Diagnostic article Generic OBD-II
P2118: Throttle motor current performance is different from plate position error
Understand Ford P2118 actuator A current monitoring and distinguish it from stuck-open, stuck-closed and second-throttle faults.
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Documented application
Ford 2024–2025 gasoline OBD operation summary, July 16 2024 revision; only the documented monitor variants. No individual model, engine or calibration fitment inferred.
The code alone does not identify a failed part or establish that a vehicle is safe to drive. Confirm the vehicle, reporting module and applicable service procedure.
Ford lists P2118 as throttle actuator A control motor current range/performance, paired with P2100_1D. The monitored category is motor-current behavior, which is distinct from the plate being reported stuck open or closed.
Current and position answer different questions
The same table assigns separate codes to stuck positions, throttle-body range/performance and a cross-wired motor circuit. A plate that moves during one observation can still have abnormal current behavior; conversely, an incorrect position does not by itself prove that the current monitor failed.
Preserve the complete code format, the current-related diagnostic information available through the correct tool and any companion position or control codes. The summary does not provide a universal ampere threshold for P2118, so a guessed current limit should not be used as a replacement criterion.
Confirm actuator A on the installed system
Ford also describes a second electronic throttle body with a separate motor-current code. A result from actuator B is not verification of actuator A. The source does not assign a universal physical location to those letters.
The listed actuator check is continuous and has a duration below five seconds. Verification should show that the relevant current-performance monitor completes without recurrence under the proper conditions. Use the vehicle's service procedure for any electrical or actuator testing; the summary does not identify whether the motor, drive circuit or mechanical loading caused the result and does not prescribe automatic throttle-body replacement.
Source and applicability
This explanation covers the cited Ford monitor variants, not every vehicle displaying this code. Match the engine, sensor architecture and calibration before applying numerical limits.
Article source documents
Source checks describe how the text was prepared; they do not certify a diagnosis or confirm compatibility with every vehicle using this code.
Original code reference
Dictionary definition
Throttle Actuator A Control Motor Current Range/Performance
This definition retains its original catalog scope. The article above is limited to its explicitly documented application.
Reference scope
Generic OBD-II definition.
A manufacturer label does not establish the model, year, engine or module to which a diagnosis applies. Read the safety and diagnostic limits.
Definition source
- DTC Database: pinned community code definitions
Source checked · MIT