P2118 on 2013-2020 Ram 1500: Throttle Control Motor Current Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2020 Ram 1500

On this generation of Ram 1500, particularly those with the 3.6L V6 engine, P2118 is often associated with other specific codes due to a known issue with moisture freezing in the intake system. A manufacturer Technical Service Bulletin (TSB #09-023-23) directly links P2118 with P2110 (Electronic Throttle Control - Forced Limited RPM) and P2072 (Electronic Throttle Control System - Ice Blockage). This indicates that in cold weather (typically below -7°C / 20°F), ice buildup in the throttle body can be a specific cause for this code, leading to the truck entering a protective 'limp mode' or even a no-start condition. The TSB outlines a fix that involves drying the system and installing an updated air hose and air cleaner lid.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Generation note: The 2013-2020 year range covers the end of the 4th Generation (2013-2018, DS/DJ) and the beginning of the 5th Generation (2019-2020, DT) Ram 1500. While the electronic throttle control concept is the same, part numbers for the throttle body differ between these generations and by engine type. For the 5.7L HEMI in 4th Gen trucks, a common part number is 53034251AB. 🎬 Watch: How to replace the throttle body on 4th Gen Rams. For the 5th Gen DT trucks with the 5.7L HEMI, the part number may be 53034251AD. 🎬 See this walkthrough for 5th Gen 5.7L throttle body replacement. For the 3.6L Pentastar V6, a common part number is 5184349AF, which supersedes several previous versions. Always verify the correct part for your specific year and engine.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Flashing Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) 'lightning bolt' warning light
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' with drastically reduced engine power.
• Little to no response from the accelerator pedal.
• Rough or erratic idle.
• Engine may stall or fail to start.
• Potential for a whining or abnormal noise from the throttle body area.
🎬 Watch this video to understand common causes and fixes for ETC lights.
• Engine RPM may fluctuate erratically at idle.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failing Electronic Throttle Body 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Injection Throttle Body The internal electric motor or position sensors within the sealed throttle body assembly can wear out over time, leading to increased electrical resistance and current draw. The internal gears can also fail. This is the most common failure point for this code.
   How to confirm: After confirming the wiring is intact and the throttle bore is clean, this is the most likely cause. A scan tool may show that the commanded throttle position does not match the actual position, or it may show excessive motor current. Resistance between the ETC Positive and Negative circuits should be between 2.5 and 25 ohms.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire throttle body assembly. After replacement, an 'ETC Relearn' procedure should be performed. This can be done with a capable scan tool like wiTECH by selecting the 'ETC RELEARN' function. A manual procedure can also be attempted by disconnecting the battery for 5-10 minutes, reconnecting it, turning the ignition to 'ON' (without starting) for 10 seconds, then starting the engine and letting it idle.
   Est. part cost: $150-$600
2. Wiring or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The wiring harness leading to the throttle body is located at the front of the engine and is subject to heat, vibration, and potential corrosion, which can damage wires or connector pins over time.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness for any signs of chafing, melting, or breaks. Disconnect the connector at the throttle body and check for corrosion, bent, or pushed-out pins. Use a multimeter to test for proper voltage and ground at the connector according to the vehicle's service manual. Check for continuity and shorts to ground/voltage on the motor control circuits (K124 and K126).
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $20-$100
3. Obstruction in Throttle Body ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Fuel Injection Throttle Body As noted in TSB #09-023-23, ice can form in the throttle bore in very cold weather, causing the throttle plate to stick. This is particularly noted for the 3.6L V6. Carbon buildup can also cause similar sticking issues over many miles.
   How to confirm: Remove the air intake tube from the throttle body and visually inspect the throttle plate and bore for ice, carbon, or other debris that would prevent smooth movement.
   Typical fix: Clean the throttle body bore and plate thoroughly with a dedicated throttle body cleaner and a soft cloth. If ice is the cause, the issue may resolve itself once the engine warms up, but the TSB fix involving a new air hose should be considered for a permanent solution on 3.6L models.
   Est. part cost: $10-$20

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): This is rare. The PCM is the last item to suspect after all other possibilities, such as the throttle body and wiring, have been thoroughly checked and ruled out.
• Low Battery Voltage: The Electronic Throttle Control System requires a stable voltage to operate correctly. A weak or failing battery (below 12.4V engine off) can cause the voltage supplied to the throttle actuator to drop, triggering a P2118 code. Ensure the battery and charging system are in good health before diagnosing other components.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan for all DTCs to see if other codes, like P2110 or P2072, are present. Note the freeze frame data to see the conditions (like temperature) when the code was set.
2. Check battery voltage and charging system performance. A voltage below 12.4V with the engine off, or unstable voltage when running, can cause this code.
3. Inspect the throttle body electrical connector for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
4. Inspect the wiring harness leading to the throttle body for any signs of chafing, melting, or breaks.
5. Remove the air intake hose and inspect the throttle body bore and plate for any physical obstruction, such as carbon buildup or ice.
6. With the key on and engine off, have an assistant lightly press the accelerator pedal while you observe the throttle plate for smooth operation. It should not stick or hesitate.
7. If wiring and physical inspection check out, the throttle body assembly is the most likely culprit.
8. For advanced diagnosis, use a multimeter to check for correct voltage and ground at the throttle body connector according to the vehicle's service manual. Check the resistance of the motor itself, which should be between 2.5 and 25 ohms.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Electronic Throttle Body Assembly (OEM #53034251AB (4th Gen 5.7L); 53034251AD (5th Gen 5.7L); 5184349AF (3.6L V6)) — This is the most common cause of P2118, as the internal motor fails, causing an over-current condition. The entire assembly is replaced as a single unit.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, Hitachi, Standard Motor Products (SMP), Dorman
  OEM price range: $400-$600
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$300

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P2110 — This code for 'Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited RPM' is a direct result of the fault detected by P2118. The PCM sets P2110 when it intentionally puts the engine into limp mode.
• P2072 — As mentioned in TSB #09-023-23, this code for 'Electronic Throttle Control System - Ice Blockage' can appear with P2118, indicating that ice formation is the root cause of the throttle motor's high current draw, especially on 3.6L V6 engines in cold climates.
• P2101 — This code, 'Throttle Actuator 'A' Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance', is very similar and often appears with P2118, pointing to a general performance issue with the throttle actuator.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #09-023-23: Mentions P2118 in conjunction with P2072 (Ice Blockage) and P2110 (Forced Limited RPM), and a potential no-start condition, specifically for 2013-2023 Ram 1500 (DS) with the 3.6L V6 engine.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• A known issue documented in TSB #09-023-23 involves ice blockage in the throttle body during cold weather on 3.6L V6 engines, which can trigger P2118 along with P2072 and P2110. The fix involves installing an updated make-up air hose and air cleaner lid.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• ETC Motor Resistance — expected: 2.5 to 25 ohms at closed throttle. Failure: A reading outside this range indicates a faulty throttle body motor.
• ETC Motor Circuit Continuity — expected: Below 5.0 ohms. Failure: Resistance higher than 5.0 ohms indicates an open or high resistance in the circuit wiring between the PCM and the throttle body.
• Battery Voltage for ETCS Operation — expected: 9 to 14 Volts. Failure: If the voltage supplied to the ETCS drops below a certain threshold (e.g., 4V), the ECU will cut current to the motor and set a fault. A resting battery voltage below 12.4V is considered weak and should be charged or replaced.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Chrysler/Dodge/Ram Dealer Tool): ETC RELEARN — This function must be used after replacing the throttle body assembly to calibrate the new part to the PCM. Failure to perform this relearn is a common reason for a replacement part appearing to be faulty.
• wiTECH: View DTCs and Freeze Frame Data — Crucial first step. The freeze frame data shows the conditions when the fault occurred, such as ambient temperature. If the fault set at a very low temperature, it strongly points towards the ice-blockage issue described in TSB #09-023-23.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine-to-Chassis Ground Strap — A ground strap is located at the rear of the cylinder heads, connecting them to the vehicle's chassis/firewall. On a 2015 5.7L, the driver's side ground is at the rear of the head, while the passenger side is at the front.. A poor or missing engine ground can lead to unstable sensor readings and erratic voltage, potentially causing issues with sensitive electronic components like the electronic throttle control system. While most sensors ground through the PCM, this main ground is critical for overall electrical stability.
• (K124) / (K447) ETC Motor (+) Circuit — This is the positive wire running between the PCM (C2 connector) and the throttle body harness connector.. This circuit supplies the voltage to run the throttle motor. A short to voltage, short to ground, or an open in this wire is a direct cause for P2118.
• (K126) / (K448) ETC Motor (-) Circuit — This is the negative/ground control wire running between the PCM (C2 connector) and the throttle body harness connector.. This circuit completes the path for the throttle motor. A short to voltage, short to ground, or an open in this wire will cause the motor to draw incorrect current and trigger P2118.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• DodgeForum.com user (2005 Ram 1500 with 5.7L HEMI) — In -30°F weather, the truck started fine but then ran rough with a flashing ETC light and had no throttle response (limp mode). Codes P2118 and P2110 were present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The user was able to restart the vehicle later and drive, but the problem was intermittent.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Another user, identified as a tech, stated there is a Technical Service Bulletin for this concern that involves replacing the entire throttle body assembly and flashing the PCM with new software, which usually fixes the problem. This aligns with the known issues of ice formation and general throttle body failure.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 53034251AB → 53034251AC, then 53034251AD — Standard part revision and improvement over time.
  Heads up: The parts are generally cross-compatible for 5.7L and 6.4L applications from 2013 onwards, but it is always best to use the latest revision (53034251AD) for reliability.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2019-2020 (5th Gen DT): The 5.7L HEMI was available with or without the eTorque mild-hybrid system. However, both the eTorque and non-eTorque versions of the 5.7L HEMI use the same throttle body, part number 53034251AD. Therefore, the diagnosis for P2118 is identical for both engine variants.
• 2013-2018 (4th Gen DS/DJ): The stock throttle body on the 5.7L HEMI is approximately 80mm in diameter. While the factory tune can handle some aftermarket upgrades, larger throttle bodies (e.g., 90mm) may sometimes require a custom tune to prevent issues, although they are often marketed as 'plug-and-play'.