P2119: Throttle actuator control throttle body range or performance
The throttle plate does not return to its rest position or does not move normally. Usually dirt, ice, the return spring or the throttle body itself.
| Code | P2119 |
|---|---|
| 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 P2119 means
When you are off the accelerator, the throttle plate should sit in a fixed rest position held by a spring, and move smoothly when commanded. This code means the ECU sees it failing to reach that position or moving abnormally. The throttle body is almost always to blame: dirty, frozen or worn.
Most common causes
- Carbon slowing the plate or stopping it returning to rest
- Ice inside the throttle body on frosty days
- A weak throttle return spring
- Loose or corroded throttle body connector
- Worn position sensors inside the throttle body
- A failed motor or gears in the throttle body
Symptoms
- Engine or throttle warning light on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Idle too high, too low or hunting up and down
- The engine stalls when stopping
Can you drive with P2119?
With care You can usually drive with care, though with little power and a risk of stalling. Get it to a garage soon.
How to check it
Use a live data reader to watch throttle position at idle with your foot off the pedal: it should be low and steady. If it jumps about or will not drop, the throttle body is the first suspect.
How to read and clear P2119 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 P2119 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
- P2110 Throttle control system: forced limited RPM
- P2111 Throttle control system stuck open
- P2112 Throttle control system stuck closed
- P2118 Throttle actuator control motor current 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
- P2125 Throttle or pedal position sensor E 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
P2119 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 P2119 mean?
When you are off the accelerator, the throttle plate should sit in a fixed rest position held by a spring, and move smoothly when commanded. This code means the ECU sees it failing to reach that position or moving abnormally. The throttle body is almost always to blame: dirty, frozen or worn.
Can you drive with P2119?
You can usually drive with care, though with little power and a risk of stalling. Get it to a garage soon.
How do you clear P2119?
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, P2119 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