P2106
Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited Power
Throttle actuator control
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P2106 means the ECM has detected a problem in the electronic (drive-by-wire) throttle system and has deliberately forced the engine into a reduced-power "limp" mode to keep you safe. It is almost always set together with another throttle code that names the actual fault, so it points to a throttle problem rather than being the root cause itself.
High
Can I keep driving? Drivable but crippled — the ECM has forced the car into reduced-power (limp) mode, so acceleration is weak; get it diagnosed before relying on it in traffic.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on, often with a wrench or reduced-power warning
- Engine in limp mode with noticeably reduced power
- Poor throttle response, hesitation, or a capped RPM
- Rough or unstable idle
Common causes
Most likely first
- Underlying throttle-body fault the ECM is protecting against — dirty or carboned throttle bore, or a sticking throttle plateLikely
- Faulty throttle actuator (throttle motor) or throttle position sensorCommon
- Open, shorted, or corroded wiring/connector in the drive-by-wire throttle circuitCommon
- Faulty accelerator pedal position sensorLess often
- PCM/ECM fault (least likely)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Scan for companion throttle codes (P2101-P2135) — P2106 is usually set alongside the real fault; fix that first.
- Clean the throttle body and plate, then clear the code and re-test before replacing parts.
- Inspect the throttle and pedal connectors and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
- Test the throttle actuator motor and position sensors for correct sweep and reference voltage.
- If the throttle body was cleaned or replaced, perform the idle/throttle relearn procedure.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2106?+
Only briefly. The car still moves but power is intentionally limited, so merging and hill climbs are risky. Diagnose it promptly rather than driving on it.
Can I just clear P2106?+
It will clear, but forced-limited-power is a protection response — it returns as soon as the ECM sees the throttle fault again until the underlying cause is repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P2106
Read & clear P2106 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX