P2101 fault code: what it means

P2101: Electronic throttle motor is not following the command. Usually puts the car into reduced-power mode.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Costly if missed

Usual causes, most likely first

worn throttle body motor or gears
carbon on the throttle plate
high resistance in throttle wiring or connector

P2101 by make

Jeep

Throttle actuator control motor circuit range/performance. Engine may go into limp mode.

Usual causes: dirty or faulty electronic throttle body; throttle body connector/wiring; PCM

Subaru

Electronic throttle motor not moving the throttle as commanded. Puts the car in limp mode (low speed only).

Usual causes: failed electronic throttle body; wiring harness or connector fault at the throttle body; ECU fault (rare)

What the repair usually costs

Throttle body clean and idle relearnNZ$90–NZ$190 · A$100–A$200
Electronic throttle body replaceNZ$470–NZ$1,290 · A$440–A$1,190

Not sure what P2101 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.