What P2119 means
When you take your foot off the gas, the electronic throttle should close to a set idle position, but it isn't getting there. The most common reason is carbon buildup around the throttle plate that keeps it from closing fully. Expect an idle that's too high or unsteady; some cars also limit power.
How the engine computer detects it
When commanded to idle, the throttle plate does not reach the calibrated closed position. Often a coked throttle bore preventing the plate from seating fully.
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 bore coked at closed-position stop Most likely
- Plate or stop misadjusted after service Possible
How to diagnose P2119
- Check for other throttle codes, such as P2101, P2111, P2112 or P2135. P2119 on its own usually means carbon or a sticking plate rather than a wiring fault.
- With the ignition off, remove the intake boot and look at the edge of the throttle plate and the bore around it. A ring of black carbon where the plate closes is the classic cause.
- Clean the plate and bore with throttle body cleaner and a cloth. Don't force or pry the plate: the motor's gears are easy to damage.
- Clear the code and do the idle or throttle relearn your car needs. Some cars need a scanner for it.
- If the code showed up right after a throttle body cleaning or replacement, check that the relearn was done and that nothing, like a misplaced gasket, stops the plate from closing.
- If the plate is clean and the code returns, replace the throttle body. Check for service bulletins or extended warranties first.
Vehicles that report P2119 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fusion | 2010–2018 | 10 | 75k | |
| Ford Escape | 2009–2011 | 9 | 75k |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P2119 (34 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
- 119
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P2119?
Usually yes for a short trip to a shop, if the car idles and accelerates normally. If it goes into reduced-power mode, races at idle or nearly stalls when you stop, drive only as far as you need to or have it towed.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P2119?
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 P2119 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 P2119 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 P2119. 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.