P2118 on Jeep: How to Diagnose & Fix
Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance
1 Jeep model · 1 documented issue
P2118 on Jeep by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The electronic-throttle-control warning lamp and reduced-power or limp mode are protective responses, not a diagnosis that the throttle body has failed. Depending on the stored DTC and application, the factory path may lead to a stuck or contaminated throttle plate, throttle motor or position-sensor response, accelerator-pedal sensors, a five-volt supply fault, damaged wiring or terminals, or a PCM issue. A thermostat is not part of the ETC diagnostic path, and a throttle body should not be ordered from the warning lamp alone.
Common Symptoms
- Electronic throttle control warning lamp
- Reduced engine output, limited RPM, or limp mode
- Poor or absent accelerator response
- One or more throttle, pedal, voltage-supply, or actuator DTCs
How to Fix
Before clearing anything, record every PCM DTC, pending code, freeze-frame value, battery voltage, temperature, and the exact conditions under which reduced power occurred. Diagnose prerequisite five-volt-supply, throttle-position, accelerator-pedal, or other active faults in the order specified by the current factory procedure for that VIN and engine. For a P2111-style fault, inspect the throttle plate for binding or foreign material and run the scan-tool throttle-follower test, then test the motor circuits, connector terminals, and wiring as directed. For a pedal-correlation code such as P2138, follow the accelerator-pedal sensor and circuit procedure instead. Replace and relearn a throttle body only when the applicable test condemns it; do not buy a thermostat as an ETC rule-out part.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningAn ETC lamp does not prove the throttle body failed. Save the codes and freeze-frame data before clearing them or disconnecting the battery.
- TipAsk the shop to name the exact DTC and the failed factory test step before approving any throttle-body, pedal, wiring, or PCM part.
Sources for this issue (2)
P2118 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 P2118 mean on a Jeep?
P2118 stands for "Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance." The PCM detected that the electrical current drawn by the throttle actuator control motor is outside the expected range, indicating the motor is drawing too much or too little current to position the throttle correctly. On Jeep it is documented across 1 model: Grand Cherokee.
What are the most common causes of P2118?
The most common causes of P2118 are: Failing throttle actuator motor (high current draw), Binding throttle plate increasing motor load, High-resistance wiring/connectors, Carbon-fouled throttle body, Faulty PCM motor driver. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P2118 on a Jeep?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Jeep model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.