Vacuum leak or leaking vacuum hose (both sources; OBD-Codes.com says this is likely on Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles). Engine overheating (OBD-Codes.com). Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor malfunction (OBD-Codes.com). Abnormal system voltages (OBD-Codes.com). Dirty or out-of-calibration mass airflow (MAF) sensor (RepairPal). Accelerator pedal position (APP) assembly failure (RepairPal). Throttle control motor failure (RepairPal; OBD-Codes.com calls replacing the throttle actuator a rare repair). Wiring issue (RepairPal). Less often: PCM failure or PCM software that needs an update (both sources).

Repair the faults behind any other stored codes first. Fix vacuum leaks or replace cracked vacuum hoses. Address engine overheating. Clean or replace the MAF sensor, or replace a faulty MAP sensor. Repair damaged wiring or connectors. Reprogram the PCM if a TSB calls for it. Replace the accelerator pedal assembly or throttle body only after the above check out.

P2173🔧 Electronic throttle control (drive-by-wire)Stop and fix promptly

P2173: Throttle Actuator High Airflow Detected (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Q: What does P2173 mean?

P2173 means the engine computer (PCM) has seen more air coming into the engine through the electronic throttle system than it expects. It often comes with limp-home mode. OBD-Codes.com says it is usually an informational code triggered by another problem, such as a vacuum leak (especially on Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep), engine overheating, a MAP sensor fault or abnormal system voltage, so check for other codes before replacing the throttle body. On a drive-by-wire engine there is no cable to the throttle. The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor tells the PCM how much power the driver wants, and the PCM opens the throttle plate with a motor, per RepairPal. RepairPal says the PCM sets P2173 when it detects sudden and excessive airflow through the engine, and may put the engine in limp-home mode to prevent unwanted acceleration. OBD-Codes.com says the code sets when high airflow is detected in the throttle actuator control system, and that it belongs to a group of airflow codes (P2172 to P2175). It adds that on certain Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler vehicles the code may be described as High Airflow/Vacuum Leak Detected (Slow Accumulation). The sources lean different ways on the cause: OBD-Codes.com describes P2173 as mostly an alert that the PCM has gone into fail-safe mode because of a fault in another system, while RepairPal's list centers on the pedal sensor, throttle motor, MAF sensor, vacuum leaks, wiring and PCM.

Q: Can I keep driving with P2173?

Stop and fix promptly. RepairPal puts P2173 in its urgent category, meaning action is needed right away because it can cause severe damage or put the people in the car at risk. OBD-Codes.com rates it moderate to severe depending on the specific malfunction. The engine computer often drops into a limp-home mode that limits power and throttle response, so allow extra room when merging or passing. If the car won't accelerate normally, the engine overheats, or the transmission won't shift, get it off the road safely and have it checked rather than driving on.

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P2173 means

On a drive-by-wire engine there is no cable to the throttle. The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor tells the PCM how much power the driver wants, and the PCM opens the throttle plate with a motor, per RepairPal. RepairPal says the PCM sets P2173 when it detects sudden and excessive airflow through the engine, and may put the engine in limp-home mode to prevent unwanted acceleration. OBD-Codes.com says the code sets when high airflow is detected in the throttle actuator control system, and that it belongs to a group of airflow codes (P2172 to P2175). It adds that on certain Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler vehicles the code may be described as High Airflow/Vacuum Leak Detected (Slow Accumulation). The sources lean different ways on the cause: OBD-Codes.com describes P2173 as mostly an alert that the PCM has gone into fail-safe mode because of a fault in another system, while RepairPal's list centers on the pedal sensor, throttle motor, MAF sensor, vacuum leaks, wiring and PCM.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Stop and fix promptly

RepairPal puts P2173 in its urgent category, meaning action is needed right away because it can cause severe damage or put the people in the car at risk. OBD-Codes.com rates it moderate to severe depending on the specific malfunction. The engine computer often drops into a limp-home mode that limits power and throttle response, so allow extra room when merging or passing. If the car won't accelerate normally, the engine overheats, or the transmission won't shift, get it off the road safely and have it checked rather than driving on.

Common symptoms

Check engine light on (both sources; OBD-Codes.com also mentions the ABS warning lamp)
Limp-home mode with reduced engine power (RepairPal)
No or low throttle response (OBD-Codes.com)
Decreased engine performance and increased fuel consumption (RepairPal)
Automatic transmission may not shift (OBD-Codes.com)
Engine may not start (OBD-Codes.com)
Other trouble codes stored at the same time (OBD-Codes.com)

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

Vacuum leak or leaking vacuum hose (both sources; OBD-Codes.com says this is likely on Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles)
Engine overheating (OBD-Codes.com)
Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor malfunction (OBD-Codes.com)
Abnormal system voltages (OBD-Codes.com)
Dirty or out-of-calibration mass airflow (MAF) sensor (RepairPal)
Accelerator pedal position (APP) assembly failure (RepairPal)
Throttle control motor failure (RepairPal; OBD-Codes.com calls replacing the throttle actuator a rare repair)
Wiring issue (RepairPal)
Less often: PCM failure or PCM software that needs an update (both sources)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

Scan for other codes first. OBD-Codes.com says P2173 is usually informational and points to a fault elsewhere; diagnose and fix those codes before anything else.
Look up technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your year, make, model and engine. OBD-Codes.com mentions bulletin 18-019-08 for certain 2007-2008 Dodge and Jeep vehicles (Compass, Patriot, Caliber), where the fix is reprogramming the PCM.
With the engine idling, listen for hissing and inspect vacuum hoses and intake connections for cracks, splits or loose fittings.
Check the coolant level and temperature gauge, since OBD-Codes.com lists engine overheating as a cause.
Visually inspect the throttle body, pedal sensor and MAF sensor wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion.
Clear the code and see if it comes back on a test drive.

Typical fixes

Repair the faults behind any other stored codes first
Fix vacuum leaks or replace cracked vacuum hoses
Address engine overheating
Clean or replace the MAF sensor, or replace a faulty MAP sensor
Repair damaged wiring or connectors
Reprogram the PCM if a TSB calls for it
Replace the accelerator pedal assembly or throttle body only after the above check out

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

OBD-Codes.com's common-mistake warning: replacing the throttle control actuator or PCM when other malfunctions are setting this code
Once other codes are cleared, or if none are present and P2173 remains, OBD-Codes.com says to evaluate the PCM and throttle control actuator, starting with a visual inspection of all wiring and connections
The sources disagree on emphasis: OBD-Codes.com treats P2173 mainly as a fail-safe alert caused by another system (vacuum leaks, overheating, MAP sensor, voltage), while RepairPal lists throttle, pedal and MAF components directly; severity also differs (RepairPal urgent, OBD-Codes.com moderate to severe)
RepairPal's general advice for this code: most trouble codes come from a sensor reporting an out-of-range value, and just replacing the sensor may not fix the underlying issue

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P2173?

Only carefully and not far. RepairPal rates it urgent and OBD-Codes.com says moderate to severe. Limp-home mode can leave you with little throttle response, so get it diagnosed soon.

Does P2173 mean my throttle body is bad?

Not usually. OBD-Codes.com says the code is mostly informational and is often caused by another problem such as a vacuum leak, overheating or a MAP sensor fault, and it calls replacing the throttle actuator a rare repair. Check for other codes first.

Why is P2173 common on Jeep and Dodge?

OBD-Codes.com says vacuum leaks are a likely cause on Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles, where the code may read High Airflow/Vacuum Leak Detected (Slow Accumulation). It also notes a bulletin (18-019-08) for some 2007-2008 Compass, Patriot and Caliber models fixed by reprogramming the PCM.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.