P2101 on Buick
Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance
P2101 on Buick vehicles indicates throttle actuator "a" control motor circuit range/performance. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Buick model — most commonly on Lucerne. This powertrain code means the engine computer commanded the electronic throttle actuator motor to a certain position but the motor did not respond within the expected range. Modern engines use a drive-by-wire throttle, where a motor opens and closes the throttle plate based on signals from the computer rather than a cable. When the actual throttle position disagrees with the commanded position, the computer sets this code, often forcing the vehicle into a reduced-power 'limp' mode to protect the engine. This can cause poor acceleration or stalling and should be addressed promptly. Typical repair costs on Buick range from $250 to $600, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P2101
- •Faulty throttle actuator control motor (throttle body)
- •Dirty or carbon-fouled throttle plate causing binding
- •Wiring or connector problems in the throttle actuator circuit
- •Failed throttle position sensor inside the throttle body
- •Poor electrical connection or corroded terminals
- •Faulty engine control module (less common)
P2101 on Buick by Model
Buick Lucerne(1 issue)
- Throttle Body / Throttle Position Sensor Causing Reduced Engine Power2006-2011
A failing electronic throttle body or throttle position sensor triggers a 'Reduced Engine Power' message and limp mode, with rough or surging idle and hesitant acceleration. The condition is common enough that GM issued a special coverage adjustment extending the throttle body warranty on some 2009-2011 cars.
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View P2101 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P2101 mean on Buick?▼
P2101 stands for "Throttle Actuator "A" Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance." This powertrain code means the engine computer commanded the electronic throttle actuator motor to a certain position but the motor did not respond within the expected range. Modern engines use a drive-by-wire throttle, where a motor opens and closes the throttle plate based on signals from the computer rather than a cable. When the actual throttle position disagrees with the commanded position, the computer sets this code, often forcing the vehicle into a reduced-power 'limp' mode to protect the engine. This can cause poor acceleration or stalling and should be addressed promptly. On Buick specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P2101 on Buick vehicles?▼
Common causes on Buick: Faulty throttle actuator control motor (throttle body), Dirty or carbon-fouled throttle plate causing binding, Wiring or connector problems in the throttle actuator circuit, Failed throttle position sensor inside the throttle body, Poor electrical connection or corroded terminals. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P2101 on a Buick?▼
Repair costs on Buick range from $250 to $600, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Buick models have P2101 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P2101 on 1 Buick model: Lucerne.