Understanding the P2119 Code on a Ford Escape Throttle Actuator

Troubleshooting P2119 Code on a Ford Escape: Causes and Solutions

A P2119 code on a Ford Escape or Mercury Mariner refers to the electronic throttle body. The P2119 code is defined as: P2119 Throttle Actuator “A” Control Throttle Body Range/Performance. This throttle body is called a Throttle Actuator Control (TAC). It is an electronic throttle body that responds to inputs from an electronic accelerator pedal.

The TAC incorporates a motor to open and close the throttle plate and a redundant throttle position sensor (TPS) to report exactly how much the motor has opened or closed the throttle plate.

P2119 Causes

A P2119 code on a Ford Escape or Mercury Mariner can be caused by any of the following:

Binding throttle body, stuck open

TAC motor circuit open
TAC motor circuits are cross-wired
TAC motor harness circuits are shorted together
Broken or erratic signals from either of the redundant TPS sensors.
Damaged PCM

Diagnose the cause of P2119 code

Check for obstructions in the air intake system, especially around the TAC. Observe the TPS data during a test drive if you have a scan tool with live data. The readings should be smooth and logical. If the readings skip or are erratic, check with a DVOM

Open the throttle plate and check for carbon buildup

Check the TPS

With the key in the RUN position but engine OFF, backprobe the two TPS signal wires. Move the accelerator pedal while watching the signals for a clean sweep. If the signal is erratic, replace the TAC, since the TPS sensors are not individually replaceable.

With the engine off and key ON, check TPS 1 on terminal 4 and TPS 2 on terminal 6.
With the pedal fully released TPS1 should read 3.7-4.7-volts and TPS 2 should read 0.3-1.9-volts
With the pedal fully applied, TPS1 should read 0.7-2.9-volts and TPS 2 should read 4.1-4.7-volts

©, 2018 Rick Muscoplat