P2118
Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Current Range/Performance
Throttle control (drive-by-wire)
Generic OBD-II
Medium
What it means
P2118 means the current drawn by the electronic throttle's actuator motor is outside the expected range — the motor is drawing too much or too little for the throttle position being commanded. It usually points to a worn throttle actuator motor, a dirty throttle bore, or a wiring fault, and the ECM may limit power to keep things safe.
Medium
Can I keep driving? Often drivable, but the throttle may respond poorly and the car can enter reduced-power mode; have it diagnosed soon.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Reduced power or 'limp' (failsafe) mode
- Hesitation or sluggish throttle response
- Rough or unstable idle
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty throttle actuator motor inside the throttle bodyLikely
- Dirty or carbon-fouled throttle bore adding drag on the motorCommon
- Wiring or connector faults in the throttle actuator motor circuitCommon
- Failing ECM/PCM driver for the throttle motorLess often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and scan for related throttle codes (P2100-P2103, P2108).
- Inspect the throttle actuator wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, or a loose pin.
- Clean the throttle body and bore so the plate moves freely, then clear and re-test.
- Measure the throttle motor current/resistance; replace the throttle body if the motor is out of spec.
- If wiring and motor test good, suspect the ECM/PCM driver circuit.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P2118?+
Usually for short distances, but reduced-power mode can appear without warning, so avoid highway or heavy-traffic driving until it's repaired.
Can I just clear P2118?+
You can, but unless the underlying wiring or throttle-motor fault is fixed the code will come back.
Related codes
Often seen with P2118
Read & clear P2118 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