The P2106 Diagnostic Trouble Code indicates that your Powertrain Control Module has detected a problem and is limiting the performance of the Throttle Actuator Control System. When your scanner returns this DTC, your vehicle cannot go beyond a certain level of acceleration until you rectify the problem. It causes your PCM to activate the limp mode, a fail-safe functionality that makes it hard to accelerate until you clear the P2106 error code.
P2106 code highlights
- Level of urgency:High
- Possible culprits:Any problems with the engine or transmission
- Price for repair:$50 - $5,000
- If neglected:Engine problems, transmission problems
- DIY repairs:Impossible
- Can you drive?Yes
Common Causes of the Hyundai P2106 Error Code
Several factors could cause your PCM to issue this code and force it to activate limp mode to protect your vehicle from further damage. Some of the causes include the following.
1) Engine Overheating
Your Hyundai engine can overheat for several reasons. Generally, it happens when your cooling system fails and traps heat around the engine compartment. The reasons for a faulty cooling system could be a leak, a faulty radiator fan, a blocked coolant hose, or a malfunctioning radiator fan.
Irrespective of the cause of the excessive heat, an overheating engine is a dangerous problem. It can leave your vehicle with severe or permanent damage.
Engineers know that people tend to let a problem go unsolved until it leaves severe damage before they can pay attention to it. To protect your vehicle from this ignorance, your Hyundai has a Powertrain Control Module that limits power to the Throttle Control Actuator when it notices signs of overheating.
Activating the fail-safe mode causes your computer system to set the P2106 Error Code.
Symptoms of an overheating engine include steam from the engine area, the engine temperature gauge spiking to "red," and a strange smell from under the hood.
2) Coolant Leaks
While many people might not take this seriously, a coolant leak can permanently render your engine useless. When you have a coolant leak, your engine overheats, and the results are as mentioned above. Your PCM will set the error code P2106, and your Hyundai will go into limp mode, limiting the operation of your engine.
Although this might inconvenience you, professional mechanics recommend you do not even start your vehicle if your coolant leaks. If the coolant is pouring out of the system, accelerating your vehicle could cause irreversible damage to the engine.
If you suspect your coolant is leaking, place a piece of cardboard under your vehicle and check it in the morning. Even if the leaked coolant evaporates, you will notice a smudge on the cardboard. You will also notice a sweet smell if it is the coolant leaking.
3) Faulty EGR Valve
When fuel mixes with air in the combustion chamber, they produce nitrogen oxides, a mixture of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen Oxide is among the most harmful pollutants emitted by vehicles. To minimize the Nitrogen Oxides entering the environment, your Hyundai uses the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve, the EGR, to reintroduce the Nitrogen Oxides into the combustion chamber.
This process reduces the NOx temperature, thereby inhibiting the production of Nitrogen Oxide pollutants.
When you start your engine, the EGR valve remains closed. It opens as you accelerate and attains engine operating temperature. When this valve malfunctions, it may open or close inappropriately.
A malfunctioning EGR valve can affect your Hyundai in several ways; It can cause performance problems such as power reduction, limited acceleration, and excessive fuel consumption. It can also increase emissions. When your powertrain control module detects an issue with the EGR valve, it commands the Engine Management Light to illuminate and sets the P2106 error code.
4) Mass Air Flow Sensor Malfunction
The MAF Sensor is part of your Hyundai's fuel injection system. It calculates the amount of air going into the engine. If your MAF sensor fails, it can cause your engine to run too lean or too rich.
Signs of a malfunctioning MAF sensor include black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, the engine running rough, and backfiring. A bad MAF sensor also causes your engine to drink more than usual.
A faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor can affect your vehicle's drivability. It will cause the engine to stall, jerk, or hesitate when you accelerate. This is especially dangerous if it happens when you are speeding on the freeway. These problems can lead to unpleasant occurrences such as accidents.
To protect your engine and yourself, the Powertrain Control Module goes into a fail-safe mode when it detects a MAF sensor issue, limiting the power of acceleration. If you scan your vehicle and it returns trouble codes P2106 and P0101, your MAF sensor is causing the PCM to go into limp mode.
Other causes of the P2106 error code in your Hyundai include
- Drive axle modifications
- Problems with your automatic transmission
- Abnormal voltage in the system
- Faulty ABS or Traction Control Systems
Diagnosing Hyundai P2106 Error Code
The first step to diagnosing a problem with your Hyundai is to consult your owner manual for guidance. This can help save a lot of time and money in the end. You should get the right details about your vehicle; year of manufacture, model, and trim level.
You can research Technical Service Bulletins for your model to understand how to solve the problem. Some models may require you to reprogram the PCM to clear the DTC P2106. Other models may require you to replace the Accelerator Position Sensor without looking for any other problems.
The second step is to scan your Powertrain Control Module to identify other DTC codes accompanying the P2106. These codes help point you to the exact problem causing your PCM to limit the power of operation. The P2106 alert tells you that your PCM has detected a problem in your vehicle and has initiated limp mode to protect your engine.
If your scanner returns other codes, research the Technical Service Bulletins related to the codes and your model. If there are no TSBs for the code, follow the troubleshooting procedure on your vehicle's owner manual.
For example, if you identify the error code P2106 and P0101, your PCM has initiated the fail-safe mode because your Mass Air Flow Sensor has a problem.
Once you have cleared all related codes, the P2106 error code should also clear. If your scanner still shows this code, your PCM has a problem. Check if the Powertrain Control Module has a broken circuit, a burned fuse, or if its operating system is up to date.
You should also check and fix the Throttle Control Actuator if it has a problem. You can go around fixing problems when it is this actuator causing all the problems.
Ways to Fix Hyundai P2106 Error Code
Fixing the DTC P2106 involves repairing the components causing the PCM to set the code. This includes troubleshooting the Powertrain Control Module, diagnosing and fixing the Throttle Control Actuator, and reading related DTC codes to fix the problems.
Common repairs to fix the P2106 error code include the following.
- Fixing the Powertrain Control Module. This involves flashing or replacing it if necessary.
- Troubleshooting the Throttle Control Actuator
- Fixing coolant leaks
- Cleaning or replacing the Anti-Lock Braking system sensor
- Cleaning or replacing the EGR Valve
- Cleaning corroded connectors
- Fixing broken circuits and blown fuses
- Cleaning or replacing the MAF sensor
- Checking and fixing Throttle Position Sensor
- Reprogramming Throttle Control System
- Replacing the Accelerator Pedal Sensor
Is the Error Code P2106 Serious?
The error code P2106 is as severe as they come. This code will not only make your vehicle very uncomfortable to drive, but it also puts your engine at risk of permanent damage if you keep driving.
The code P2106 is an alert to notify you that the Powertrain Control Module has detected a problem in your system that can severely harm your engine. It limits acceleration power to ensure you do not push the engine to the braking limit.
How Long Can I drive with the Error Code P2106
Sometimes, your Hyundai will not even start if you have this DTC. The code can make it impossible to drive at all. However, you should avoid driving your vehicle before clearing this code.
The point to NOTE about the P2106 error code is that it tells you about a potentially harmful problem within your vehicle. Therefore, you should identify and fix this problem before driving further.
Conclusion
The error code P2106 keeps track of the Throttle Control Actuator by checking unusual conditions that could harm your engine. If the PCM detects a condition of this degree, it forcefully limits power to the Throttle Control Actuator, a fail-safe mode that protects your engine from permanent damage.
If your scanner returns this code, you should treat it with a lot of seriousness. It means your vehicle is experiencing serious problems that you must repair before you continue driving your Hyundai.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Add comment