What Is the P2118 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
A P2118 code refers to the throttle actuator control motor current. This OBD II code may be displayed with other throttle position sensor codes.
More About the P2118 Code – Deeper Dive
A throttle actuator control motor electronically controls drive-by-wire systems on cars that have the feature. The gas pedal has a sensor that signals the throttle actuator control motor to open or close the throttle plate on demand.
If the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a weaker voltage from the throttle actuator control motor, then a P2118 code, along with a check engine light, is triggered. When this code is set, the vehicle goes into a failsafe mode to prevent further damage. This mode can only be resolved when normal operation is restored.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P2118 Code?
A P2118 code can manifest with serious symptoms. At worst, the car will not respond even if the gas pedal is stepped on due to its failsafe mode. Other issues may include an engine misfire, decreased power, and a persistent Check Engine Light. Symptoms may often come before the illumination of the Check Engine Light.
What Are Some Causes of a P2118 Code?
The most common causes of a P2118 code include a faulty throttle body, soiled throttle plate or linkage, a dysfunctional throttle position sensor, malfunctioning accelerator pedal position sensor, damaged or defective throttle actuator control motor, a broken connector, frayed wiring, or a faulty PCM.
How Serious Is the P2118 Code?
A P2118 code means that something is preventing the vehicle’s throttle from working, which can lead to serious issues.
Can I Still Drive with a P2118 Code?
The vehicle may stop moving once symptoms appear, so take all necessary care and precautions once drivability becomes a concern.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P2118 Code?
Qualified experts use a scanner to check for any codes from the car’s ECM. These codes can tell the technicians the vehicle’s condition when the code was set and the sequence in which they appeared.
The codes will then be cleared before performing a test drive. After the test drive, the technician will check again with a scanner to see if a P2118 code will reappear.
There are important steps that need to be taken to properly diagnose a P2118 code error. The first step is to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the specific vehicle by year, model, and engine. It can point you in the right direction for faster diagnosis and repair.
The second step is to identify all the components related to the Throttle Actuator Control System. This includes the throttle body, throttle position sensor, throttle actuator control motor, PCM, and accelerator position sensor. A visual inspection should be done to check the wiring for observable defects like scraping, rubbing, bare wires, burn spots, or melted plastic. Check the connections of each component for placement, corrosion, and damaged pins. Inspect the throttle plate for rotation by pressing it and making sure that it is in the wide-open position. Clean any dirt behind the plate while it is accessible.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P2118 Code?
Mistakes can occur if simple steps like visual inspection are not done properly. Repairs can be simple if it is just a case of a frayed wire and a matter of either fixing or replacing it. However, the diagnosis and repair must be complete and in the correct order.
Need Additional Help with Your P2118 Code?
A P2118 code can generally be repaired simply by replacing any or all of the following components: the wiring harness, throttle actuator control motor, pedal position sensor, or throttle position sensor.
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