P2103 code meaning
Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P21xx codes Check engine light
What P2103 means
P2103 is the high-side fault of the throttle A drive: the output stage sees a voltage that suggests a short to battery, or on some layouts the supply relay of the throttle motor stays energized when it should be off. GM groups P2100-P2103 as power-limiting faults (18OBDG03A), and its Bosch-based 2012 ECM ties a power-stage short circuit to this range with about 0.1 s detection. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander list files P2100 and P2103 under the short name ETC MOT PWR, i.e. the supply of the throttle control motor, stored after one trip. The throttle is de-energized and power limited. Low-side faults are P2102, open circuit P2100.
P2103 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 P2103
- Limp mode with very limited power
- Engine warning lamp on
- Engine may not start or stalls
Common causes of P2103
- Most likelyMotor wire shorted to a battery-voltage feed
- PossibleThrottle motor relay sticking on (where fitted)
- PossibleDamaged or wet throttle connector
- Less likelyInternal fault in the ECU throttle driver
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 P2103 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. |
| 03 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2103 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 P2103
What does P2103 mean?
P2103 means "Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit High". P2103 is the high-side fault of the throttle A drive: the output stage sees a voltage that suggests a short to battery, or on some layouts the supply relay of the throttle motor stays energized when it should be off. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2103?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2103 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2103 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2103 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 P2103 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 P2103 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.