P2141: EGR Throttle Control Circuit A Low

P2141 flags a low signal in the drive circuit of EGR throttle A, the main diesel regulating flap that lowers intake pressure so exhaust gas can flow back. A wire of the flap motor touching ground, a winding shorted to the housing or a wet connector are the common reasons. Note how J2012 spreads flap A over two ranges: open circuit and range/performance sit at P0487 and P0488, low and high at P2141 and P2142; flap B uses P213A to P213D. P0489 sounds similar but concerns the EGR valve A drive, not the throttle. No manufacturer documents P2141 publicly, so no figures can be quoted; CARB requires circuit faults on output components to be reported. The module usually disables the flap, which then rests open, and EGR is reduced.

Medium severity. Can I keep driving?You can normally drive in moderation, but get it repaired soon: if the valve is stuck open, the engine may idle very poorly.

Symptoms

Check engine lamp on
Engine shudder when switched off
Reduced power or limp mode

Most likely causes

Chafed wire shorting to ground between module and flap
Moisture or corrosion in the flap connector
Actuator motor winding shorted to housing
Faulty output stage in the engine control module

What to check, in order

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

Check the connector and any vacuum hoses
With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
Use live data to compare the commanded opening with the actual opening
Clean the valve and passages if they are clogged with carbon
Test the actuator with the scanner
Replace the valve if it still does not follow the command after cleaning

Good to know

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

What each character of P2141 means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P2141?

You can normally drive in moderation, but get it repaired soon: if the valve is stuck open, the engine may idle very poorly.

What causes code P2141?

The most common causes are: chafed wire shorting to ground between module and flap; moisture or corrosion in the flap connector; actuator motor winding shorted to housing.

Related codes

Sources

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.