P2103: Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit High

P2103 is the high-side fault of the throttle A drive: the output stage sees a voltage that suggests a short to battery, or on some layouts the supply relay of the throttle motor stays energized when it should be off. GM groups P2100-P2103 as power-limiting faults (18OBDG03A), and its Bosch-based 2012 ECM ties a power-stage short circuit to this range with about 0.1 s detection. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander list files P2100 and P2103 under the short name ETC MOT PWR, i.e. the supply of the throttle control motor, stored after one trip. The throttle is de-energized and power limited. Low-side faults are P2102, open circuit P2100.

Symptoms

• Limp mode with very limited power
• Engine warning lamp on
• Engine may not start or stalls

Most likely causes

• Motor wire shorted to a battery-voltage feed
• Throttle motor relay sticking on (where fitted)
• Damaged or wet throttle connector
• Internal fault in the ECU throttle driver

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Check the pedal and throttle connectors
2. Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
3. Use live data to confirm that both sensors rise smoothly and consistently
4. Clean the throttle if it has carbon buildup
5. Run the relearn procedure with the scanner if the manufacturer requires it
6. Replace the part identified by the diagnosis

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: medium
• It can trigger limp mode.
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P2103 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 2: Generic code: same on every make
• 1: Air and fuel
• 03: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P2103?

Be careful: the car may suddenly lose power. If it goes into limp mode, get off the highway and calmly make your way to a repair shop.

What causes code P2103?

The most common causes are: motor wire shorted to a battery-voltage feed; throttle motor relay sticking on (where fitted); damaged or wet throttle connector.

Related codes

• P2100Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit/Open
• P2102Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Low
• P2101Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance
• P2118Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Current Range/Performance
• P210DThrottle Actuator B Control Motor Circuit High

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG03A Engine Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 12OBDGS1 Engine Diagnostics
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10237505 0001
• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.