P2111 on Ford
Throttle Actuator Control System - Stuck Open
P2111 on Ford vehicles indicates throttle actuator control system - stuck open. Au7o has documented this code across 5 Ford models — most commonly on Explorer, Five Hundred, Freestyle. This code sets when the throttle actuator control (electronic throttle) system detects that the throttle plate is stuck in an open position and is not closing as commanded. Modern engines use a 'drive-by-wire' throttle where a motor moves the throttle plate based on accelerator pedal input, and dual position sensors confirm its actual angle. When the computer commands the throttle to close but the sensors show it remaining open, it sets this code and typically forces the engine into a reduced-power 'limp' mode for safety. It generally points to a mechanical bind, a failing throttle motor, or sensor issues inside the throttle body. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $100 to $900, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P2111
- •Carbon buildup binding the throttle plate
- •Faulty throttle body motor or actuator
- •Failed throttle position sensor inside the throttle body
- •Stuck or damaged throttle plate return mechanism
- •Wiring or connector fault at the throttle body
- •Debris or foreign object obstructing the throttle plate
- •Faulty engine control module driver circuit
P2111 on Ford by Model
Ford Explorer(1 issue)
- Throttle Body Failure on 4.6L V8 Causing Wrench Light, Limp Mode, and Sudden Loss of Power2006-2010
Later 4th-generation Explorers with the 4.6L 3-valve V8 commonly suffer electronic throttle body problems. Owners report the wrench light illuminating, the vehicle abruptly entering fail-safe mode, and the engine losing throttle response or dropping to idle while driving. This issue is well documented across Ford products using similar electronic throttle bodies and is frequently associated with internal motor or throttle position sensor faults.
Ford Five Hundred(1 issue)
- Electronic Throttle Body Failure2005-2007
The electronic throttle body sticks or fails, causing the engine to enter limp mode with reduced power. The throttle plate bore wears and allows the plate to stick. May trigger wrench warning light on the dash.
Ford Freestyle(1 issue)
- Throttle Body Malfunction and Unintended Forward Surge2005-2007
The Ford Freestyle is subject to a significant safety issue where the vehicle surges or lunges forward unexpectedly at low speeds when in gear, even without the accelerator pedal being applied. The NHTSA investigated 238 complaints about this behavior, finding that a programming error in the engine computer causes the electronic throttle body to malfunction, particularly when the engine is under load from A/C operation, steering at full lock, or carrying heavy loads. In 18 reported cases, the surge caused accidents. Ford eventually issued a recall in December 2012 to reprogram the throttle body or replace it and reimburse owners who had already paid for the repair.
Ford Transit(1 issue)
- 3.7L Ti-VCT Throttle Body Failure / Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Limp Mode2015-2019
Owners report sudden loss of power with a wrench light and reduced throttle response, often while cruising or accelerating. NHTSA complaints and Ford service information describe electronic throttle body internal faults (TPS/actuator) that can trigger ETC failsafe and limp mode on 3.7L Ti-VCT Transits. The condition may be intermittent at first and then become frequent, especially with heat/soak and higher mileage.
Ford Transit Connect(2 issues)
- Throttle Body/ETC Fault Causing Limp Mode (Reduced Engine Power)2014-2021
Owners report sudden reduced power, poor throttle response, and limp-home behavior due to electronic throttle body contamination/wear or throttle actuator control faults. The issue can be intermittent and may clear after a key cycle, then recur, which is a common pattern in NHTSA complaints and owner reports. It often sets throttle/ETC-related DTCs and can be triggered by carbon buildup or failing throttle position sensing.
- PCM Software Calibration Causing Intermittent Stalling2017-2020
Multiple 2017-2020 Transit Connect owners report intermittent stalling at idle or during low-speed maneuvers, traced to PCM software calibration issues. The engine drops RPMs erratically and stalls, particularly when the AC compressor engages or when transitioning from reverse to drive. Ford released TSB 19-2346 addressing this with an updated PCM calibration, but many vehicles remain unflashed.
Looking for P2111 on a different make?
View P2111 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P2111 mean on Ford?▼
P2111 stands for "Throttle Actuator Control System - Stuck Open." This code sets when the throttle actuator control (electronic throttle) system detects that the throttle plate is stuck in an open position and is not closing as commanded. Modern engines use a 'drive-by-wire' throttle where a motor moves the throttle plate based on accelerator pedal input, and dual position sensors confirm its actual angle. When the computer commands the throttle to close but the sensors show it remaining open, it sets this code and typically forces the engine into a reduced-power 'limp' mode for safety. It generally points to a mechanical bind, a failing throttle motor, or sensor issues inside the throttle body. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 5 models.
What causes P2111 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Carbon buildup binding the throttle plate, Faulty throttle body motor or actuator, Failed throttle position sensor inside the throttle body, Stuck or damaged throttle plate return mechanism, Wiring or connector fault at the throttle body. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P2111 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $100 to $900, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P2111 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P2111 on 5 Ford models: Explorer, Five Hundred, Freestyle, Transit, Transit Connect.