Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
The circuit “A” of the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Throttle Position Control is experiencing a low voltage condition.
What does that signify?
This particular diagnostic trouble code is applicable to OBD-II vehicles. It can be found in various vehicle brands such as Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Chevy, and more.
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) throttle control valve is positioned between the intake manifold and the air filter, similar to a throttle body. Its purpose is to create a small vacuum that draws exhaust gases into the intake manifold.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) instructs the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) throttle control valve on its positioning. This code examines the voltage signals from the EGR throttle control valve to determine if they are accurate based on the PCM inputs. Electrical issues are the most likely cause of this code. In this case, P2141 indicates a low voltage condition in that control circuit.
The troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the manufacturer, type of EGR throttle control valve, and wire colors.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a P2141 engine code may include:
Causes
The potential causes for this code to be triggered are:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) specific to your vehicle. Your issue may be a known problem with a known solution provided by the manufacturer, which can save you time and money during diagnosis.
Next, locate the EGR throttle control valve in your vehicle. This valve is situated between the intake manifold and the air filter, similar to a throttle body. Once found, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for any scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, or melted plastic. Separate the connectors and carefully examine the terminals (the metal parts) inside. Check for signs of burning or a green tint indicating corrosion. If necessary, clean the terminals using electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush. Allow them to dry and apply dielectric silicone grease to the contact points.
If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic trouble codes from memory and observe if this code reappears. If it does not, then the connections were likely the problem.
If the P2141 code does reappear, further testing of the EGR throttle control valve and its associated circuits is necessary. Typically, the EGR throttle control valve has either 3 or 4 wires. Disconnect the harness connected to the EGR throttle control valve. Using a Digital Volt Ohm Meter (DVOM), test the EGR throttle control valve signal circuit (Red lead to the valve’s signal circuit, black lead to a good ground). If there is no 5 volts to the valve or if you measure 12 volts at the valve, repair the wiring from the PCM to the valve or consider a faulty PCM.
If that is fine, ensure that you have a reliable ground at the EGR throttle control valve. Connect a test light to the positive terminal of a 12V battery and touch the other end of the test light to the ground circuit connected to the EGR throttle control valve circuit ground. If the test light does not illuminate, it indicates a problem with the circuit. If it does illuminate, wiggle the wiring harness connected to the EGR throttle control valve to check if the test light flickers, indicating an intermittent connection.
If all previous tests have passed and you continue to receive a P2141 code, it most likely indicates a failed EGR throttle control valve. However, a failed PCM cannot be ruled out until the EGR throttle control valve has been replaced.
