P2173 - OBD Trouble Code

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The trouble code P2173 can be explained as Throttle Actuator Control System - High Air Flow Detected. This diagnostic fault code is a generic powertrain code, which means that it would apply to the OBD-II equipped vehicles. The specific repair steps can vary as it depends upon the vehicle make and model. The engine control module, powertrain control module or the transmission control module monitors this circuit depending upon the particular automobile.

Do you want to know more about the P2173 fault code? Don’t worry! Parts Avatar Canada is here at your service. Keep on reading further to know more about this error code. If the powertrain control module would detect a variation in the voltage coming from the throttle actuator control system that is outside the parameters set by the automobile manufacturer, then it would store the P2173 error code. This would also give rise to the illumination of the check engine light.

What causes this problem with the Throttle Actuator Control System - High Air Flow Detected?

• Leakage in the vacuum
• Faulty manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
• Malfunctioning mass air flow (MAF) sensor
• There can be inoperative exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve
• The vacuum hoses connected to the intake manifold might be damaged
• Some issues related to the short to power or ground in the 5 volt reference circuit
• Unusable vacuum brake booster
• Imperfect PCM
• There can be distorted electronic throttle control system (ETCS) / throttle body
• Defective throttle position sensor (TPS)
• Quirks in the throttle valve actuator
• The throttle valve might not be functioning properly

There could be countless symptoms which that would accompany with this fault code. Willing to know some common symptoms of OBD Trouble Code P2173? Your wish is our demand. Have a look at them below:

Common Symptoms

• Check engine light might come into signal
• Excessive idle
• Bad fuel mileage
• Engine hesitation
• Absence of power
• Engine might start overheating
• Issues related to hard start
• Vehicle might not start at all

Looking out for some ways with the help of which you can correct this fault code? Then you have arrived at the correct place. We are here to help you out, so you must check out the steps mentioned below as follows:

• You must fix the defective TPS sensor
• It is essential to restore the flawed MAP sensor
• Repair or replace the quirky brake booster
• Rehabilitate the defaults in the upper plenum gaskets or seals
• The malfunctioning induction system should be repaired or replaced as per the need
• Make sure to mend the faulty lower intake manifold gaskets
• Carefully adjust the faults in the EGR gasket or valve leak
• The vacuum hose to the brake booster should be restored to working order
• Recondition the non-functioning PCV hose
• It is necessary to perform proper service of the unsound wiring harness
• Adjust the flawed MAF sensor

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It is essential to diagnose this fault code. Here are some steps which a mechanic should follow for diagnosing the problem that triggered a P2173 code to be stored:

A scanner is used by a mechanic to diagnose this trouble code. The mechanic will insert a scanner to diagnostic port of the vehicle and recover the codes and freeze frame data. If he happens to find any additional error codes, he has to address them as well. Once it is done, he has to reset the vehicle, and then test drive to see if the error code appears. If the error code does not return, then there can be an erratic condition. Then the mechanic has to check the wires, connectors and other electrical components and quickly replace them if he finds them to be damaged or defective. Make sure to retest the entire system after repairs are completed so that you achieve success. Crank the engine and examine the vacuum hoses and throttle air inlet tube for leakage in the vacuum. Restore or repair the faulty vacuum lines or constituents as per the need. Then the codes should be cleared up and the entire system should be retested to make sure the issue is repaired. Now if all system wiring, connectors, and constituents including the fuses appear to be in good working condition, then a scanner should be connected to the diagnostic connector. After that the mechanic should record all stored codes as well as freeze frame data. These details can prove to be very helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that may have contributed to this code being stored. You should continue by clearing the code and then the vehicle should be taken out for a test drive to see if the code returns or not. This will help to decide whether or not the malfunction is intermittent. Now once all the codes have been cleared up, then you should test drive the automobile to see if the code returns. If the code is not returning immediately, then you might have an intermittent condition. Intermittent conditions can be quite challenging to diagnose and in extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before the right diagnosis can even be attempted. This type of code is only applicable for the automobiles with an electronically controlled throttle body. These types of systems are frequently referred to as “drive by wire” throttle bodies. A sensor on the accelerator pedal arm inputs a voltage signal to the powertrain control module or some other associated controller which would command the throttle body opened or closed, it totally depends upon the conditions. Voltage signals which are coming from the powertrain control module would activate the throttle actuator motor in the direction which is needed by changing voltage levels and polarity. As the throttle actuator motor turns, it would also turn the gear in the throttle body that is meshed with a bigger gear. This change in ratio would allow the throttle plate to open swiftly and suddenly or slowly and gradually, as it all depends upon the commands of the controller. The air intake hose from the throttle body should be carefully removed and with the ignition in the “OFF” position, then you should open the throttle plate. Examine the inner bore of the throttle body for immoderate amounts of carbon and then it is essential to clean the bore by utilizing a suitable solvent. The edge of the throttle plate should be cleaned properly. The code should be cleared up and the automobile should be taken out for a test drive to ensure that your repair was successful. Check voltage and ground signals at the throttle actuator control motor connector, when the motor is activated by using a scanner. If there is no presence of the voltage and ground signals, then the connector from the PCM should be disconnected and all associated controllers and test individual circuits for resistance and continuity. Repair or restore the open, shorted, or disconnected circuits as per the need. Carefully clear the codes and test drive the automobile to ensure a successful repair. If there is a presence of voltage and ground signals at the throttle actuator motor connector, when activated by the scanner, then you must restore the motor, clear the codes, and drive the vehicle to ensure that your repair has been successful. There are many automakers which would provide service parts for “drive by wire” throttle bodies. It is likely that you might need to restore the entire throttle body, which typically includes the actuator motor as well as the throttle position sensor. It is also recommended to replace the pedal sensor with throttle body replacement. You can always consult the vehicle service manual for the particular manufacturer’s recommendations. CAN stands for “controller area network.” The CAN represents a communication bus that would allow a number of microcontrollers to communicate with one another without the need for a host computer. It is a message based protocol initially designed for automotive use. The network of CAN bus is actually a complex conglomeration of wiring harnesses and connectors used as a pipeline of information which is shared between two or more automotive control modules. Every electrical function of the vehicle is virtually controlled by these controllers, with the powertrain control module being the primary controller. Control modules receive input data from various sensors and emit output signals to system constituents and other control modules. If this proves to be a CAN bus associated situation, then it could prove very challenging to diagnose by an amateur technician. Unlike other diagnostic codes, this type of code can sometimes be best left to a professional simply because of the bulk of circuitry involved. An technician which is experienced should use a specialized scanner (Autohex or Tech II) to determine the general area of the malfunction much more rapidly and easily than someone using a code reader as well as a digital volt ohmmeter. If you will disconnect and check every single pin of the CAN bus then it can consume a lot of time as well as money. Also make sure to install some type of memory saving device, test the PCM and other controllers lose their memory and sometimes they might require reprogramming. A specialized diagnostic CAN scanner will depict pin values and control module operation without risking a meltdown. It can diagnose computer and issues related to circuitry correctly by monitoring automobile operation while the vehicle is being operated. If you want to diagnose this type of code using a digital volt ohmmeter, then it would entail probing thousands of circuits separately. One probe which is misplaced could destroy expensive control modules and require that the vehicle be totally reprogrammed. At the most, you may attempt to perform a continuity test after all control modules are disconnected, and this could literally require 40-hours or more, based upon the automobile. There are some applications are equipped with up to 18 separate control modules. If you choose to tackle this monumental task, then you must start with a careful visual inspection of all system circuitry, connectors, and fuses. Control module ground circuits should be inspected for continuity with battery ground. Generally the faulty system grounds are reason behind the occurrence of these types of codes. An auxiliary ground cable can be supportive in diagnosing system ground discrepancies. Engine and transmission ground cables, straps, and wires are sometimes left dangling once the repairs have been made. Search for loose or corroded electrical connectors that might rise the circuit resistance and cause these types of codes to be stored. Obtain a CAN bus system wiring diagram and/or pin out value chart, then use the digital volt ohmmeter to test continuity between individual controller connectors. You must compare your findings with the manufacturer’s referenced values and repair open or shorted circuits as per the need. It is more economical to restore the faulty wiring rather than attempting to remove it from the complex web of wiring harnesses.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P2173 Code

• Malfunctioning mass air flow (MAF) sensor
• There can be a failure in the Throttle control motor
• Wiring problems
• There might be a leakage in the vacuum hose
• Defects in the accelerator pedal position (APP) assembly
• Flaws in the powertrain control module