P2105 code meaning
Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Engine Shutdown
What P2105 means
P2105 is the most severe throttle failure mode: the controller has decided that throttle control can no longer be trusted and stops the engine. In Ford's 2012 summary the trigger is a serious processor fault found by the separate monitoring processor (Ford calls it the Quizzer); all injectors are switched off and the wrench lamp comes on. Ford sets it without MIL, arguing that a shutdown cannot raise emissions, which matches the CARB idea of emissions-neutral default actions. The cause sits in the engine computer, its supply or a companion code such as P0606 or P2107. For the driver the engine dies or will not keep running. Milder states are forced idle (P2104), limited power (P2106) and limited rpm (P2110).
P2105 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2105
- Engine shuts off or will not keep running
- Wrench or ETC warning lamp, often without MIL
Common causes of P2105
- Most likelyMonitoring processor detects an internal ECU fault
- PossibleUnstable ECU supply or ground connection
- Less likelyECU software fault cured by reprogramming
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Throttle actuator controlThrottle position sensorECM
What each part of P2105 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. |
| 05 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2105 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 P2105
What does P2105 mean?
P2105 means "Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Engine Shutdown". P2105 is the most severe throttle failure mode: the controller has decided that throttle control can no longer be trusted and stops the engine. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2105?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2105 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2105 fail an emissions test?
P2105 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P2105 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2105 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.