P2072 on 2013-2020 Ram 1500: Throttle Body Ice Blockage Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2020 Ram 1500

Ram has specifically defined P2072 as an 'Ice Blockage' issue, which is a known problem on these trucks, particularly those with the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine (sales code ERB). A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 09-023-23) was issued because the design of the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) and intake system can allow moisture and oil vapor to collect in the intake and throttle body. In freezing temperatures, typically below -7°C (20°F), this moisture can turn to ice, preventing the throttle blade from moving. The truck's software is programmed to recognize the conditions for this and set this specific code. While most common on the 3.6L, there are anecdotal reports of similar icing issues on the 5.7L HEMI, though it is far less frequent and not covered by the same TSB.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: This year range covers the fourth generation (2013-2018, 'DS') and the start of the fifth generation (2019-2020, 'DT'). The throttle body icing issue is documented for both generations. The primary TSB for the 3.6L engine applies to the 'DS' body style up to model year 2023, indicating the problem persists. Part numbers and specific procedures may vary slightly between generations.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) or 'Red Lightning Bolt' warning light is on
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' with drastically reduced engine power
• Engine may not rev above a certain RPM (e.g., 1500 RPM)
• Rough, loping, or unstable idle
• Hesitation or poor acceleration
• In very cold conditions, the vehicle may not start or fail a remote start attempt
• Multiple warning lights may appear simultaneously, including for the parking brake or wheel sensors, as the system reports general faults

Most Likely Causes

1. Ice Formation in Throttle Body 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Injection Throttle Body This is the primary cause defined by the manufacturer. It occurs when moisture from the PCV system condenses in the cold throttle body and freezes, physically blocking the throttle plate. This is especially common with short driving trips in freezing weather where the engine doesn't fully warm up to evaporate the moisture.
   How to confirm: Move the vehicle to a warm garage to thaw. Remove the intake hose and visually inspect the throttle body bore and plate for moisture, ice, or a milky oil/water residue. A user on RamForum.com reported that after his truck failed to start and threw the code, simply giving the throttle body a few whacks with a screwdriver handle was enough to free the iced plate and allow it to start normally.
   Typical fix: Allow the throttle body to thaw completely. Clean the throttle body bore and plate with a dedicated throttle body cleaner and a soft cloth. Clear the codes.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15 for cleaner
2. Faulty or Clogged PCV System 🟡 Medium Probability A PCV valve that is stuck open or a clogged PCV hose can allow excessive amounts of oil and water vapor into the intake system, which is the source of the moisture that freezes. This is the root cause addressed by the official Mopar TSB.
   How to confirm: Remove and inspect the PCV valve and associated hoses. Check for sludge, blockages, or a valve that rattles when shaken (if applicable to the design).
   Typical fix: Replace the PCV valve and clean or replace any clogged hoses. For the 3.6L engine, the official fix involves installing the 'Throttle Freeze Kit' (Part No. 68631360AA) which includes an updated air cleaner cover and make-up air hose.
   Est. part cost: $20-$120
3. Dirty Throttle Body 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Fuel Injection Throttle Body Carbon and oil buildup can cause the throttle plate to stick, especially when cold. This stickiness can be misinterpreted by the PCM as a blockage, or it can create a surface that makes the plate more susceptible to freezing in place with minimal moisture.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the throttle body for a ring of black carbon buildup where the throttle plate closes.
   Typical fix: Thoroughly clean the throttle body with an appropriate cleaner, ensuring the plate moves freely.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15 for cleaner

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failing Throttle Body Assembly: → Shop Fuel Injection Throttle Body If the code returns quickly after a thorough cleaning and in warmer weather, the electronic motor or position sensor within the throttle body assembly may be failing. The PCM can interpret the motor's inability to move the plate as a physical blockage. Another TSB for 2019-2020 models notes that certain throttle bodies with specific Julian dates were prone to internal faults causing code P2100, which could present similarly.
• Wiring or Connector Issue: Corrosion or damage to the throttle body's electrical connector or wiring harness can cause erratic signals, leading the PCM to trigger a fault. This is more common in areas with heavy road salt usage.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify P2072 is present and check for related codes like P2110 and P2118. Note the freeze frame data, paying attention to the ambient temperature when the code was set.
2. If the vehicle is in a cold environment (below freezing), move it into a warm garage or shop and allow it to thaw for several hours. This is the most crucial first step.
3. Once thawed, turn the ignition off and remove the air intake hose from the throttle body.
4. Visually inspect the inside of the throttle body and the throttle plate for any signs of moisture, ice, oil residue, or carbon buildup.
5. Regardless of visual evidence, thoroughly clean the throttle body bore and plate using a dedicated throttle body cleaner and a soft, lint-free rag. Do not spray cleaner directly into electrical components or move the plate by hand if it's an electronic throttle body, as this can damage the gears.
6. Inspect the PCV valve and hoses for any blockages, sludge, or damage. Replace the PCV valve if it is suspect. The Mopar PCV valve for the 3.6L is part number 68083202AC.
7. For a permanent fix on the 3.6L V6, consider installing the Mopar Throttle Freeze Kit (P/N 68631360AA) as outlined in TSB 09-023-23. This also involves an oil and filter change.
8. Reconnect the intake hose, clear the diagnostic trouble codes, and start the engine. Perform a test drive to see if the code returns.
🎬 Watch: How to clean and reset your Hemi throttle body
9. If the code returns in warm weather, further diagnosis of the throttle body's electrical circuit and motor may be necessary.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Throttle Body Cleaner — This is the first line of defense and often the only 'part' needed to resolve the issue by removing ice, moisture, and carbon buildup.
  Trusted brands: CRC, Gumout
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$15
• PCV Valve (3.6L V6) (OEM #68083202AC) — A faulty PCV valve is a common root cause, allowing excess moisture into the intake that leads to icing.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Standard Motor Products, Dorman
  OEM price range: $30-$60
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$40
• Throttle Freeze Kit (3.6L V6) (OEM #68631360AA) — For the 3.6L engine, Ram issued TSB 09-023-23 with this specific kit that includes an updated air cleaner cover and make-up air hose to prevent future icing.
  Trusted brands: Mopar
  OEM price range: $80-$120
• Throttle Body Assembly — This is only needed if cleaning does not resolve the issue and the internal motor or sensor has failed. Replacement can cost between $412 and $622 for parts and labor.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Hitachi, Bosch
  OEM price range: $250-$400
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$300

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P2110 — This code, 'Electronic Throttle Control - Forced Limited RPM,' is a direct result of P2072. It indicates the PCM has intentionally limited engine speed as a safety measure.
• P2118 — This code, 'Electronic Throttle Control Motor Current Performance,' often accompanies P2072. It means the PCM detected an issue with the electrical current drawn by the throttle motor, which can happen when it's trying to move a stuck (frozen) plate.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #09-023-23: Addresses P2072, P2110, and P2118 caused by throttle body icing on 3.6L V6 engines. The repair involves cleaning components, an oil change, and installing a de-icing service kit. The stated labor time for this procedure is 1.0 hour.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #09-023-23) was released for the 2013-2023 Ram 1500 (DS) with the 3.6L V6 engine to address P2072. The fix involves cleaning the PCV system, drying the throttle body, changing the engine oil and filter, and installing a 'Throttle Freeze Kit' (P/N 68631360AA). The kit contains an updated air cleaner cover and a new make-up air hose.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) 1 Voltage — expected: ~0.5V at closed throttle, sweeping smoothly to ~4.5V at wide-open throttle.. Failure: Voltage is erratic, has dropouts, or does not change when the throttle plate moves.
• Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) 2 Voltage — expected: ~4.5V at closed throttle, sweeping smoothly to ~0.5V at wide-open throttle (inverse of TPS 1).. Failure: Voltage is erratic, has dropouts, or does not correlate inversely with TPS 1.
• 5-Volt Supply at Throttle Body Connector — expected: 4.8 to 5.2 volts with ignition on, engine off.. Failure: Voltage is significantly lower or absent, indicating a wiring or PCM issue.
• ETC Motor Circuit Resistance — expected: Between 2.5 and 25 Ohms.. Failure: Resistance is outside this range, indicating a faulty throttle motor.
• TPS Signal Circuit Resistance to PCM — expected: Below 5.0 Ohms.. Failure: Resistance is higher than 5.0 Ohms, indicating excessive resistance in the wiring harness.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Dealer Tool) or equivalent professional scanner: Learn ETC / ETC RELEARN — This function must be performed after cleaning or replacing the throttle body assembly to reset learned values and ensure the PCM knows the new closed and wide-open throttle positions.
• wiTECH (Dealer Tool) or equivalent professional scanner: ETC Throttle Follower Test — This is a diagnostic test to actively monitor the TPS sensor voltage on the scan tool while manually depressing the accelerator pedal, helping to identify any signal dropouts or erratic behavior.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Throttle Body Connector — Directly on the electronic throttle body assembly.. This 6-pin connector provides power, ground, and signal lines for the throttle motor and dual position sensors. Corrosion or loose pins here are a primary point of failure for electronic throttle faults.
• Cylinder Head Ground Strap — Typically a braided strap from the rear of the cylinder head (driver's side on the Hemi) to the firewall or chassis.. A poor engine ground can cause a host of erratic electronic issues, including incorrect sensor readings and module communication errors that could mimic a component failure. While not specific to P2072, it's a critical check for any electronic fault.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5184349AB → 5184349AC, 5184349AD, 5184349AE, 5184349AF — Progressive updates and revisions to the throttle body assembly for the 3.6L V6 engine.
  Heads up: When replacing, it is critical to use a part number that is listed as compatible with the specific vehicle year, as internal electronics may differ between revisions.
• N/A → 68631360AA — This is the part number for the complete 'Throttle Freeze Kit' introduced by TSB 09-023-23 to resolve the icing issue. It is not a supersession of a single prior part, but a new kit solution.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2020 (DS vs DT Chassis): The primary TSB #09-023-23 for P2072 applies specifically to the 2013-2023 Ram 1500 'DS' chassis (the fourth generation, also sold as 'Classic' from 2019+). The fifth-generation 'DT' chassis (2019-2020) is not explicitly covered by this TSB, suggesting it may have a revised PCV and intake design that is less susceptible to this specific icing problem.