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DTC P2101: Throttle Actuator System Malfunction

CAUTION: Do not insert your fingers into the installed throttle body when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II) or while the ignition switch is ON (II). If you do, you will seriously injure your fingers if the throttle valve is activated.
NOTE: Before you troubleshoot, record all freeze data and any on-board snapshot, and review the general troubleshooting information (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).
  1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
  3. Do the ETCS TEST in the INSPECTION MENU with the HDS.
  4. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.

    Is DTC P2101 indicated? 

    YES  -Go to step  7.

    NO  -Go to step 5.

  5. Test-drive the vehicle for several minutes in the range of these recorded freeze data parameters:
    • ENGINE SPEED
    • VSS
    • APP SENSOR
  6. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.

    Is DTC P2101 indicated? 

    YES  -Go to step 7.

    NO  -Intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the throttle body and the throttle actuator control module, then clean the throttle body (see THROTTLE BODY CLEANING ).

  7. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  8. Disconnect the intake air duct from the throttle body.
  9. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  10. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
  11. Do the ETCS TEST in the INSPECTION MENU with the HDS.
  12. Visually check the throttle valve operation.

    Does the throttle valve operate smoothly? 

    YES  -Clean the throttle body (see THROTTLE BODY CLEANING ), then go to step  22 and recheck. If DTC P2101 is indicated, go to step  20.

    NO  -Go to step 13.

  13. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  14. Disconnect the throttle body 6P connector.
  15. Disconnect the C251 connector (13P) between the PCM subharness and the throttle actuator control module subharness.
  16. Connect throttle body 6P connector terminals No. 5 and No. 6 with a jumper wire.
    Fig 1: Connecting Throttle Body 6P Connector Terminals No. 5 And No. 6 With Jumper Wire
    G06163971Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  17. Check for continuity between C251 connector (13P) terminals No. 6 and No. 13.
    Fig 2: Checking For Continuity Between C251 Connector (13P) Terminals No. 6 And No. 13
    G06163972Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  -Go to step 18.

    NO  -Repair open in the wire between the throttle body and the C251 connector (motor drive lines), then go to step  22.

  18. Disconnect the throttle actuator control module 16P connector (see ACCELERATOR PEDAL MODULE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
  19. Check for continuity between throttle actuator control module 16P connector terminal No. 1 and C251 connector (13P) terminal No. 13, and then between throttle actuator control module connector terminal No. 8 and C251 connector terminal No. 6.
    Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between Throttle Actuator Control Module 16P Connector Terminal No. 1 And C251 Connector (13P) Terminal No. 13
    G06163973Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is there continuity? 

    YES  -Go to step  28.

    NO  -Repair open in the wires between the throttle actuator control module and the C251 connector (motor drive lines), then go to step  22.

  20. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  21. Replace the throttle body (see THROTTLE BODY REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
  22. Reconnect all connectors.
  23. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  24. Reset the PCM with the HDS.
  25. Do the PCM idle learn procedure (see PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).
  26. Test-drive the vehicle for several minutes in the range of these recorded freeze data parameters:
    • ENGINE SPEED
    • VSS
    • APP SENSOR
  27. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.

    Is DTC P2101 indicated? 

    YES  -Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the throttle body and the throttle actuator control module, then clean the throttle body (see THROTTLE BODY CLEANING ), and go to step  1.

    NO  -Troubleshooting is complete. If any other Temporary DTCs or DTCs are indicated, go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.

  28. Reconnect all connectors.
  29. Update the PCM if it does not have the latest software (see PCM UPDATE ), or substitute a known-good PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE PCM ).
  30. Check for Temporary DTCs or DTCs with the HDS.

    Is DTC P2101 indicated? 

    YES  -Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the throttle body and the throttle actuator control module. If the PCM was updated, substitute a known-good PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE PCM ), then recheck. If the PCM was substituted, go to step  1.

    NO  -If the PCM was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If the PCM was substituted, replace the original PCM (see PCM REPLACEMENT ). If any other Temporary DTCs or DTCs are indicated, go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.

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