P2119: Throttle Actuator A Control Throttle Body Range/Performance
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Drive gently to a shop - reduced power mode can engage without warning.
Symptoms
- Reduced power mode
- Idle speed too high or hunting
- Throttle response delayed or erratic
Likely causes, most common first
- Carbon buildup around the throttle plate
- Throttle body motor or return spring failing
- Throttle body needs relearning after cleaning
- Wiring fault to the throttle body
Read P2119 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P2119 means the throttle plate is not returning to, or holding, the position the computer expects. Electronic throttle bodies check themselves at every key cycle, and a plate dragging on carbon deposits fails that check.
Cleaning is the first move and it is genuinely effective, but it must be done properly: the plate should not be forced by hand on many designs, and most cars need a throttle relearn procedure afterwards or the fault returns immediately. Skipping the relearn is the most common reason a correct repair appears not to have worked.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P2119
“While I was driving check engine light, service wrench light came on also. The vehicle began to idle surge at stop light and when parked. Throttle response was reduced to minimal operation .Ran the codes code came up P2119 throttle body fault. Once vehicle cools down the light may shut off but does come back on while driving.”2010 Mercury Milan · Jul 2023
“Drivetrain warning light then a check engine light came on. Had the codes read (p2119) came up took to ford shop and was told my throttle body actuator control system was stuck closed and had failed. My vehicle has just over 41000 miles on it. Luckily it is covered by the warranty.”2018 Ford Fusion · Mar 2021 · 41,000 mi
“On two occasions the car would not start within approximately 10 - 15 minutes of having been turned off. After inspection the dealer found that there was an intermittent fault in the throttle body assembly (dtc code p2119 throttle closed position performance). A passenger in the courtesy car from the dealer told me he had the same problem with his vehicle, but could not recall what was diagnosed.”2013 Cadillac XTS · Jul 2019 · 52,680 mi
Show 7 more owner reports
“The cars p2119 and p2112 trouble lights and the wrench light keep appearing. The car suddenly loses power regardless of speed or location. My research indicates ford is aware of this problem however they only offered to fix it for 4 months. This vehicle was eligible and they will not repair it. I believe this is a huge safety issue. If my daughter had been driving she would have panicked and possibly put her life in danger”2011 Ford Fusion · Oct 2018 · 116,918 mi
“I bought 2010 ford escape 3,months ago noticed cutting g off took to pep boys said no worries. Now check engine light comes in tool light cuts off going down road hesitates cuts off at lights scared. Ford says it will cost me 400 or more to fix ford electronic throttle body. Code p2119. Help me please I read about the extended warranty.”2010 Ford Escape · Jul 2017 · 75,000 mi
“Tested code p2119 at auto zone. Throttle body assembly shows bad. Car began to surge and jerk at times while traveling down the road at a steady speed. At times would seem to stall and then surge forward as if throttle had been depressed. The speed at which I was traveling did not seem to make a difference. It would happen at any speed for no apparent reason. Have quit driving till I have the funds to get repaired. Appx. Repaiir cost $200 with the part cost at $140”2010 Ford Escape · Jul 2017 · 63,410 mi
“I got a engine service light on. The code came up as p2119. It was determined that the throttle body was defective and replaced. And it needed to have the computer re-down loaded. This is the second throttle body I have had installed.I have had this vehicile since it was new.”2010 Ford Escape · Jun 2017 · 74,000 mi
“Vehicle would engage in jerky motion and reduced power when accelerating to highway speed followed by "throttle fault light" on instrument panel. More jerky motion during downshift/deceleration. Odb2 code p2119”2011 Ford Escape · Sep 2016 · 82,564 mi
“Check engine light has come on. Displays a error code of p2119. I have been told that this is a problem with the electronic throttle actuator control valve. The symbol of a wrench is also displayed.”2010 Ford Escape · Aug 2016 · 62,000 mi
“Car looses power and the check engine and transmition light comes on car while driving at low rpms while driving on city streets . Had to pull over and shut off car and restart in order to drive home . Had computer system scaned and a p2119 code comes up for throttle body . Just had car in for a 15s34 recall purge valve assy and has been doing this since . Cleared code and for a coupe of days its fine then it starts all over agin”2010 Ford Fusion · Jul 2016 · 88,098 mi
Cars that report P2119 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P2119?
Drive gently to a shop - reduced power mode can engage without warning.
How much does it cost to fix P2119?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (throttle body cleaning and relearn) to $900 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Related codes
The codes closest to P2119. They often appear together, and telling them apart is usually what narrows the diagnosis.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.