Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Performance
What does that signify?
This generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) typically applies to all OBD-II equipped vehicles that use a drive-by-wire throttle control system including but not limited to vehicles from Ford, Mazda, Nissan, Chevy, Toyota, Cadillac, GMC, Land Rover, etc.
The P2119 OBD-II trouble code is one of several codes that indicate a malfunction with the operation of the Throttle Actuator Control System as detected by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
There are six codes associated with Throttle Actuator Control System malfunctions, namely P2107, P2108, P2111, P2112, P2118, and P2119. Code P2119 is set by the PCM when the Throttle Actuator Throttle Body is out of range or not functioning properly.
The PCM monitors one or more throttle position sensors to control the Throttle Actuator Control System. The position of the throttle plate, controlled by one or more Throttle Actuator Control Motors, determines the operation of the throttle body. The PCM also monitors the accelerator pedal position sensor to determine the desired throttle response based on the driver’s input. The PCM adjusts the current flow to the Throttle Actuator Control Motor to move the throttle plate to the desired position. Certain malfunctions may cause the PCM to restrict the operation of the Throttle Actuator Control System, resulting in fail-safe or limp mode where the engine is held at idle or may not start at all.
Code Severity & Symptoms
The severity of this code can range from moderate to severe depending on the specific malfunction. Symptoms of a P2119 trouble code may include:
Common Causes Of A P2119 Code
Possible causes of this code may include:
Common Repairs
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
Check for TSBs
The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) for the specific vehicle by year, model, and power plant. In some circumstances, this can save a lot of time in the long run by providing guidance in the right direction.
The second step is to locate all of the components associated with the Throttle Actuator Control System, including the throttle body, throttle position sensor, throttle actuator control motor, the PCM, and the accelerator position sensor on a simplex system. Once these components are located, a thorough visual inspection should be performed to check all of the associated wiring for obvious defects such as scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, or melted plastic. Next, check the connectors to every component for security, corrosion, and damaged pins.
The last visual and physical inspection involves the throttle plate. With the ignition switch off, you should be able to rotate the throttle plate by pushing in on it. It should rotate to the wide open position. If there is sludge behind the plate, it should be cleaned while it is accessible.
Advanced Steps
The advanced steps become very vehicle specific and require the appropriate advanced equipment to perform accurately. These procedures require a digital multimeter and the specific technical references for the vehicle. Voltage requirements will vary based on the specific year, model, and engine in the vehicle.
Circuit Checks
With the ignition switch in the off position, disconnect the electrical connector at the throttle body. Locate the 2 pins that go to the motor or motors on the throttle body. Using a digital ohmmeter set to ohms, check the resistance of the motor or motors. The motor should read approximately between 2 and 25 ohms depending on the specific vehicle (check manufacturers specs for your vehicle). If the resistance is either too high or too low, the throttle body will need to be replaced. If all tests have passed so far, you will want to check the voltage signals to the motor.
If this process identifies the absence of a power source or ground, continuity testing may be required to check the integrity of the wiring. Continuity tests should always be performed with the power removed from the circuit, and the normal readings should be 0 ohms of resistance unless otherwise specified by the technical data. Resistance or no continuity is an indication of faulty wiring that must be repaired or replaced.
Hopefully, the information in this article has been helpful in guiding you to correct the problem with your Throttle Actuator Control System. This article is strictly informational, and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.
