Fuel & air metering · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P2119: Throttle Actuator "A" Control Throttle Body Range/Performance
P2119 means the engine computer found the electronic throttle body is not reaching or holding the positions it commands, often at the default rest position.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P2119 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) checks that the throttle plate reaches its spring-loaded rest position when unpowered and follows commanded positions during operation, using the throttle position sensors. If the measured position falls outside the expected range, P2119 sets. Exact checks vary by manufacturer.
Common causes of P2119
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Dirty throttle body causing sluggish movement
- Worn throttle body motor, spring, or gears
- Faulty throttle position sensor within the throttle body
- Poor connection at the throttle body connector
- Low system voltage
- Incorrect relearn after throttle body service
P2119 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Hesitation or slow throttle response
- Erratic or high idle
- Occasional stalling
How P2119 is diagnosed
- Scan all codes and freeze frame; prioritize voltage and sensor circuit codes.
- Check battery condition and charging voltage.
- Inspect the throttle body for carbon and confirm smooth plate movement with the key off.
- Inspect the connector and harness for corrosion or damage.
- Watch throttle position sensor signals and commanded position in live data.
- Perform a throttle relearn and retest.
Typical fixes for P2119
- Clean the throttle body and perform a relearn
- Replace the electronic throttle body
- Repair the connector or harness
- Correct low voltage problems
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Related codes & warning lights
P2119 FAQ
What does code P2119 mean?
P2119 means the engine computer found the electronic throttle body is not reaching or holding the positions it commands, often at the default rest position. The standard definition is "Throttle Actuator "A" Control Throttle Body Range/Performance."
Can I drive with a P2119 code?
Only cautiously and briefly. This code commonly triggers reduced power or limp mode, so the vehicle may not accelerate normally.
What is the throttle rest position?
It is the slightly open position the plate returns to when the motor is unpowered, which lets the engine idle in a fault; P2119 often checks this position.
Is P2119 usually the throttle body itself?
Frequently, since the motor, gears, and sensors are integrated, but wiring and voltage should be verified before replacing it.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More fuel & air metering codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.