P2100 – Throttle actuator control (TAC) motor – open circuit
| Code | Fault Location | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|
| P2100 | Throttle actuator control (TAC) motor - open circuit (Buy Part On Amazon) | Wiring, TAC motor |
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Table of Contents
- What Does Code P2100 Mean?
- Where is the P2100 sensor located?
- What are the common causes of code P2100?
- Get Help with P2100
What Does Code P2100 Mean?
OBD II fault code P2100 is a generic code that is defined as “Throttle Actuator Control (TAC)- Motor Control Circuit”, or sometimes as “Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) Motor Control Circuit- Open”, and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects an open circuit in the control system of the throttle actuator motor’s control circuit(s). Note that this code only applies to applications that use drive-by-wire throttle control systems in which there is no physical connection such as a control cable between the throttle pedal and the throttle body/plate.
Drive-by-wire throttle control systems are fairly complex systems that use input data from the throttle position sensor to activate a DC motor to control the opening and closing of the throttle plate. In practice, the reference voltage that is supplied to the throttle pedal position sensor changes depending on the position of the sensor, and the PCM uses these changes and input data from other engine sensors to calculate an appropriate throttle opening, which is monitored by a dedicated throttle plate position sensor.
As a practical matter, when the engine is running and the throttle pedal is in the rest position, the PCM will open the throttle plate just enough to allow stable idling. As the throttle pedal is depressed, the current from the pedal position sensor changes and the PCM uses this information to command the throttle actuator motor to create a bigger throttle opening, which it will maintain unless the driver presses down further on the throttle pedal. If the driver removes all pressure from the throttle pedal, the voltage from this sensor changes again, but in the opposite direction, which has the effect of closing the throttle (via the throttle control motor) to a minimum opening to maintain the engines’ idling speed.
It should be noted though the PCM monitors several parameters continuously during throttle/engine operation. These include, but are not limited to the correlation between the actual and desired positions of the throttle plate and the throttle pedal position sensor, the correlation between the engine speed and the actual throttle opening, and all voltages and currents in the throttle control system.
Thus, if the PCM detects a malfunction such as an open circuit in the throttle control actuator motor’s control circuit(s), it recognizes that it cannot control the throttle effectively, and it will set P2100 and illuminate a warning light as a result. Note that on many applications, this type of failure may cause the PCM to initiate a fail-safe or limp mode as a safety precaution, and that the fail-safe condition will persist until the fault is corrected, and the code is cleared with a scan tool.
Where is the P2100 sensor located?
The image above shows a throttle body and throttle control motor from a GM application, with the motor being contained in the black plastic cover that is attached to the throttle body. Note that while the appearance/design of throttle control motors/throttle body combinations varies greatly, the actuator motor will always be located directly on the throttle body, as shown here.
What are the common causes of code P2100?
Some common causes of code P2100 could include the following-
- Damaged, burnt, shorted, disconnected, or corroded wiring and or connectors in the throttle actuator motors’ control circuits. Note that poor electrical connections in this harness is a common cause of code P2100 on many Ford and Nissan applications
- Defective throttle control system relay
- Defective throttle actuator motor
- Defective throttle position sensor
- Defective throttle pedal position sensor
- Failed or failing PCM, but note that since this a rare event, the fault must be sought elsewhere before any control module is replaced
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Hiya. I have the P2100 code and have replaced the throttle control and motor. The fault keeps returning. Is there something I can test with a multimeter, maybe the plug to the throttle body? What wiring harness can be replaced or tested?
Hello. Seth, the accelerator pedal system is incorporated with the TAC motor system you have already replaced. You can probe with your meter into the accelerator pedal position harness and check for proper voltage, resistance, wire condition, etc. what I have found in the past is the pins not making good connection and the vehicle not having full acceleration power. Make sure the app sensor one and two agree, and that the throttle position sensor agrees with the app sensors.
The vehicle brings throttle actuator indication every morning and goes into limp mode. I have to switch it on and off several times to stabilize. Why
Hey Nego. This problem is fixed by replacing the wiring harness to the accelerator pedal position sensor (gas pedal) as it gets kicked from time to time. Also replace the TAC motor as well if the code has the throttle position sensor in the code description. It should get your Rav4 out of limp mode. Good luck.
Hola y cómo puedo solucionar el problema que debo hacer