P2135 on 2007-2017 Jeep Compass: Throttle Body Failure Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2007-2017 Jeep Compass

For the entire first generation (2007-2016) and the start of the second generation (2017), the Jeep Compass, along with its platform-mates the Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber, is known for frequent electronic throttle body failures. These vehicles often use the 'World Engine' (1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L) which features an electronic throttle body where the position sensors are an integral, non-serviceable part. The electronic contacts inside the sealed sensor unit wear out over time, causing the voltage signals to become erratic and triggering the correlation fault. This design means that when the internal sensors wear out, the entire unit must be replaced. This is a very common failure point for these vehicles.

Generation note: The 2007-2017 range covers two generations of the Jeep Compass. The first generation (MK) ran from 2007-2016. The second generation (MP) began in 2017. This throttle body issue is extremely common on the first generation (MK) and its platform mates. The 2017 MP model with the 2.4L MultiAir engine can also experience this code, often due to the same throttle body failure.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Flashing Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) 'lightning bolt' warning light on the dashboard.
• Check Engine Light is on.
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode,' with severely reduced engine power and poor acceleration.
• Engine stalls, especially at low speeds or when stopping.
• Rough or unstable idle.
• Hesitation or surging when pressing the gas pedal.
• Engine revving without the gas pedal being pressed.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Electronic Throttle Body Assembly 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Injection Throttle Body The throttle position sensors (TPS) are integrated into the throttle body and are a known high-failure item on this platform due to electronic wear. They cannot be serviced separately. This is the most common failure on the Compass, Patriot, and Caliber.
   How to confirm: Use a scan tool to monitor the live data for TPS1 and TPS2. As you slowly press the accelerator pedal (with the engine off, key on), the voltage readings should change smoothly and mirror each other. A sudden drop, spike, or frozen value from one sensor indicates an internal failure of the throttle body. In some cases, you may hear the internal plastic gears of the throttle body motor slipping or clicking.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire electronic throttle body assembly. After replacement, a throttle relearn/calibration procedure is required to stabilize the idle.
   Est. part cost: $75-$200
2. Damaged Wiring or Poor Connector Contact ⚪ Low Probability While less common than throttle body failure, the main engine harness can be subject to heat and vibration. The relay box located behind the driver's side headlight is also a known area for corrosion which can affect various systems.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector going to the throttle body. Look for any signs of chafing, corrosion on the pins, or loose connections. Perform a wiggle test on the harness while watching live sensor data on a scan tool to see if the signal becomes erratic. Check for corrosion in the relay box in the driver's side fender well.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the connector. Apply dielectric grease to the connector pins to prevent future moisture intrusion.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is the least likely cause. Before condemning the PCM, all other possibilities, especially the throttle body and its wiring, must be exhaustively ruled out. A recall (U87 / NHTSA 18V-524) was issued for some 2018 Compass models for a faulty PCM, but it's not directly tied to P2135 on the 2007-2017 models.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner and confirm that P2135 is the primary code stored. Check for any other related throttle codes like P0123, P0221, or P0222.
2. Observe the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) 'lightning bolt' light on the dash. If it's flashing, it strongly indicates a throttle body fault.
3. Using the scanner's live data function, monitor the voltage or percentage of 'TPS Sensor 1' and 'TPS Sensor 2'.
4. With the key on and engine off, have a helper slowly press and release the accelerator pedal. Watch the two sensor values. They should change smoothly and in unison.
5. If one sensor's reading jumps, drops out, or doesn't move, the throttle body assembly has failed and needs to be replaced.
6. If the sensor readings seem normal, inspect the throttle body's electrical connector for corrosion, pushed-out pins, or damage. Inspect the wiring harness for any signs of rubbing or chafing, particularly near the engine and in the driver's side fender well area.
7. If the wiring and connector are in good condition and the live data test was inconclusive, the throttle body is still the most probable cause and replacement is the next logical step.
8. After replacing the throttle body, clear the codes. Perform a throttle relearn/calibration procedure. A common method is to turn the ignition to 'ON' (engine off) for 10-20 seconds, then 'OFF' for 10-20 seconds, and then start the engine and let it idle.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Electronic Throttle Body Assembly (OEM #04891735AC (superseded by 04891735AD)) — This is the most common cause of code P2135 on this vehicle, as the internal non-serviceable sensors fail. Part number 04891735AC is widely cited and has been superseded by 04891735AD.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Hitachi, Bosch, Dorman, Standard Motor Products (SMP)
  OEM price range: $200-$300
  Aftermarket price range: $75-$150

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0123 — This code indicates 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit High', which can be triggered by the same internal throttle body failure.
• P0222 — This code indicates 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit Low', also pointing to the correlation failure within the throttle body assembly.
• P0221 — Indicates 'Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit Range/Performance', another common companion code pointing to the same internal sensor mismatch.
• P2110 — Indicates 'Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited RPM'. This code is often set as a direct result of P2135, as it's the code that confirms the PCM has placed the vehicle into limp mode.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 18-003-08: For 2007-2008 models, this TSB involves reprogramming the PCM to improve the diagnostic strategy for throttle-related codes, including P2135. This does not fix a failed part but helps prevent misdiagnosis.
• The previously mentioned TSB 23-007-17 Rev. B is confirmed to be unrelated, addressing crossmember corrosion.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Throttle body failure is a widely documented and extremely common problem for the 2007-2017 Jeep Compass and its platform-mates, the Jeep Patriot and Dodge Caliber.
• Owner experiences confirm that replacing the throttle body is the definitive fix. One owner on YourMechanic.com reported replacing both the pedal and throttle body, with the code only clearing after the throttle body was addressed.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) 1 & 2 Voltage Correlation — expected: The sum of the output voltage of TPS1 and TPS2 should be between 4.5V and 5.5V. For example, TPS1 may read ~0.7V at idle and sweep up to ~4.2V, while TPS2 reads ~4.3V at idle and sweeps down to ~0.8V. The key is that they move smoothly and inversely to each other.. Failure: The P2135 code is set if the PCM detects the difference between the two sensor signals is more than a specified amount (e.g., > 0.3V) for more than a fraction of a second. On a scan tool, this will appear as a sudden voltage spike, drop, or freeze from one of the sensors as the pedal is pressed.
• 5-Volt Reference Voltage at Throttle Body Connector — expected: Approximately 5.0 V, steady.. Failure: A voltage reading that is significantly lower than 5.0V, is unstable, or is absent indicates a problem with the PCM or the wiring, not necessarily the throttle body itself.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Witech (Chrysler/Jeep Dealer Tool): Throttle Follower Test — This is a bidirectional test that allows the technician to command the throttle blade to open to specific percentages. It can be used to verify if the throttle motor is responding correctly and if the TPS sensors are tracking the movement accurately, helping to isolate a mechanical vs. electrical failure within the unit.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Electronic Throttle Body Connector — On the electronic throttle body itself, at the end of the air intake hose on the engine.. This 6-pin connector is the single point of failure for all signals between the PCM and the throttle body. Corrosion, pushed-out pins, or harness damage here will directly cause P2135. A 'wiggle test' of this connector and its harness while monitoring live data is a key diagnostic step.
• Throttle Body Connector Pinout (Typical) — On the 6-pin connector for the throttle body.. Knowing the pin functions allows for direct testing. Pin 1: Throttle Motor Control (-), Pin 2: Throttle Motor Control (+), Pin 3: TPS 2 Signal, Pin 4: 5V Reference, Pin 5: Sensor Ground, Pin 6: TPS 1 Signal. Note: Wire colors can vary, and some replacement parts may require re-pinning the connector.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YourMechanic Question by Kyle H (2012 Jeep Compass 2.4L) — Red 'lightning bolt' light and Check Engine Light on, codes P0221 and P2135 stored.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced the accelerator pedal position sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The issue was only resolved after replacing the electronic throttle body assembly. The code returned shortly after replacing only the pedal sensor, confirming the throttle body was the root cause.
• YouTube video by GDL Automotive (Jeep Patriot (platform mate) with 2.0L Petrol Engine) — Throttle body fault.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Replacing the throttle body. The video highlights a critical detail: the factory replacement part from Jeep came with a different electrical plug, requiring the technician to cut the old connector and splice the new one onto the vehicle's harness following a specific color code conversion provided in the instructions.
• NHTSA ODI #11416771 — An owner reported that the vehicle intermittently jerks, shakes, or stalls while the RPMs fluctuate. The throttle sensor warning and MIL illuminate with codes P0121 and P2135 stored. The report describes a sudden loss of power on the interstate while in motion at 70 MPH.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 04891735AC → 04891735AD — Standard part revision and update by the manufacturer. The -AD revision is the current replacement part offered by Mopar for this application.
  Heads up: The -AD part is a direct replacement for -AC and earlier revisions (-AB, -AA). However, some factory replacement parts may ship with a different style of electrical connector, requiring the technician to splice a new pigtail connector onto the engine harness.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2007-2017: Some official Mopar replacement throttle bodies may be supplied with a different electrical connector than the one on the vehicle's original harness. The replacement part may include a new connector pigtail and instructions for splicing it onto the existing wiring.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Front and Rear Crossmember/Subframe Corrosion 🔴 High — Extremely common, especially in regions that use road salt. Can become structurally unsafe. There was a warranty extension program for this issue, but it has since expired for most vehicles. (Ref: Chrysler extended warranty X69 (10 years) for front crossmember.)
• CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco JF011E) 🔴 High — Common in models equipped with the CVT. Symptoms include overheating, whining, and complete failure to move. The 2011 model year is noted as particularly problematic.
• Water Leaks 🟠 Medium — Frequently reported from sunroof drains, A-pillars, and roof rack mounting points, leading to stained headliners and potential electrical issues.
• Premature Suspension Component Wear 🟠 Medium — Owners report shorter-than-average lifespan for ball joints, control arms, and tie rod ends, leading to noise and poor handling.
• Relay Box Corrosion / No-Start Condition 🔴 High — The main relay box is located in the driver's side front wheel well, making it susceptible to moisture and corrosion, which can cause intermittent or permanent no-start conditions.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: Buying a used throttle body for this vehicle is strongly discouraged. The failure is due to internal electronic wear over time. A used part from a junkyard has unknown mileage and wear, and is very likely to fail in the same way as the original part, often within a short period.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 20000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Verify the donor vehicle's mileage is extremely low.
• Inspect the connector pins for any signs of corrosion or damage.
• Ensure the throttle blade moves freely without binding (with power off).

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Dorman (specifically the OE FIX version, part #977-025, which features an upgraded non-contact Hall effect sensor).
• Hitachi
• Bosch
• Standard Motor Products (SMP)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, low-cost units from online marketplaces can be a gamble, with some users reporting immediate or premature failure. While the price is tempting, the reliability may not be worth the risk of being stranded.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0123 — A related throttle code often stored alongside P2135 during a throttle system failure.
• P0221 — A throttle position sensor circuit range/performance code that may appear with P2135.
• P0222 — A low voltage throttle sensor code frequently checked alongside P2135 during diagnosis.
• P2122 — An accelerator pedal position sensor code that can appear in conjunction with throttle body codes on this platform.

Frequently Asked Questions