P2100: Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit/Open
Quick Answer
Not safe to drive
P2100 means the engine computer found an open circuit in the wiring to the electric motor that opens and closes the throttle plate. With a broken circuit the computer cannot control the throttle, so the car typically goes into limp mode and may not respond to the pedal. The usual causes are damaged wiring or a corroded connector, a failed motor inside the throttle body, or a blown fuse feeding the throttle control.
- Severity
- High · Electrical
Up to €600, depending on your car.
A scan shows whether P2100 is really stored on your car, which codes sit next to it and how urgent each one is. You can do this parked, with the ignition on.
A scan needs a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), about €25-60; the built-in demo runs without one. See which adapter to buy
What does P2100 mean?
P2100 is a electrical-related diagnostic trouble code classified as high severity.
What are the symptoms of P2100?
- Check engine light or an electronic throttle or EPC warning light on
- Sudden loss of power or limp mode with the engine held at low revs
- Accelerator pedal responding weakly, late or not at all
- Raised or unstable idle, or stalling when you slow down
- Cruise control not available
- Fault that comes and goes when bumps or heat move a loose connector
What causes P2100?
Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring or connector at the throttle body
: high
Failed throttle motor or worn gears inside the electronic throttle body
: high
Blown fuse or faulty relay in the throttle control supply, on cars that have one
: medium
Low battery voltage or a poor engine ground upsetting the motor circuit
: low
Faulty accelerator pedal sensor, which normally sets its own codes
: low
Engine computer driver fault (rare, check everything else first)
: low
Is it safe to drive with P2100?
No - address this immediately. Not safe for normal driving. When the throttle motor circuit is open, the engine computer cannot open or close the throttle as it should, so most cars drop into limp mode with very little power or a raised idle. If you are already moving, get to a safe place or a nearby workshop gently, and avoid overtaking, motorways and towing until it is fixed.
How do you diagnose P2100?
- Read all stored codes and the freeze frame. P2101, P2135 or P2138 stored with it point to the throttle body or the pedal. A generic OBD2 reader shows the codes, the freeze frame and, where the car reports them, the standard throttle position and commanded throttle readings
- Check the battery and the engine ground first, because low voltage can set throttle motor codes, then look for a blown fuse in the throttle control circuit. Some cars have a dedicated electronic throttle fuse or relay
- Unplug the throttle body connector and look for corrosion, oil, water, bent or pushed-back pins. Wiggle the harness while the ignition is on to catch an intermittent break
- With the ignition off and the connector unplugged, measure the motor's resistance across its two pins and compare it with the manual. An infinite reading means an open winding. The motor and its drive circuit are not testable with a generic reader
- A manufacturer-level scan tool that can command the throttle motor, or a throttle position display, shows whether the plate moves when commanded. A gap between the commanded and the actual throttle position points at the throttle body
- A new throttle body does not always clear the code. If circuit resistance and the supply checks look fine, a workshop can scope the motor control lines while the car is driven before swapping parts again
- After fitting a throttle body, run the throttle adaptation. On some cars this is a key-on procedure and on others it needs manufacturer-level software, which a generic reader cannot run
How much does P2100 cost to fix?
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean and reseat the throttle body connector | €0–€10 | €0–€40 | €0–€50 | Easy |
| Replace the throttle control fuse | €1–€10 | €0–€40 | €1–€50 | Easy |
| Repair throttle body wiring or connector | €10–€40 | €60–€180 | €70–€220 | Moderate |
| Replace electronic throttle body | €120–€450 | €30–€150 | €150–€600 | Moderate |
| Throttle adaptation with diagnostic software (where required) | €0–€0 | €30–€80 | €30–€80 | Professional |
Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P2100 on specific vehicles
P2100 on Chevrolet
Chevrolet Camaro
P2100 on Jeep
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Related diagnostic codes
Common questions about P2100
- What does P2100 mean?
- P2100 means the circuit to the throttle actuator motor is open, which is a break in the wiring to the electric motor that moves the throttle plate. The computer cannot drive the motor, so the throttle may stay where it is and the car goes into limp mode.
- Can I drive with P2100?
- Only gently and only as far as you have to. Power is usually cut hard, and an intermittent fault can return suddenly, so avoid overtaking, motorways and towing until it has been checked.
- Is P2100 the throttle body or the wiring?
- Either. The throttle body motor can fail, but damaged wiring or a corroded connector sets the same code. Check the connector, wiring and fuse before you buy a throttle body, since one is a far bigger cost than the other.
- Will cleaning the throttle body fix P2100?
- Not on its own. Cleaning removes carbon that holds the plate, but P2100 is an electrical open in the motor circuit. A cleaned throttle body can still leave the code if the motor or wiring is at fault.
- Do I need to relearn the throttle after replacing it?
- Often yes. A new throttle body usually needs an adaptation so the computer knows its end stops. Some cars do it with a key-on procedure, others need manufacturer-level software.
- Is P2100 the same as P2101?
- No. P2100 is an open circuit in the throttle motor. P2101 is a range or performance problem, where the throttle motor works but the plate does not reach the commanded position.
Read our detailed guides
Sources
- alldata.com alldata.com/mx/en/Camero-MIL-On-and-in-Limp-Mode
- diag.net diag.net/discussion/snbxb8zbrjmb0ued0fhsemwaxk