P2142 code meaning
EGR Throttle Control Circuit A High
Powertrain system Generic code P21xx codes Check engine light
What P2142 means
P2142 reports a high signal or overcurrent in the drive circuit of EGR throttle A. Either a motor lead has contact with battery voltage, or the motor draws more current than the output stage allows – from shorted turns or because carbon has jammed the blade. The driver then shuts down for protection, the flap springs back to its rest position and EGR regulation is lost. No manufacturer publishes thresholds for P2142; CARB obliges the system to recognise circuit faults of output components in both directions. P2141 is the low counterpart, P0487 the open circuit and P0488 the function check of the same flap; flap B reports a high circuit as P213D. If the cause is mechanical, cleaning or replacing the flap removes it, a wiring short needs a harness repair.
P2142 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 P2142
- Check engine lamp on
- Reduced power or limp mode
- EGR readiness not completed
Common causes of P2142
- Most likelyDrive wire shorted to battery voltage
- PossibleFlap jammed by carbon, motor overloaded
- PossibleShorted turns in the actuator motor
- 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 a
What each part of P2142 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. |
| 42 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2142 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 P2142
What does P2142 mean?
P2142 means "EGR Throttle Control Circuit A High". P2142 reports a high signal or overcurrent in the drive circuit of EGR throttle A. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2142?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2142 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2142 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2142 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 P2142 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 P2142 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.