P2111 on Ford Explorer
Throttle Actuator A Control System - Stuck Open
Methodology: Reviewed against the SAE J2012 generic DTC definition and NHTSA owner-complaint patterns, then scoped to Ford Explorer context without treating complaints as confirmed diagnoses.
Sources: SAE/OBD-II definitions, manufacturer service information, and public reliability reports (including NHTSA where applicable).
- SAE J2012 Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions — Generic diagnostic trouble code definition reference for P2111.
- NHTSA recalls, complaints, and manufacturer communications — Used to check public owner complaint context, recall status, and safety-related manufacturer communications by VIN or vehicle.
Limits: Guidance is informational and may not match every model-year or revision. Confirm with the official manual and diagnostics before replacing parts. For safety-critical or electrical work, use a qualified technician.
What P2111 Means on Your Ford Explorer
P2111 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Throttle Actuator A Control System - Stuck Open. This code relates to the powertrain system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.
Real Ford Explorer Owner Reports
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
"While driving 2006 ford explorer shuts down several time at different occasion sometimes a little wrench appears and gas pedal becomes unresponsive and cruise control can not be engage and vehicle idle very rough when come to a stop."
"My 2011 ford explorer lost power even though the engine did not die there was no power when pressing on gas pedal. the yellow wrench light came on the panel. i turned the ignition off and waited a few minutes and it restarted. i took it to a dealer and they couldn't get anything to register."
"I/we have had multiple occasions of the engine failure to accelerate while in a regular driving mode. the engine will not continue to respond to the accelerator. the vehicle was driven to the local ford dealer and they were unable to duplicate the problem."
"While driving, the vehicle will drop out of drive, the engine will run roughly, the engine will not respond to accelerator pedal inputs. The service engine light will illuminate. If I coast to the side of the road, turn off the vehicle, then restart it, it runs normally as if nothing has gone wrong."
"Throttlebody p2111 code. loss of engine power. not covered by factory service bulletin 13n03."
All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year
Common Causes on Ford Explorer
Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.
What To Do Next
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1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
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2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
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3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.