Faulty throttle actuator control motor (worn brushes, shorted windings, or mechanical binding); Damaged or corroded wiring and connectors in the TAC motor circuit; Poor electrical connections at the throttle body or PCM; Failed throttle position sensor (TPS) or accelerator pedal position sensor (APP) providing incorrect feedback; PCM internal fault affecting the driver circuit for the TAC motor; Contamination or carbon buildup inside the throttle body causing excessive motor load

DTC codes / P21xx · Fuel and air metering / P2118

P2118Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance

Q: What does code P2118 mean?

Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance. P2118 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormal current draw or performance issue in the throttle actuator control (TAC) motor circuit. The PCM monitors the current flowing through the motor and sets this code when the current is outside the expected range for the commanded throttle position, often indicating a short, open, or excessive resistance in the circuit or a failing motor.

P2118 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormal current draw or performance issue in the throttle actuator control (TAC) motor circuit. The PCM monitors the current flowing through the motor and sets this code when the current is outside the expected range for the commanded throttle position, often indicating a short, open, or excessive resistance in the circuit or a failing motor.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Reduced engine power or limp mode, limiting vehicle speed
Unresponsive accelerator pedal or delayed throttle response
Rough idle or stalling when coming to a stop
Inconsistent engine speed or surging during acceleration

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty throttle actuator control motor (worn brushes, shorted windings, or mechanical binding)
Damaged or corroded wiring and connectors in the TAC motor circuit
Poor electrical connections at the throttle body or PCM
Failed throttle position sensor (TPS) or accelerator pedal position sensor (APP) providing incorrect feedback
PCM internal fault affecting the driver circuit for the TAC motor
Contamination or carbon buildup inside the throttle body causing excessive motor load

How to diagnose and fix it

Perform a visual inspection of the throttle body, TAC motor connector, and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Use a scan tool to command the throttle plate through its full range and observe motor current and position feedback for smooth operation
Measure resistance and check for shorts or opens in the TAC motor circuit between the PCM and throttle body
Clean the throttle body and perform a throttle relearn procedure if contamination is found
Substitute a known-good throttle body or TAC motor to see if the code clears and symptoms disappear
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or software updates for the PCM that may address throttle control issues
If all else fails, diagnose the PCM driver circuit or replace the PCM after confirming no other faults exist

Common Misdiagnosis Traps for P2118

A dirty throttle body can cause the TAC motor to draw excessive current, setting P2118 without any motor fault; cleaning and relearning often resolves the issue.
Wiring harness chafing near the throttle body or along the intake manifold is a frequent hidden cause that visual inspection alone may miss without wiggle testing.
The code can be set by a weak battery or charging system issue that causes voltage drops, leading to erratic TAC motor operation and false current readings.
After replacing the throttle body, a relearn procedure is mandatory on many vehicles; skipping it can cause the new unit to set P2118 immediately.
P2118 is often accompanied by P2135 or P0121, and diagnosing those first may reveal the root cause rather than replacing the throttle body unnecessarily.

Can I keep driving with P2118?

Driving with P2118 is not recommended because the vehicle may enter limp mode without warning, reducing power and increasing accident risk. Avoid highway driving and seek service immediately; if the vehicle is already in limp mode, have it towed to a repair shop.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.