P2142

EGR Throttle Control Circuit A High

Q: Is it safe to drive with P2142?

Yes, for normal driving, but a stuck or misreporting EGR throttle can cause pinging under load, which over time can harm the engine. Fix it before extended trips.

Q: Can I just clear P2142?

It will return until the circuit fault is repaired. Clearing it doesn't address the wiring, connector, or valve at the root of the problem.

EGR / auxiliary emissions Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P2142 means the PCM detected an abnormally high voltage on the "A" EGR throttle control circuit. This circuit operates the throttle/valve that meters recirculated exhaust gas back into the intake for emissions control. Because it's an emissions fault, the car usually still drives normally, though a misbehaving EGR system can cause pinging under load. The most likely causes are wiring or connector faults, a failed EGR throttle actuator, or carbon build-up.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Drivable — it's an emissions/EGR fault, but you may notice pinging or hesitation under load, so fix it before long or hard driving.

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
Pinging or knock under load or at higher speeds
Hesitation or a slight drop in performance
Often no obvious symptom other than the light

Common causes

Most likely first

Open or short in the EGR throttle control circuit wiringLikely
Poor or corroded connector at the EGR throttle valve/actuatorCommon
Faulty EGR throttle valve or its control solenoidCommon
Carbon build-up restricting the EGR throttle/passagesLess often
Faulty PCM driver for the EGR throttle circuit (least likely)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and check for related EGR codes.
Inspect the EGR throttle control wiring and connector for opens, shorts, and corrosion — a 'circuit high' fault usually points to a wiring or connector problem.
Clean the EGR throttle, valve, and passages if carbon build-up is present.
Test the EGR throttle actuator/solenoid and its command with a scan tool.
Replace the EGR throttle valve if it fails testing; clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2142?+

Yes, for normal driving, but a stuck or misreporting EGR throttle can cause pinging under load, which over time can harm the engine. Fix it before extended trips.

Can I just clear P2142?+

It will return until the circuit fault is repaired. Clearing it doesn't address the wiring, connector, or valve at the root of the problem.

Read & clear P2142 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