P2106: Throttle control system: forced limited power
The ECU has limited engine power because it has found a fault in the electronic throttle system. The real fault is usually in another stored code.
| Code | P2106 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P21xx, Throttle, injection and emissions |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P2106 means
When the ECU detects a serious fault in the electronic accelerator (pedal, throttle or its control), it protects itself by putting the engine into a safety mode. This code is not the fault itself: it tells you the ECU has cut power and will only open the throttle a little. The real cause usually shows up as another code stored at the same time.
Most common causes
- Another code stored at the same time, which is the real explanation (pedal or throttle sensors, throttle motor)
- Loose or corroded throttle body or pedal connector
- Carbon on the throttle plate slowing it down
- Low battery voltage or loose battery terminals
- A faulty pedal sensor or throttle body
- A fault in the engine ECU, which is uncommon
Symptoms
- Engine or throttle warning light on
- The car accelerates very slowly (limp mode)
- The engine will not rev beyond a certain point
- An automatic gearbox may hold one gear
Can you drive with P2106?
With care You can drive carefully at low speed, avoiding motorways and overtaking, as there is very little power. Get to a garage as soon as you can.
How to check it
Read every stored code, not just this one, and note them down before clearing anything: the other code tells you which part is at fault. If only this one appears, check the battery and the pedal and throttle connectors.
How to read and clear P2106 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P2106 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.
Similar codes
- P2101 Throttle actuator A control motor circuit range or performance
- P2102 Throttle actuator A control motor circuit low
- P2104 Throttle control system: forced idle
- P2105 Throttle control system: forced engine shutdown
- P2107 Throttle actuator control module processor fault
- P2108 Throttle actuator control module performance
- P2110 Throttle control system: forced limited RPM
- P2111 Throttle control system stuck open
- P2100 Throttle actuator A control motor circuit open
- P2112 Throttle control system stuck closed
- P2118 Throttle actuator control motor current range or performance
- P2119 Throttle actuator control throttle body range or performance
P2106 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Cupra, Hyundai, Jeep, Mini, Seat. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
What does code P2106 mean?
When the ECU detects a serious fault in the electronic accelerator (pedal, throttle or its control), it protects itself by putting the engine into a safety mode. This code is not the fault itself: it tells you the ECU has cut power and will only open the throttle a little. The real cause usually shows up as another code stored at the same time.
Can you drive with P2106?
You can drive carefully at low speed, avoiding motorways and overtaking, as there is very little power. Get to a garage as soon as you can.
How do you clear P2106?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P2106 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads the faults of every control unit for free, including each make’s own codes, and with Pro explains each one in plain English. Free clears engine faults at no cost.
Coming soon
Mid to late October 2026
If you want to try it in your car before anyone else, send us your email and we will add you as a tester.
info@finalobd.com