Damaged, chafed, or corroded wiring in the EGR throttle control circuit; Failed EGR throttle position sensor or actuator internal to the EGR throttle assembly; Loose or corroded electrical connector at the EGR throttle; Blown fuse or poor ground connection serving the EGR throttle circuit; Carbon buildup or mechanical binding of the EGR throttle plate; Faulty engine control module driver for the EGR throttle circuit, though rare

DTC codes / P21xx · Fuel and air metering / P2141

P2141Exhaust Gas Recirculation Throttle Control Circuit Low

Q: What does code P2141 mean?

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Throttle Control Circuit Low. P2141 indicates that the engine control module has detected an abnormally low voltage or current on the control circuit for the exhaust gas recirculation throttle, which is the valve or flap that meters exhaust flow into the intake. The circuit is not responding with the expected electrical feedback, so the computer cannot trust the EGR throttle's position or command.

P2141 indicates that the engine control module has detected an abnormally low voltage or current on the control circuit for the exhaust gas recirculation throttle, which is the valve or flap that meters exhaust flow into the intake. The circuit is not responding with the expected electrical feedback, so the computer cannot trust the EGR throttle's position or command.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Rough idle or stumbling when the engine is cold or under light load
Slightly elevated emissions or a failed emissions test
Reduced fuel economy in some cases
Intermittent hesitation during acceleration if the throttle sticks
A stored P2141 with no drivability complaint at all

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged, chafed, or corroded wiring in the EGR throttle control circuit
Failed EGR throttle position sensor or actuator internal to the EGR throttle assembly
Loose or corroded electrical connector at the EGR throttle
Blown fuse or poor ground connection serving the EGR throttle circuit
Carbon buildup or mechanical binding of the EGR throttle plate
Faulty engine control module driver for the EGR throttle circuit, though rare

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm P2141 is the primary code and not a companion to another fault
Inspect the EGR throttle connector and harness for corrosion, loose pins, or chafed insulation, and repair as needed
Check the fuse and ground circuit for the EGR throttle using a wiring diagram and a multimeter
Measure resistance and voltage on the control circuit at the EGR throttle connector and compare to manufacturer specifications
Remove and inspect the EGR throttle plate for carbon binding, cleaning it if the mechanical movement is stiff
Command the EGR throttle with a scan tool and observe live position feedback to verify actuator response
Replace the EGR throttle assembly if the circuit tests good but the actuator or sensor fails to respond correctly

What the low circuit code really means

A low circuit code often points to a poor ground or a short to ground rather than a failed actuator, so resistance checks on the ground side are critical before replacing parts.
Carbon buildup on the EGR throttle plate can cause the actuator to draw excessive current, which the computer may interpret as a low circuit fault even when the wiring is intact.
Some vehicles set P2141 only after a cold start when the EGR throttle is commanded to a specific position, so a warm-engine test may not reproduce the fault.
A weak battery or charging system can cause momentary low-voltage conditions that trigger this code without any true circuit defect.
The EGR throttle control circuit is often shared with other emissions components, so a single chafed wire can set multiple codes that mislead diagnosis.

Can I keep driving with P2141?

You can usually continue driving with P2141 because the engine management system defaults to a safe strategy, but avoid heavy acceleration and long trips until the fault is repaired. If the check engine light begins flashing or the engine runs poorly, stop driving and have it diagnosed promptly.

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.