P2104 Throttle Actuator Control System – Forced Idle

Home » OBD Codes » P2100-P2199 » P2104 Throttle Actuator Control System – Forced Idle

P2104 Throttle Actuator Control System – Forced Idle

OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Throttle Actuator Control System – Forced Idle

What does that mean?

This generic powertrain diagnostic trouble code (DTC) typically applies to all OBD-II equipped vehicles that use a drive-by-wire throttle control system including but not limited to vehicles from Ford, GM, Toyota, Dodge, Chevy, Subaru, etc. Anecdotally this code seems to be a a lot more common on Ford vehicles compared to other brands.

The P2104 OBD-II trouble code is one of number of possible codes that indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected a malfunction and is limiting the operation of the Throttle Actuator Control System

This situation is known as activating a fail-safe or limp mode to prevent the engine from accelerating until this malfunction is corrected and the associated code is cleared. There are four codes that are referred to as force codes and they are P2104, P2105, P2106 and P2110.

The PCM sets these when other codes are present that indicate an issue that may be safety related or cause damage to the engine or drivetrain components if not corrected in a timely manner.

Code P2104 is set by the PCM to force the Throttle Actuator Control System to remain at idle.

This code can be related to a Throttle Actuator Control System malfunction, but normally another issue is setting this code. Trouble code P2104 is triggered by the PCM when it receives an abnormal signal from various components. The Throttle Actuator Control System is duty cycle controlled by the PCM and the function of the system is limited when other fault codes are detected.

Code Severity & Symptoms

The severity of this code can be moderate to severe based on the specific malfunction. Symptoms of a P2104 trouble code may include:

  • Engine will not start
  • Little or no throttle response
  • Check Engine Light illuminated
  • ABS Light illuminated
  • Automatic transmission will not shift
  • Additional codes are present
  • Common Causes Of This DTC Code

    The most common situations that set this code and place the engine in fail-safe or limp mode to indicate an issue and act as a red flag are:

  • Engine Overheating
  • Coolant Leaks
  • EGR Valve Malfunction
  • Mass Air Flow Sensor Malfunction
  • Drive Axle Modifications
  • ABS, Traction Control or Stability Control Failures
  • Automatic Transmission Problems
  • Abnormal System Voltages
  • What are some common repairs?

  • Repair coolant leak
  • Replacing or cleaning ABS sensor
  • Replacing or cleaning EGR Valve
  • Replacing or cleaning Mass Airflow sensor
  • Cleaning corrosion from connectors
  • Repairing or replacing wiring
  • Flashing or replacing PCM
  • Diagnostic and Repair Procedures

    The first step in the troubleshooting process for any malfunction is to research the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB’s) for the specific vehicle by year, model and power plant. In some circumstances this can save a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.

    The second step for this code is to complete a PCM scan to identify other trouble codes. This code is an informational code and in most circumstances this code’s function is to alert a driver that the PCM has initiated a fail-safe mode because of a malfunction or failure in a system that is not directly related to the Throttle Control Actuator.

    If other codes are identified you should check for TSB’s related to the specific vehicle and that code. If a TSB has not been generated you should follow the specific troubleshooting steps for that code to pinpoint the source of the malfunction that the PCM is detecting to put the engine in fail-safe or limp mode.

    Once all other codes have been cleared or if no other codes are detected, if the Throttle Control Actuator code still exists the PCM and Throttle Control Actuator should be evaluated. All wiring and connections should be visually inspected for obvious defects as a starting point.

    Common Mistake

    Replacing the Throttle Control Actuator or PCM when other malfunctions are setting this code.

    Rare Repair

    Replace Throttle Actuator Control

    Hopefully, the information in this article has been helpful to point you in the right direction to correct the problem with your Throttle Actuator Control System force code. This article is strictly informational and the specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.

    External Links

    Here are links to some discussions of Ford vehicles with the P2104 code:

  • 05 F150 5.4 error codes P2104 and P2112 throttle issues
  • TAC system forced idle 2104 stuck open 2112
  • P2104 Trouble Code??
  • DTCs P2104 and P2111
  • Need help?

    Let us fix your problem. You are most welcome our diagnosis experts have in most cases the knowledge and skills to find the cause of the error code p2104 and to solve the problems.

    Make an appointment for diagnosis

    "Delete Error Code Permanently, Disable DTC Error Code Function for p2104 in the ECU"

    In extreme cases, we even have the option to permanently remove the specific DTC p2104 and disable the function of the specific error code in the ECU. All other fault code functions will then continue to work to protect the engine. This is different from clearing an error code with a diagnostic device. We have the option to permanently remove the function of the specific error code, so that it never comes back. Also emergency running that occurs on the specific error code can be solved in most cases.

    Of course we prefer to first try to solve the cause of the error code, but sometimes the only solution is to permanently disable the DTC function of p2104.

    Make an appointment for permanent removal of p2104