P213C code meaning
EGR Throttle Control Circuit B Low
Powertrain system Generic code P21xx codes Check engine light
What P213C means
P213C points to a low signal in the drive circuit of EGR throttle B: the output stage sees too little voltage where it expects supply potential, which almost always means a conductor of the flap motor is touching ground. Chafed harness sections near the exhaust, water in the connector or a motor winding shorted to its housing are typical. Depending on the bridge design the module either switches the output off or the motor stays partly energised. No manufacturer documents this code publicly, so no threshold or debounce time can be given; CARB demands separate detection of circuit faults on output components. For throttle A the matching short-circuit code is P2141. An open circuit on B is P213A, a function fault P213B. The flap usually falls back to its rest position and EGR is limited.
P213C 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 P213C
- Check engine lamp on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- Engine shudder when switched off
Common causes of P213C
- Most likelyChafed wire shorting to ground between module and flap
- PossibleWater or corrosion in the flap connector
- PossibleActuator motor winding shorted to housing
- Less likelyFaulty output stage in the engine control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
EGR throttle b
What each part of P213C 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. |
| 3C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P213C 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 P213C
What does P213C mean?
P213C means "EGR Throttle Control Circuit B Low". P213C points to a low signal in the drive circuit of EGR throttle B: the output stage sees too little voltage where it expects supply potential, which almost always means a conductor of the flap motor is touching ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P213C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P213C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P213C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P213C 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 P213C 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 P213C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.