First, I have searched for about an hour. That needed to be said lol.

Hello, I have several questions about an error code I got with my CEL.

Here's the scoop:
The car threw a CEL yesterday and went into limp mode. Now it runs, but still with the CEL. I got P2101, which says "Throttle actuator system malfunction". Probable causes: Dirty throttle body, throttle linkage binding, failed throttle body.

Over the past few months, I have had the idle dip and bump back up erratically. Intermittent problem.

I have seafoamed a year ago. Also got an intake a year ago.

Bought new Iridiums, and will install, but I would seafoam first again before installing so I don't foul the plugs any while they're brand new.

Questions:
Do you think cleaning the throttle body is my fix? It's my hunch.
Does seafoaming clean the throttle body?
Should I take it into the dealer? My mechanical abilities are fair to poor.

Please help with any advice!

Thanks,
Tim
'05 TL

 

Try cleaning the throttle body. the butterfly valve and the seat.

 

to clean the throttle body -
remove the air tube from the filter box to the TB-careful where the clips and clamps go..and back on right and tight

Use carb cleaner or TB cleaner or Deep Creep- seafoam aerosol
Spray front of big round plate in the TB throat-
have friend turn key to ON but not start
that opens and closes the plate in a self test, use the time to spray the back and edges of the plate
turn key OFF
repeat as many times as needed to get it shiny all over-
Wipe up runoff with a shop rag or paper towel

The PCV system pumps crud at that plate constantly!
and the air to the engine goes past it, its horizontal position controls the airflow amount- it opens with throttle input and goes vertical to close at idle
You may need to clean the idle air control valve located on bottem of TB unit too
if idle surges- thats often the culprit

try a can of seafoam in 8 gallons of gas- thats `cleaning dose strength` of 2 oz per gallon, and may get it for you- otherwise pretty easy DIY

clean any wire connections there too, I like CRC electrical cleaner spray

that air plate is one of a few places seafoam doesnt reach from the vac port
While you have it apart- start the engine after cleaning plate- it will run rough as cleaner moves thru-
then spray cleaner into the throat of TB with engine running above idle
that got the missed places for you!!

Seafoam will not hurt plugs with low miles on them- its only with 100k and weaker spark plus lousy after-drive to blow out the crud --
that can leave loosened deposits on the plug- often called fouling
new plugs to under 70kmiles plugs- I do seafoam and dont sweat it
If 60-70 on the plugs I will change them anyway based on age

 

seafoam should be done twice- a month apart- for noobs thru the gas and vac port
Then good for a year/15kmiles

a can in half tank mid-year wont hurt~

 

Wow thanks I will use your advice on Thursday. I thought it would involve a lot of disassembly, but it seems that it just requires a hose removal! Interesting...

 

1> make sure all the connectors are connected....i got a CEL after installing AEM air intake coz i forgot to connect one plug

2> seafoam doesnt clean the TB....i would get some deep creep (just a link to show u what it is http://www.iboats.com/Seafoam-Deep-C...-view_id.39885 ) and follow the following procedure:

a> expose the TB intake....you will be able to see the butterfly....
b> spray it with deep creep
c> put the key in the ignition....the TB will open up for like couple seconds
d> spray it....
e> clean everything off
f> reconnect everything....
g> disconnect battery
h> take the intake manifold off
i> take some deep creep to it
j> put everything back together
k> connect the battery
l> drive around.....

 

hahaha 01tl4tl you beat me to it....lol i was typing the message, went for lunch and when i posted it you already had everything written :P ....

btw OP i got the method from 01tl4tl.... hats off to him

 

Hmmmmmmmmm

 

your APP sensor may have gone bad, is your VSA light also on?

 

At first, after reading all of the posts from my search, I thought it was the APP sensor too. But the code that came back from Autozone was different from what everyone was commonly getting.

VSA light only came on during limp mode that first day.

Question: I haven't cleaned my air filter from my AEM V2 in almost a year. Could a dirty air filter be causing all of this extra gunk, or is this just due to my mileage (90k)?

--Tim

P.S. Got a buddy who works on Acuras who will help me on Saturday to do all of this work.

 

^^^ I have had the AEM filter for 60K miles....i just wash it with a mild soap every 20K miles....

but then this depends on where your driving....where i drive its not tooo dusty or construction dirt/zone or mud....