What P2112 means
The electronic throttle is stuck closed and isn't opening the way the computer asks. The engine may only idle or barely move the car. Carbon buildup, a failed throttle motor or a broken gear inside the throttle body is usually behind it.
How the engine computer detects it
The throttle plate cannot be commanded open. The engine stays at idle or stalls under load. Often caused by a seized motor, broken gear, or heavy carbon coking inside the throttle bore.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Reduced throttle response, possible limp mode
- Hesitation or surging
- Idle too high or too low
Common causes
- Throttle plate seized closed Most likely
- Throttle motor seized or gear broken Possible
- Carbon or debris buildup preventing free movement Less likely
How to diagnose P2112
- Check for related codes like P2111, P2135 or P2101.
- Inspect the throttle plate with the ignition off and clean carbon buildup with throttle body cleaner.
- Check the connector and wiring to the throttle body.
- If the motor or gears inside are worn, replace the throttle body and run a throttle relearn.
- Check for open recalls on your vehicle before paying for the part.
Vehicles that report P2112 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape | 2006–2016 | 77 | 59k | |
| Ford F-150 | 2005–2016 | 68 | 66k | |
| Ford Fusion | 2008–2016 | 57 | 51k | |
| Ford Expedition | 2015–2017 | 24 | 64k | |
| Mercury Mariner | 2008–2011 | 12 | 52k | |
| Ford Fusion Hybrid | 2010–2016 | 11 | 77k | |
| Ford Explorer | 2004–2016 | 7 | 31k | |
| Mercury Milan | 2008–2010 | 7 | 51k | |
| Ford Escape Hybrid | 2006–2009 | 6 | 112k | |
| Ford Mustang | 2011–2015 | 5 | 60k |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P2112 (300 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 2
- Generic (SAE) code
- 112
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P2112?
No, not beyond getting safely off the road. The car can lose power suddenly. Have it towed or moved a short distance to a shop.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P2112?
Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.
Will P2112 clear by itself?
The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.
Can I fix P2112 myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P2112. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.