with P2105?

No. This code means the ECM can force the engine to shut down; a stall in traffic is a real risk, so have it fixed before driving.

Q: Can I just clear P2105?

You can clear it, but it will return the moment the throttle actuator fault recurs. The underlying throttle/wiring problem has to be repaired.

Throttle actuator control Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P2105 sets when the throttle actuator control (drive-by-wire) system detects a fault serious enough that the ECM commands a forced engine shutdown as a safety measure. It usually points to a problem with the throttle actuator, throttle body, or its wiring, and it can leave you with a stalling or no-start condition until repaired.

High

Can I keep driving? Not safe — the ECM has commanded a forced engine shutdown, so the engine can stall or refuse to run; get it diagnosed before relying on the vehicle.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

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
Engine stalls or is shut down by the ECM
Reduced power or limp mode before shutdown
Hard start or no-start after the fault

Common causes

Most likely first

Drive-by-wire (throttle actuator control) system faultLikely
Failed throttle actuator motorCommon
Sticking or damaged throttle valve / throttle bodyCommon
Wiring or connector fault in the throttle control circuitLess often
PCM/ECM faultLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame and any companion throttle codes (P2101, P2119, P2175) to see what triggered the shutdown.
Inspect the throttle body and actuator connector for damage, corrosion, or a loose pin.
Try cleaning a carboned throttle body and clearing the code, then retest.
Test the throttle actuator motor and its control/feedback circuits against spec.
If wiring and throttle body check out, have the PCM/ECM evaluated.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2105?+

No. This code means the ECM can force the engine to shut down; a stall in traffic is a real risk, so have it fixed before driving.

Can I just clear P2105?+

You can clear it, but it will return the moment the throttle actuator fault recurs. The underlying throttle/wiring problem has to be repaired.

Read & clear P2105 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