P2112: Throttle Actuator A Control System - Stuck Closed
P2112 means the throttle plate (the valve that lets air into the engine) is opening less than the engine computer is commanding. It can cut power and cause stalling, so treat it as a fault to fix soon, not one to ignore.
You can drive, but get it checked soon
The throttle may not open as requested, so you can lose power or have the engine stall, and limp mode is possible. Short, careful driving to a repair shop may be acceptable if the car runs steadily, but avoid highways, passing and heavy traffic when power is reduced.
What it means
The engine computer (PCM) tells the electronic throttle body how far to open and checks the actual angle. For Ford, the code sets when the actual angle stays more than 6 degrees below the commanded angle for about 500 milliseconds. The check engine light (MIL) comes on after two drive cycles, and the engine/wrench lamp (electronic throttle control warning) comes on right away. Ice, thick carbon or a jammed gear are the usual causes. Ford has a service bulletin naming ice behind the throttle on Ranger and Bronco. Mazda uses the same number differently: its bulletins for the CX-9 and Mazda3 describe a throttle motor current fault after cold starts below freezing, fixed by draining condensate or a PCM update. The engine may idle poorly or lack power, and the vehicle can go into limp mode (reduced power to protect the engine).
Likely causes
- Frozen condensate locking the throttle plateVery likely
Moisture can freeze behind the throttle in cold weather and hold the plate shut, which matches the cold-start pattern and Ford's ice bulletin.
- Heavy carbon restricting plate movementPossible
Thick carbon buildup around the plate can keep it from opening to the commanded angle.
- Jammed gear or weak motor in the throttle bodyPossible
The motor drives the plate through gears, so a stuck gear or a weak motor stops it from reaching the target angle.
- PCM logic needing an updateLess likely
Mazda bulletins list a PCM update as one cure for the cold-start motor current version of this code.
What you may notice
- Lack of power after a cold start
- Low or unstable idle, possible stalling
- Engine and wrench lamp on
- Check engine light on
What to check, cheapest first
- 1Note whether the problem appears only after cold starts below freezing, and whether it clears once the engine warms up. This points toward ice or condensate. · you can do it
- 2Look for any open service bulletins or PCM software updates for your vehicle and this code. · mechanic
- 3With the engine off, inspect the throttle bore and plate for heavy carbon and for ice or moisture, and drain condensate where applicable. · you can do it
- 4Clean the throttle body with a cleaner made for electronic throttles, following the maker's instructions, and do not force the plate open by hand. · you can do it
- 5Use a scan tool to compare commanded and actual throttle angle and look for related codes such as P2111, P2101 or P0638. · mechanic
- 6If the plate sticks or the angle still lags after cleaning, test the throttle body motor and gears and replace the throttle body if they are faulty. · mechanic
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P2112 code?+
Use caution. The engine can lose power, idle badly or stall, and limp mode is possible. Drive only if it runs steadily, and get it checked soon.
Can a loose gas cap cause P2112?+
No. This code is about the throttle opening less than commanded, not the fuel system. Ice, carbon, a jammed gear or a weak motor are the usual causes.
Will P2112 pass an emissions test?+
Probably not. The code is emissions relevant and turns on the check engine light, so repair it and confirm the light stays off before testing.
Can I fix it myself?+
Sometimes. The repair is rated medium difficulty and DIY is possible, with an estimated 0.5 to 4 hours. Cleaning carbon or clearing condensate may do it, but a bad motor or gear means replacing the throttle body.
Written with the help of AI from the public OBDex definition (CC0). Each make may use the code differently. Updated: 2026-11-10