P2111: How to Diagnose & Fix — Throttle Actuator Control System - Stuck Open
12 vehicles · 4 makes · $100-$900 repair
How to diagnose and fix P2111: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Ford Freestyle · 2005–2007
The Ford Freestyle is subject to a significant safety issue where the vehicle surges or lunges forward unexpectedly at low speeds when in gear, even without the accelerator pedal being applied. The NHTSA investigated 238 complaints about this behavior, finding that a programming error in the engine computer causes the electronic throttle body to malfunction, particularly when the engine is under load from A/C operation, steering at full lock, or carrying heavy loads. In 18 reported cases, the surge caused accidents. Ford eventually issued a recall in December 2012 to reprogram the throttle body or replace it and reimburse owners who had already paid for the repair.
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle lurches or surges forward at low speed without pressing the gas
- Sudden unexpected acceleration while in a parking lot or at a stop
- Surging is worse when the A/C is running
- Surging occurs when the steering wheel is turned to full lock
- Engine idles erratically or races when in gear
- Check engine light with throttle position sensor codes
How to Fix
Contact your Ford dealer to verify the throttle body recall has been completed on your vehicle. If not, Ford will reprogram the throttle body control module or replace the throttle body assembly free of charge. If you already paid for a throttle body repair before the recall, contact Ford for reimbursement. Until the recall is completed, be especially cautious when the A/C is running and the steering wheel is turned sharply — these are the most common conditions that trigger the surge.
Sources for this issue (2)
Ford Transit Connect · 2014–2021
Owners report sudden reduced power, poor throttle response, and limp-home behavior due to electronic throttle body contamination/wear or throttle actuator control faults. The issue can be intermittent and may clear after a key cycle, then recur, which is a common pattern in NHTSA complaints and owner reports. It often sets throttle/ETC-related DTCs and can be triggered by carbon buildup or failing throttle position sensing.
Common Symptoms
- Reduced engine power message/limp mode
- Poor throttle response or no acceleration
- Stalling or near-stalling at idle
- Intermittent issue resolved by key cycle
- Check engine light on
How to Fix
Confirm DTCs and perform throttle body inspection/cleaning if contamination is present; if faults persist, replace the throttle body assembly and perform the required idle/throttle relearn procedure. Inspect related wiring/connectors and verify PCM updates if applicable.
Sources for this issue (1)
Ford Transit · 2015–2019
Owners report sudden loss of power with a wrench light and reduced throttle response, often while cruising or accelerating. NHTSA complaints and Ford service information describe electronic throttle body internal faults (TPS/actuator) that can trigger ETC failsafe and limp mode on 3.7L Ti-VCT Transits. The condition may be intermittent at first and then become frequent, especially with heat/soak and higher mileage.
Common Symptoms
- Wrench light / 'See Manual' message
- Sudden reduced power / limp mode
- Poor throttle response or no acceleration
- Rough idle or stalling when coming to a stop
- Intermittent ETC-related DTCs
How to Fix
Replace the electronic throttle body assembly and perform throttle/PCM relearn. Common service fix is throttle body replacement (Ford throttle body assembly; part number varies by year/engine calibration) and inspection/cleaning of throttle connector pins and harness strain relief.
Sources for this issue (1)
Nissan Rogue · 2008–2015
Ford Fusion · 2010–2016
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P2111 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P2111 mean?
P2111 stands for "Throttle Actuator Control System - Stuck Open." This code sets when the throttle actuator control (electronic throttle) system detects that the throttle plate is stuck in an open position and is not closing as commanded. Modern engines use a 'drive-by-wire' throttle where a motor moves the throttle plate based on accelerator pedal input, and dual position sensors confirm its actual angle. When the computer commands the throttle to close but the sensors show it remaining open, it sets this code and typically forces the engine into a reduced-power 'limp' mode for safety. It generally points to a mechanical bind, a failing throttle motor, or sensor issues inside the throttle body.
What are the most common causes of P2111?
The most common causes of P2111 are: Carbon buildup binding the throttle plate, Faulty throttle body motor or actuator, Failed throttle position sensor inside the throttle body, Stuck or damaged throttle plate return mechanism, Wiring or connector fault at the throttle body, Debris or foreign object obstructing the throttle plate, Faulty engine control module driver circuit. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P2111?
Repair costs for P2111 range from $100 to $900, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P2111?
Au7o has documented P2111 across 12 vehicle models from 4 manufacturers: Ford, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.