P2620 code meaning
Throttle Position Output Circuit/Open
What P2620 means
P2620 concerns a line on which the engine module sends a throttle position value out to another unit, for instance a transmission or body controller, as an analogue or pulse-width signal. The code means the module detects that this output circuit is open, so the receiver gets nothing usable. No manufacturer documents P2620 publicly with thresholds; Ford includes it in its 2014 code interpretation list without a MIL marker, and the CARB rules require output circuits to be checked for continuity and shorts. GM's crank-output diagnostics (P2618) show how such a driver test typically works: the module compares the voltage on the line with what it commands. P2621 and P2622 are the shorted variants, while P0121–P0123 concern the throttle sensor itself. Shifting or idle control in the receiving module may be affected.
P2620 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2620
- Stored code, warning lamp behaviour depends on the maker
- Irregular shift points or idle control in the receiving module
Common causes of P2620
- Most likelyOpen wire or loose pin on the throttle position output line
- PossibleCorroded connector at the sending or receiving module
- Less likelyOutput stage in the engine control module defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
ECMVehicle data bus
What each part of P2620 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 6 | Area: computer (engine control module) and output circuits. |
| 20 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2620 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 P2620
What does P2620 mean?
P2620 means "Throttle Position Output Circuit/Open". P2620 concerns a line on which the engine module sends a throttle position value out to another unit, for instance a transmission or body controller, as an analogue or pulse-width signal. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2620?
P2620 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P2620 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2620 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 P2620 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2620 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.