P2119 Code: Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Performance
The throttle plate isn't reaching the position the PCM commands, or won't spring back to its default opening.
At a glance
Severity: Moderate
- Meaning
- Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Performance
- System
- Speed & Idle Control · Powertrain
- Safe to drive?
- With caution
- Typical repair cost
- $80–$900
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
P2119 is about the mechanical behavior of the throttle body rather than its wiring. The PCM compares the angle it asks for with the angle the position sensors report, and it also checks the spring-held default position the plate should rest at when the motor is off, usually a few degrees open so the engine can still idle in limp mode. Many PCMs run that spring check briefly at key-on or key-off, which is why you may hear a short buzz from the throttle body. If the plate lags, overshoots, sticks or rests at the wrong default angle, P2119 sets. The usual reasons are varnish and carbon holding the plate, a weak or broken return spring, worn plastic gears and, in winter, ice. The code is seen frequently on Chrysler, Ford and Toyota products, and the PCM responds with reduced power or a fixed idle.
Can I keep driving? Drive cautiously and only as far as necessary; the engine may idle high, surge or cut power. If the idle hangs high enough to push the car against the brakes, stop and have it towed.
How to read P2119
- P Powertrain
- 2 Generic (SAE)
- 1 Fuel & air metering
- 19 Specific fault
Symptoms
- Check engine light with reduced power or limp mode
- Idle that hangs high or drops slowly after lifting off the pedal
- Delayed or jerky throttle response, especially from a stop
- Engine stalls when coming to a stop
- Code sets right after start-up, when the PCM runs its throttle self-test
Possible causes
Ranked by how often each cause is behind this code (editorial estimate).
- Carbon and oil varnish making the plate stick or preventing full closing
- Weak or broken return spring, so the plate won't reach its default position
- Worn gears or tired motor inside the throttle body
- Intermittent throttle body connector or wiring fault
- Ice in the throttle bore in freezing, humid weather
- PCM software needing an update or an internal fault
Diagnosis step by step
Graph desired against actual throttle angle
With the engine idling in Park or Neutral, graph desired and actual throttle position while you blip the pedal. Actual should follow desired within a fraction of a second with no overshoot. A lag, hang-up or plateau at one angle confirms the throttle body isn't obeying.
Tools: OBD-II scanner
Check the spring default position
Key off, remove the intake duct and look at the plate. It should sit slightly open, not fully closed and not wide open. Open it gently by hand and let go: it should snap back to that same default spot. A plate that creeps back slowly or stays put has a spring or binding problem.
Tools: Flashlight
Look for carbon and varnish
Inspect the bore behind the plate for a black ring or sticky film, which is common where crankcase vapors enter the intake. If present, clean it with throttle body cleaner on a rag with the key off and the battery disconnected if your manual advises it. Don't force the plate against the motor gears.
Tools: Soft brush, Flashlight
Check the connector and wiring
Inspect the throttle body connector for green corrosion and loose pins, then wiggle the harness while watching throttle angle in live data. An intermittent connection can make the plate briefly lose its command and trip the same range/performance logic.
Tools: Flashlight, OBD-II scanner
Replace the throttle body when mechanics are worn
Gears, springs and motors aren't serviceable on most units, so a spring that won't return the plate or gears that feel rough mean a new throttle body. Check for any PCM software update for your model at the same time.
Tools: Screwdriver
Relearn and verify
After cleaning or replacement, clear the codes and run the throttle and idle relearn for your make. Repeat the desired-versus-actual graph to confirm the plate now follows commands cleanly.
Tools: OBD-II scanner
Where the parts are
- 1Ignition coil
- 2Spark plug
- 3Fuel injector
- 4Camshaft sensor
- 5Crankshaft sensor
- 6Engine computer (ECM)
- 7Intake manifold
Repair options & costs
| Repair | DIY? | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clean throttle body and perform relearn | Yes | $80–$200 |
| Replace electronic throttle body | Yes | $300–$900 |
| Repair throttle body connector or wiring | No | $90–$280 |
| PCM software update at a dealer | No | $100–$200 |
Rough US estimates for parts and labor; shop rates vary by region. Not a quote.
Notes by brand
Chrysler
On Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep engines with electronic throttle, P2119 is a familiar throttle body code. A sticking plate or tired return spring is the usual finding, and the throttle body is replaced as an assembly if cleaning doesn't restore normal behavior.
Toyota
On Toyota engines with electronic throttle, P2119 often appears together with P2111 or P2112 when carbon or a worn throttle motor keeps the plate from following commands. Cleaning helps when the bore is visibly coked; otherwise the throttle body is replaced.
Ford
Fords commonly show the orange wrench light with P2119 and limit power. Check for a carbon ring and the default plate position before replacing the throttle body.
Field data
| Ford | 20 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | 2 | Equinox, Impala |
Source: NHTSA Complaints API (US government open data), analyzed by DTC mention.
Emissions / smog test impact
Will fail
P2119 turns on the check engine light, which fails an OBD-II emissions inspection. After cleaning or replacement, complete the relearn and a few drive cycles before retesting.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the throttle body buzz when I turn the key?
Many PCMs briefly move the plate at key-on or key-off to check its spring-held default position and the motor's response. That buzz is normal. If the check fails, P2119 can set immediately after start-up.
Can cleaning the throttle body fix P2119?
Often, when the cause is carbon or varnish holding the plate. It won't fix a broken spring or worn gears. Clean with the key off, never push the plate hard against the motor, and do the relearn afterwards.
What is the throttle default position?
It's the slightly open angle springs hold the plate at when the motor isn't powered. It lets the engine idle and move the car slowly in limp mode, so the PCM checks it regularly.
Is this the same as a stuck throttle cable?
No, there's no cable on drive-by-wire engines. The pedal sends a signal and the motor moves the plate; P2119 means the plate itself isn't following those commands properly.