P2102 code meaning
Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P21xx codes Check engine light
What P2102 means
P2102 means the output stage for throttle motor A sees a voltage or current that points to a short toward ground or an overloaded driver. GM lists P2100-P2103 together in its 2018 calibration as faults that limit engine power and default the throttle authority; a Bosch-based GM ECM of 2012 assigns its output-stage checks (short circuit, overtemperature or overcurrent, open load) to this group with about 0.1 s detection. Apart from such tables, no maker publicly documents P2102 on its own; many current ECUs report the same fault under P2100 with a failure-type byte. CARB requires circuit faults of output components to be detected. The throttle drops to limp position and power is cut. The high-side counterpart is P2103.
P2102 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2102
- Limp mode with throttle at fixed opening
- Engine warning lamp on
- Pedal input largely ignored
Common causes of P2102
- Most likelyMotor wire chafed through and shorted to ground
- PossibleShorted winding or jammed motor drawing excess current
- PossibleWater in the throttle connector bridging terminals
- Less likelyFaulty throttle driver in the engine control unit
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Throttle actuator motorThrottle body wiringECM
What each part of P2102 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 02 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2102 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P2102
What does P2102 mean?
P2102 means "Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Low". P2102 means the output stage for throttle motor A sees a voltage or current that points to a short toward ground or an overloaded driver. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2102?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2102 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2102 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2102 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P2102 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2102 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.