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P2117 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor "F" Minimum Stop Performance
The P2117 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor "F" Minimum Stop Performance diagnostic trouble code indicates that the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) has detected a problem with the minimum stop or closed-position performance of the Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor "F".
In simple terms, the vehicle's computer expects the throttle or accelerator-position system to reach a specific minimum position when the throttle is closed, but the sensor signal or actuator behavior does not match the expected value.
Modern vehicles use Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) systems instead of a traditional mechanical accelerator cable. These systems use multiple position sensors to monitor accelerator-pedal and throttle-body position.
When the ECM determines that the "F" position signal does not reach or maintain the expected minimum stop value, it may store P2117.
Depending on the vehicle, the ECM may also activate:
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Reduced engine power
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Fail-safe mode
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Limp mode
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Limited engine RPM
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Throttle-control warning
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Check Engine Light
P2117 does not automatically mean that the accelerator pedal sensor or throttle body needs to be replaced. Mechanical binding, incorrect throttle adaptation, carbon buildup, wiring problems, connector faults, or an abnormal reference/supply voltage can also cause this code.
What Does P2117 Mean?
P2117 means the ECM/PCM has detected that Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor "F" is not performing correctly at its minimum stop position.
There are three important parts of the code:
Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor
The system monitors the position of the accelerator pedal and/or throttle actuator.
Sensor "F"
"F" identifies one of the position signals or sensor channels used by the vehicle's electronic throttle-control system.
The exact physical sensor represented by "F" varies by manufacturer and vehicle design.
Minimum Stop Performance
The ECM expects the sensor to report a predictable value when the throttle system reaches its minimum or closed position.
If the reported value is outside the expected range, does not stabilize correctly, or fails the manufacturer's minimum-stop performance test, P2117 can be stored.
This is therefore a performance/position problem, rather than simply a generic low-input or high-input fault.
What Is a Minimum Stop?
The minimum stop refers to the position at which the throttle or related position system reaches its minimum commanded/physical operating point.
On an electronic throttle body, the throttle plate does not necessarily close to an absolutely zero-airflow position. The control system maintains a calibrated position that allows the ECM to control idle and airflow accurately.
The ECM learns or knows the expected position and corresponding sensor signals.
If the actual minimum position does not correspond with the expected value, possible causes include:
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Throttle plate contamination
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Mechanical binding
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Incorrect throttle adaptation
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Sensor wear
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Throttle-body damage
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Wiring problems
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Incorrect reference voltage
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Connector problems
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Internal electronic faults
The exact definition of the minimum stop and diagnostic threshold is manufacturer-specific.
How Does the Electronic Throttle System Work?
A typical electronic throttle system works as follows:
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The driver presses or releases the accelerator pedal.
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Accelerator-pedal position sensors measure pedal movement.
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The sensors send redundant position signals to the ECM.
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The ECM determines the driver's requested torque.
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The ECM calculates the required throttle position.
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The throttle actuator motor moves the throttle plate.
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Throttle-position sensors report the actual throttle position.
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The ECM compares the sensor signals with expected values.
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The ECM continuously checks minimum and maximum positions as well as sensor plausibility.
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If the system fails a required position or performance check, the ECM may store a diagnostic trouble code.
P2117 specifically relates to the minimum-stop performance of position sensor "F".
Symptoms of P2117
The symptoms can vary significantly depending on the vehicle and the severity of the fault.
Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light may illuminate when P2117 is stored.
Reduced Engine Power
The ECM may limit engine torque to protect against an unreliable throttle signal.
Limp Mode
The vehicle may enter a fail-safe operating mode.
Possible restrictions include:
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Throttle opening
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Engine torque
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Engine RPM
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Accelerator response
Poor Throttle Response
The accelerator may respond slowly or differently than expected.
Limited Acceleration
The vehicle may have reduced acceleration, particularly if the ECM limits throttle operation.
Rough Idle
If the throttle cannot correctly reach or maintain its minimum position, idle control may be affected.
High or Unstable Idle
A throttle plate that does not reach its expected minimum position may allow more airflow than intended.
Engine Stalling
A severe electronic throttle problem may contribute to stalling, especially when the throttle returns toward its minimum position.
Throttle Hesitation
The engine may hesitate when the accelerator is pressed or released.
Surging
Incorrect throttle-position feedback can sometimes contribute to unwanted changes in engine speed.
Cruise Control Deactivation
Cruise control may be disabled because accurate electronic throttle control is required.
Electronic Throttle Warning
Some vehicles may display a throttle-control or reduced-power warning.
Common Causes of P2117
Dirty Throttle Body
Carbon buildup around the throttle plate can prevent it from reaching the expected minimum position.
Deposits may develop around:
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Throttle plate edges
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Throttle bore
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Throttle shaft
A heavily contaminated throttle body can therefore cause a minimum-stop performance fault.
However, cleaning the throttle body should not automatically be assumed to be the solution.
Throttle Plate Binding
The throttle plate may not return smoothly to its minimum position.
Possible causes include:
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Carbon deposits
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Dirt
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Foreign material
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Damaged throttle plate
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Bent shaft
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Internal mechanical wear
Incorrect Throttle Adaptation
Some vehicles need the ECM to learn the throttle body's closed/minimum position.
An adaptation problem may occur after:
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Throttle-body replacement
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Throttle-body cleaning
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Battery disconnection
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ECM replacement
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Software updates
Faulty Throttle Position Sensor
The throttle body may contain multiple position sensors.
If sensor "F" has:
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Internal wear
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Incorrect output
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Signal dropout
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Dead spots
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Internal electrical failure
the ECM may determine that the minimum position is incorrect.
Faulty Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor
Depending on the manufacturer's definition of sensor "F", the fault may involve an accelerator-pedal position channel rather than the throttle-body position sensor.
This is why the vehicle-specific service information is important.
Damaged Throttle Body
The complete throttle-body assembly may have an internal problem involving:
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Position sensors
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Actuator motor
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Gears
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Electronics
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Throttle shaft
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Throttle plate
Damaged Wiring
Inspect the relevant sensor wiring for:
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Broken wires
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Chafing
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Heat damage
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Melted insulation
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Pinched wires
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Vibration damage
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Previous repair problems
Corroded Connector
Moisture or corrosion can change the sensor signal and cause a minimum-stop performance fault.
Look for:
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Corroded terminals
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Green oxidation
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Water intrusion
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Loose terminals
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Bent pins
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Poor terminal tension
Incorrect 5-Volt Reference
Many throttle and pedal position sensors use a regulated reference voltage.
A problem with the reference circuit can affect sensor readings.
Possible causes include:
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Short to ground
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Short to voltage
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Wiring damage
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Another sensor pulling down the reference circuit
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ECM reference-circuit fault
Sensor Ground Problem
A poor sensor ground can change the voltage reported to the ECM.
Possible causes include:
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Corroded ground
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Loose connection
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Broken ground wire
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High resistance
Low System Voltage
A weak battery or unstable electrical supply can affect electronic throttle operation.
Charging System Problem
An alternator or voltage-regulation problem can cause unstable system voltage and contribute to electronic throttle faults.
Faulty ECM/PCM
An ECM fault is possible but generally less common than a sensor, throttle-body, wiring, connector, or adaptation problem.
The ECM should normally be considered only after the rest of the system has been properly tested.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by P2117
P2117 can occur on many OBD-II vehicles equipped with electronic throttle-control systems.
Examples may include:
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Ford F-150
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Ford Mustang
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Ford Explorer
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Ford Focus
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Ford Escape
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Ford Fusion
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Chevrolet Silverado
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Chevrolet Tahoe
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Chevrolet Camaro
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Chevrolet Malibu
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GMC Sierra
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GMC Yukon
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Cadillac Escalade
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Dodge Charger
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Dodge Challenger
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Ram 1500
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Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Jeep Wrangler
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Chrysler Pacifica
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Toyota Camry
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Toyota Corolla
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Toyota Tundra
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Toyota Tacoma
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Honda Accord
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Honda Civic
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Honda CR-V
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Nissan Altima
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Nissan Pathfinder
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Nissan Titan
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BMW 3 Series
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BMW 5 Series
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class
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Volkswagen Golf
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Volkswagen Passat
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Audi A4
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Audi A6
This list is not exhaustive.
P2117 can occur on any vehicle where the ECM monitors a position channel identified as "F" and detects abnormal minimum-stop performance.
Important: The exact meaning of sensor "F", the minimum-stop threshold, sensor voltage range, adaptation procedure, and affected component vary by manufacturer.
How Is P2117 Diagnosed?
P2117 requires careful diagnosis because the code can be caused by either a mechanical problem or an electrical/sensor problem.
Replacing the throttle body immediately is not always appropriate.
Check for Additional Trouble Codes
Perform a complete diagnostic scan.
Look for related codes such as:
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P2100
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P2101
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P2102
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P2103
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P2110
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P2111
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P2112
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P2118
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P2119
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P2120
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P2121
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P2122
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P2123
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P2124
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P2125
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P2126
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P2127
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P2128
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P2129
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P2130
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P2131
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P2132
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P2133
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P2134
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P2135
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P2136
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P2137
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P2138
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P2139
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P2140
Also check for:
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5-volt reference codes
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Accelerator pedal position codes
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Throttle position sensor codes
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Communication codes
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Battery-voltage codes
Additional codes can help determine whether the fault is located at the throttle body, accelerator pedal, wiring, reference circuit, or power supply.
Check Freeze-Frame Data
Review the conditions when P2117 was stored.
Useful information includes:
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Engine RPM
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Vehicle speed
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Accelerator pedal position
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Commanded throttle position
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Actual throttle position
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Battery voltage
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Engine coolant temperature
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Engine load
Determine whether the code occurred:
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At startup
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At idle
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During acceleration
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During deceleration
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After releasing the accelerator
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At a specific temperature
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During low system voltage
This can be particularly useful when the problem is intermittent.
Monitor Sensor "F" Live Data
Use a capable scan tool to monitor the position parameter associated with sensor "F".
Slowly move the accelerator pedal and observe the signal.
Look for:
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Smooth movement
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Sudden jumps
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Signal dropouts
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Dead spots
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Incorrect minimum value
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Unstable readings
The exact expected values are manufacturer-specific.
Check Minimum Position
With the accelerator released, observe the sensor's reported minimum position.
Compare it with the manufacturer's specified value.
If the sensor remains above or below the expected minimum value, investigate:
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Sensor calibration
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Throttle-body position
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Pedal position
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Wiring
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Reference voltage
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Ground
Inspect the Throttle Body
Inspect for:
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Carbon buildup
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Dirt
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Foreign material
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Mechanical damage
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Throttle plate binding
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Damaged gears
If contamination is present, follow the manufacturer's cleaning procedure.
Do not force an electronic throttle plate open if the manufacturer specifically warns against manual movement.
Check Throttle Plate Return
The throttle plate should return consistently to its expected minimum position.
If it sticks or stops inconsistently, a mechanical throttle-body problem may be present.
Check Throttle Position Sensor Signals
Where applicable, compare redundant throttle-position signals.
Look for:
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Signal dropouts
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Dead spots
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Sudden voltage changes
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Incorrect minimum values
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Correlation errors
A sensor that works normally through most of its range but fails near the minimum position can be particularly relevant to P2117.
Check Accelerator Pedal Position Sensors
Because the generic code description refers to a throttle/pedal position sensor, the accelerator pedal should also be checked when the vehicle's service information identifies the affected circuit there.
Monitor all relevant pedal-position signals and make sure they:
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Start at the correct minimum value.
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Increase smoothly.
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Remain correlated.
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Return correctly when the pedal is released.
Check 5-Volt Reference
Measure the sensor reference voltage according to the manufacturer's diagnostic procedure.
A reference-circuit problem can affect multiple sensors, so check whether other sensors share the same reference circuit.
Check Sensor Ground
Perform a ground-circuit test.
Look for:
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High resistance
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Voltage drop
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Corrosion
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Loose connections
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Damaged wiring
Inspect Wiring and Connectors
Inspect the relevant circuit for:
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Broken wires
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Chafing
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Melted insulation
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Corrosion
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Water intrusion
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Loose terminals
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Bent pins
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Backed-out terminals
Perform a Wiggle Test
While monitoring live sensor data, carefully move the wiring harness and connector.
If the sensor signal changes unexpectedly, investigate the wiring or connector.
Check Battery and Charging System
Verify:
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Battery condition
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Battery terminals
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Charging voltage
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Alternator operation
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Engine grounds
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Chassis grounds
Stable system voltage is important for electronic throttle control.
Perform Throttle Adaptation or Relearn
If required, perform the manufacturer-specific throttle adaptation procedure.
This is especially important after:
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Throttle-body cleaning
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Throttle-body replacement
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Battery disconnection
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ECM replacement
Do not assume that a generic throttle relearn procedure applies to every vehicle.
Check Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer service information may identify known problems involving:
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Throttle-body minimum-stop calibration
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Position-sensor faults
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Carbon buildup
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Wiring defects
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Connector problems
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ECM software
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Required adaptation procedures
How to Fix P2117
The correct repair depends on the confirmed cause.
Clean the Throttle Body
If carbon buildup prevents the throttle plate from reaching its expected minimum position, clean the throttle body using the manufacturer's recommended procedure.
A relearn/adaptation may be required afterward.
Repair Throttle Plate Binding
If mechanical binding is confirmed, repair or replace the throttle-body assembly as required.
Perform Throttle Adaptation
If the vehicle has lost its learned minimum position, perform the correct manufacturer-specified adaptation procedure.
Replace the Faulty Position Sensor
If the sensor is serviceable separately and testing confirms its failure, replace the sensor.
On many modern vehicles, however, the position sensors are integrated into the throttle body or accelerator pedal assembly.
Replace the Throttle Body
If testing confirms an internal throttle-body fault involving the sensor, actuator, gears, or electronics, replacement may be necessary.
Replace the Accelerator Pedal Assembly
If sensor "F" is part of the accelerator pedal assembly and testing confirms an internal pedal-position sensor fault, the pedal assembly may need to be replaced.
Repair Damaged Wiring
Repair or replace wiring affected by:
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Heat
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Chafing
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Vibration
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Corrosion
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Pinching
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Previous repairs
Repair or Replace Connectors
Replace damaged terminals or connector housings and restore correct terminal tension.
Repair 5-Volt Reference Problems
If the reference voltage is outside specification, identify and repair the short, open circuit, or other cause before replacing sensors.
Repair Sensor Ground Problems
Repair loose, corroded, damaged, or high-resistance sensor grounds.
Repair Charging-System Problems
Correct battery or alternator problems if unstable system voltage is contributing to the fault.
Update ECM/PCM Software
If manufacturer service information identifies a software/calibration issue, perform the applicable update.
Replace the ECM/PCM
The ECM/PCM should only be considered after the sensor, throttle body, accelerator pedal, wiring, reference voltage, grounds, power supply, and calibration have been properly tested.
What Happens If P2117 Is Ignored?
P2117 should not be ignored because the affected position signal is part of the electronic throttle-control safety system.
Possible consequences include:
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Reduced engine power
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Poor throttle response
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Limp mode
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Limited acceleration
-
Rough or unstable idle
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Engine stalling
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Cruise-control deactivation
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Additional throttle-control codes
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Increased emissions
If the ECM cannot reliably determine the minimum throttle position, it may limit engine torque as a safety measure.
Can You Drive With P2117?
Driving with P2117 depends on the vehicle's symptoms.
A vehicle with an intermittent or minor fault may remain driveable, while another vehicle may immediately enter reduced-power mode.
A short trip may be possible if:
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The engine runs normally.
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Accelerator response is predictable.
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There is no significant loss of power.
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The engine does not stall.
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No serious warning messages are displayed.
Avoid continued driving if there is:
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Sudden loss of acceleration
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Unpredictable throttle response
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Severe hesitation
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Repeated stalling
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Reduced-power mode
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Very limited engine RPM
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Multiple electronic throttle warnings
If accelerator response becomes unpredictable, the vehicle should be inspected promptly.
Is P2117 a Serious Code?
P2117 is generally considered a moderate to high-severity diagnostic trouble code.
The electronic throttle system is directly involved in controlling engine torque, so a position problem can affect acceleration and drivability.
The severity becomes higher if the vehicle:
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Enters limp mode
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Loses substantial power
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Stalls
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Has unpredictable accelerator response
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Cannot maintain normal acceleration
If the vehicle suddenly loses throttle response or displays a reduced-power warning, the problem should be treated as high priority.
P2117 vs. Related Throttle and Pedal Codes
| Code | General Description |
|---|---|
| P2117 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor "F" Minimum Stop Performance |
| P2118 | Throttle Actuator Control Motor Current Range/Performance |
| P2119 | Throttle Actuator Control Throttle Body Range/Performance |
| P2120 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D" Circuit Malfunction |
| P2121 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D" Circuit Range/Performance |
| P2122 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D" Circuit Low Input |
| P2123 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D" Circuit High Input |
| P2124 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D" Circuit Intermittent |
| P2125 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "E" Circuit Malfunction |
| P2126 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "E" Circuit Range/Performance |
| P2127 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "E" Circuit Low Input |
| P2128 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "E" Circuit High Input |
| P2129 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "E" Circuit Intermittent |
| P2130 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "F" Circuit Malfunction |
| P2131 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "F" Circuit Range/Performance |
| P2132 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "F" Circuit Low Input |
| P2133 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "F" Circuit High Input |
| P2134 | Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "F" Circuit Intermittent |
| P2135 | Throttle Position Sensor A/B Voltage Correlation |
The distinction is important:
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P2117 focuses specifically on the minimum-stop performance of sensor "F".
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P2118 concerns throttle actuator motor current range/performance.
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P2119 concerns throttle-body range/performance.
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P2120–P2124 concern the "D" throttle/pedal sensor circuit.
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P2125–P2129 concern the "E" throttle/pedal sensor circuit.
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P2130–P2134 concern the "F" throttle/pedal sensor circuit.
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P2135 concerns throttle-position sensor A/B correlation.
If P2117 appears together with P2130–P2134, the combination may provide additional information about sensor "F" and its electrical circuit.
How to Prevent P2117
Recommended practices include:
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Keep the throttle body clean according to manufacturer recommendations.
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Follow the correct cleaning procedure for electronic throttle bodies.
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Perform required throttle adaptation after applicable repairs.
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Protect throttle and pedal sensor wiring from heat and abrasion.
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Keep electrical connectors dry and clean.
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Maintain battery terminals.
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Maintain engine and chassis grounds.
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Maintain the charging system.
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Repair intake-system contamination problems.
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Use correct throttle-body and accelerator-pedal components.
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Avoid poorly installed throttle-control modifications.
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Address Check Engine Light warnings promptly.
Final Thoughts
The P2117 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor "F" Minimum Stop Performance diagnostic trouble code indicates that the ECM/PCM has detected an abnormal minimum-position condition involving the sensor "F" channel of the electronic throttle/pedal system.
Possible causes include:
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Dirty throttle body
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Carbon buildup
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Throttle plate binding
-
Incorrect throttle adaptation
-
Faulty throttle-position sensor
-
Faulty accelerator-pedal position sensor
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Damaged throttle body
-
Damaged wiring
-
Corroded or loose connectors
-
Incorrect 5-volt reference
-
Poor sensor ground
-
Low system voltage
-
Charging-system problems
-
Software/calibration issues
-
ECM/PCM faults
The most important point is that P2117 does not automatically mean the throttle body or accelerator pedal must be replaced.
A proper diagnosis should identify exactly which component and sensor channel the vehicle manufacturer associates with "F", then verify the sensor's minimum value, inspect the throttle plate and minimum stop, compare live sensor data, check the 5-volt reference and sensor ground, inspect wiring and connectors, verify battery/charging voltage, and perform any required throttle adaptation.
If the vehicle has severe power loss, unpredictable accelerator response, repeated stalling, or reduced-power mode, the fault should be diagnosed promptly because the electronic throttle system is directly involved in engine torque control and vehicle acceleration.
