P2141

EGR Throttle Control Circuit A Low

Q: Is it safe to drive with P2141?

Usually yes for short periods. It's mainly an emissions fault, though pinging under load can strain the engine over time, so don't put off the repair.

Q: Can I just clear P2141?

You can, but it will return if the circuit fault, actuator, or carbon restriction isn't addressed.

EGR / emissions Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P2141 means the ECM detects low voltage (or a short to ground) in the control circuit for the EGR throttle — an intake throttle that helps drive exhaust-gas recirculation, common on diesels. It's mainly an emissions fault. Typical causes are wiring shorts, a failed EGR throttle actuator, or carbon restricting the EGR path.

Medium

Can I keep driving? You can usually keep driving, but expect possible hesitation or pinging under load; fix it to protect emissions and avoid long-term engine strain.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

248

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P2141 scans

P0487in 46.8% of scans

C0487in 40.7% of scans

P0406in 40.7% 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
Possible pinging or knock under load or at higher speeds
Slight power loss or hesitation
Failed emissions test

Common causes

Most likely first

Short to ground or low voltage in the EGR throttle control circuit wiringLikely
Faulty EGR throttle actuator or valveCommon
Carbon buildup restricting the EGR throttle and passagesCommon
Poor or corroded connector at the actuatorLess often
PCM fault (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data, then inspect the EGR throttle actuator connector and control wiring for shorts or low voltage.
Clean carbon from the EGR throttle, tube, and passages before replacing parts.
Test the actuator's resistance and operation per the service data.
Repair the wiring or replace the actuator as indicated.
Clear the code and retest.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2141?+

Usually yes for short periods. It's mainly an emissions fault, though pinging under load can strain the engine over time, so don't put off the repair.

Can I just clear P2141?+

You can, but it will return if the circuit fault, actuator, or carbon restriction isn't addressed.

Read & clear P2141 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