P2111: Throttle control system stuck open
The ECU has detected that the throttle plate is stuck open and not following commands. Usually carbon, ice or a faulty throttle body.
| Code | P2111 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P21xx, Throttle, injection and emissions |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | Better not |
What P2111 means
The ECU compares the position it asks the throttle for with what its sensors read. This code means the throttle has stayed further open than commanded, as if it were jammed. It is usually caused by dirt, ice in winter, or a throttle motor or gear that no longer responds.
Most common causes
- Carbon build-up seizing the throttle plate
- Ice in the throttle body after a frosty night
- Something rubbing on or jamming the throttle plate
- Worn motor or gears in the throttle body
- Loose or corroded throttle body connector
- A fault in the engine ECU, which is uncommon
Symptoms
- Engine or throttle warning light on
- High idle or the car seems to push on by itself
- Limp mode with reduced power
- The engine may be shut off for safety
Can you drive with P2111?
Better not A throttle that will not close can make the car pull when you do not want it to. Do not drive it: have it taken to a garage on a recovery truck.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
With the engine off and the key removed, look into the throttle body inlet for carbon or anything jamming it. Never move the plate with your fingers with the ignition on: the motor can snap it shut.
How to read and clear P2111 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 P2111 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P210D The throttle actuator B control motor gives a higher signal than normal
- P210E Voltages C and F of the throttle or pedal position sensor or switch disagree
- P210F The electronic throttle system has forced the engine into limited rpm mode
- P2110 Throttle control system: forced limited RPM
- P2112 Throttle control system stuck closed
- P2113 The minimum pedal position throttle or sensor B stop gives readings outside the
- P2114 The minimum pedal position throttle or sensor C stop gives readings outside the
- P2115 The minimum pedal position throttle or sensor D stop gives readings outside the
- P2100 Throttle actuator A control motor circuit open
- P2101 Throttle actuator A control motor circuit range or performance
- P2102 Throttle actuator A control motor circuit low
- P2104 Throttle control system: forced idle
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Accelerator.
What does code P2111 mean?
The ECU compares the position it asks the throttle for with what its sensors read. This code means the throttle has stayed further open than commanded, as if it were jammed. It is usually caused by dirt, ice in winter, or a throttle motor or gear that no longer responds.
Can you drive with P2111?
A throttle that will not close can make the car pull when you do not want it to. Do not drive it: have it taken to a garage on a recovery truck.
How do you clear P2111?
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, P2111 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
