P2111: Throttle control system stuck open

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.

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 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

• P2106 Throttle control system: forced limited power
• P2107 Throttle actuator control module processor fault
• P2108 Throttle actuator control module performance
• P2110 Throttle control system: forced limited RPM
• P2112 Throttle control system stuck closed
• P2118 Throttle actuator control motor current range or performance
• P2119 Throttle actuator control throttle body range or performance
• P2120 Throttle or pedal position sensor D circuit fault
• 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

P2111 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Cupra, Jeep, Nissan, Seat, Škoda. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.