P2118: Throttle actuator control motor current range or performance
The current drawn by the throttle motor is not what the ECU expects. Often a dirty throttle that is hard to move, the wiring or the throttle body.
| Code | P2118 |
|---|---|
| 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 P2118 means
The ECU keeps an eye on how much current the throttle motor draws. If it draws much more or much less than normal, something is wrong: a sticky throttle pushes the current up, and a poor contact pulls it down. For safety it usually limits power.
Most common causes
- Carbon on the throttle plate forcing the motor to work harder
- Loose or corroded throttle body connector
- A damaged wire or poor contact in the circuit
- Low battery voltage or loose battery terminals
- The motor inside the throttle body worn or shorted
- A fault in the engine ECU, which is uncommon
Symptoms
- Engine or throttle warning light on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Unstable idle
- Slow throttle response
Can you drive with P2118?
With care You can drive with care, but the car may drop into limp mode at any time. Have it checked soon.
How to check it
With the key removed, check the inside of the throttle body for carbon. If you clean it, a throttle relearn may be needed to get a steady idle back.
How to read and clear P2118 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 P2118 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
- P2108 Throttle actuator control module performance
- P2110 Throttle control system: forced limited RPM
- P2111 Throttle control system stuck open
- P2112 Throttle control system stuck closed
- P2119 Throttle actuator control throttle body range or performance
- P2120 Throttle or pedal position sensor D circuit fault
- P2122 Throttle or pedal position sensor D circuit low
- P2123 Throttle or pedal position sensor D circuit high
- 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
P2118 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Citroën, Hyundai, Mini, Seat, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
What does code P2118 mean?
The ECU keeps an eye on how much current the throttle motor draws. If it draws much more or much less than normal, something is wrong: a sticky throttle pushes the current up, and a poor contact pulls it down. For safety it usually limits power.
Can you drive with P2118?
You can drive with care, but the car may drop into limp mode at any time. Have it checked soon.
How do you clear P2118?
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, P2118 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