P2111 on 2021-2024 Kia K5: Throttle Stuck Open Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2021-2024 Kia K5

While electronic throttle bodies can fail on any modern car, the Smartstream G2.5T-GDi engine has a specific vulnerability detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-EM-012H. On certain 2021-2022 models, a misassembled PCV check valve can force engine oil into the air intake. This oil saturates the throttle body, causing the plate to become sticky and bind, which directly leads to the P2111 code. Therefore, what appears to be simple carbon buildup is often a more serious oil contamination issue, indicating a potential upstream problem.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning light may also be on
• Vehicle enters 'limp mode' (severely reduced engine power and acceleration)
• Unstable, fluctuating, or high idle
• Poor or no throttle response
• Potential for stalling or engine dying out
• Unintended or unexpected acceleration surges

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Electronic Throttle Body Assembly 🔴 High Probability The electronic throttle body is an integrated unit. Internal failure of the actuator motor, plastic gears, or position sensor is the most common ultimate failure. This can be accelerated by oil contamination from the PCV system.
   How to confirm: With the engine off, have an assistant press the accelerator pedal while you observe the throttle plate for smooth operation. A scan tool can monitor commanded vs. actual throttle position. Any binding, sticking, or discrepancy points to a faulty unit. A visual inspection showing heavy, wet oil is a strong indicator of failure.
   Typical fix: Replace the entire throttle body assembly with OEM part #35100-2T000. After replacement, a throttle relearn procedure is required.
   Est. part cost: $250-$400
2. Oil Contamination and Buildup on Throttle Plate 🔴 High Probability Per TSB 21-EM-012H, some 2021-2022 models have a PCV system defect that forces engine oil into the intake, directly contaminating the throttle body and causing the plate to stick. This is the most specific and well-documented cause for this issue on this platform.
   How to confirm: Remove the air intake hose from the throttle body and visually inspect for a thick, wet coating of engine oil, not just dry black soot.
   Typical fix: Clean the throttle body bore and plate with a dedicated throttle body cleaner and a soft brush. Do not force the plate open manually; have an assistant turn the key to 'ON' (engine off) and press the gas pedal to open it electronically. Note: If the cause is the PCV defect, cleaning is a temporary fix; the throttle body and/or PCV valve may need replacement.
   Est. part cost: $10-$20 for cleaner
3. Wiring or Connector Issue ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector going to the throttle body for any signs of damage, corrosion, loose pins, or chafing. Check for a secure connection.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged wiring or clean/replace the connector as needed.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failure: This is extremely rare. The PCM should only be considered after all other possibilities, especially the throttle body and wiring, have been exhaustively ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code(s) with an OBD-II scanner. Note any other codes present, such as P2110, P2112, or P2101.
2. Inspect the air intake hose leading to the throttle body for cracks or leaks.
3. Remove the intake hose and visually inspect the throttle body plate and bore. Look specifically for heavy, wet oil contamination, which points to the PCV issue described in TSB 21-EM-012H.
4. If buildup is present, clean the throttle body thoroughly. WARNING: Do not force the throttle plate open by hand, as this can damage the internal gears. Have an assistant turn the ignition to 'ON' (engine off) and press the accelerator pedal to open the plate for cleaning.
5. Inspect the throttle body electrical connector and wiring for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
6. If the code returns after cleaning, or if the plate was binding mechanically, the throttle body assembly is the most likely culprit and should be replaced.
7. After replacement or cleaning, perform a throttle body relearn procedure. A common manual method is: Turn the ignition to 'ON' (engine off, push-button start pressed twice with foot off brake). Wait 15 seconds. Turn ignition 'OFF' and wait 10 seconds. Repeat this cycle 5 times. On the final cycle, start the engine. The idle should stabilize within a minute.
🎬 Watch: A quick guide to performing the throttle body relearn.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Electronic Throttle Body Assembly (OEM #35100-2T000) — This is the most common failure point for code P2111 on the 2.5L Turbo engine. The internal motor or position sensor fails, often due to oil contamination, requiring replacement of the entire integrated unit.
  Trusted brands: Kia (OEM), Hyundai (OEM), Bosch
  OEM price range: $270-$400
  Aftermarket price range: $180-$320

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P2112 — This code means 'Throttle Actuator Control System - Stuck Closed,' the opposite of P2111. Seeing them together or intermittently could indicate an erratic throttle body motor.
• P2110 — This code, 'Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited RPM,' is often set as a direct result of P2111, as it indicates the PCM has put the vehicle into 'limp mode'.
• P2101 — This code, 'Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Range/Performance,' may appear if the PCM detects an issue with the performance or electrical current of the throttle body's internal motor, which can be a precursor to a sticking issue.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 21-EM-012H: Addresses a misassembled PCV check valve on some 2021-2022 2.5T engines that can cause oil to contaminate the intake system and throttle body, leading to sticking and related fault codes.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB 21-EM-012H: PCV System Defect: For 2021-2022 models specifically, a known issue with a misassembled PCV check valve can force engine oil into the intake. This is a primary cause of throttle body contamination and subsequent P2111 codes. A simple cleaning may not be a permanent fix if the underlying PCV issue is not addressed.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Live Data: Throttle Position Angle (Scan Tool) — expected: At idle with key on, engine off: ~5-15%. At wide-open throttle: ~80-95%.. Failure: A reading that is stuck high (e.g., over 20% at idle) or does not change with pedal input.
• PCM Connector C100-A Voltage/Ground Checks (KOEO) — expected: Pin 6 (Yellow): ~5V (TPS Supply). Pin 53 (Black): Good ground continuity (<1 Ohm to chassis).. Failure: Missing 5V supply or high resistance on the ground pin points to a wiring or PCM issue, not a faulty throttle body.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Kia GDS (Global Diagnostic System) or equivalent professional scanner: Actuation Test: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Motor — This is the definitive test to confirm if the throttle body is the point of failure. With the key on and engine off, this command forces the throttle plate to open and close, allowing a technician to observe if it moves smoothly or is physically binding/unresponsive.
• Kia GDS (Global Diagnostic System) or equivalent professional scanner: Special Function: Throttle Replacement / Reset Adaptive Values — This function is mandatory after cleaning or replacing the throttle body. It erases the old learned values and forces the PCM to recalibrate to the new or cleaned throttle plate's exact closed and open positions, preventing high idle or poor performance.
🎬 See four different ways to complete the throttle relearn procedure.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• PCM Connector C100-A — At the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), specific location varies but typically in the engine bay.. Provides direct test points for the throttle body circuit. Pin 6 (Yellow) is TPS Supply, Pin 29 (Pink) is TPS Signal 1, Pin 30 (Brown) is TPS Signal 2, and Pin 53 (Black) is TPS Ground. Testing here can differentiate a bad throttle body from a wiring or PCM fault.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Diagnostic Article for Hyundai Sonata 2.5T (2021 Hyundai Sonata 2.5T) — Code P2111 was set due to oil being forced into the intake system.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The article implies that simply cleaning the throttle body would be a temporary fix without addressing the root cause.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The permanent fix involved cleaning the entire intake system and replacing the faulty PCV check valve (Part No. 22416-2S000) as instructed by Technical Service Bulletin 21-EM-012H.
• Cross-Manufacturer Reference: Kia Sorento — While involving a different model, NHTSA ODI #10543442 describes a confirmed P2111 throttle actuator failure where the technician performed an ECM upgrade and replaced the ETC-Actuator assembly (Part #35100-3C700) to resolve the issue.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• For code P2111 on this vehicle, the equivalent of a 'smoke test clean' scenario is when a technician cleans the carbon and oil from the throttle body, the code clears, but then it returns shortly after. The immediate cause (a sticky plate) was addressed, but the actual root cause was missed. On 2021-2022 models, this is almost always due to the faulty PCV check valve described in TSB 21-EM-012H, which continuously forces oil into the intake, re-contaminating the clean throttle body.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 35100-2T000 → 35100-2T000 — No supersession found. This part number appears to be consistent for the specified vehicle range.
  Heads up: Crucially, do not confuse with part number 35100-2M417, which is for the 1.6L Turbo engine in the K5 and will not work with the 2.5T engine.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2021-2022 only: These model years are specifically mentioned in TSB 21-EM-012H for having a potentially defective PCV check valve that causes oil contamination in the intake. While a P2111 on a 2023-2024 model is still likely a throttle body failure, the underlying cause is less likely to be this specific PCV defect.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Power Loss 🔴 High — Affects 2021-2023 models. Subject to a safety recall. (Ref: NHTSA 22V-746 / Kia Recall SC250)
• High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Leak 🔴 High — Affects certain 2021-2022 models. Subject to a safety recall due to fire risk. (Ref: NHTSA 21V208000 / Kia Recall SC214)
• Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Problems 🟠 Medium — Anecdotal reports and issues noted in the Korean market for the Smartstream engine family. No widespread US recall, but some owners report oil consumption.
• Electrical and Infotainment System Glitches 🟡 Low — Common owner complaint involving freezing screens, loss of wireless CarPlay connection, and faulty warning lights.
• Premature Brake and Tire Wear 🟡 Low — Owners frequently report faster-than-expected wear on OEM brake pads, rotors, and tires.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: Buying a used electronic throttle body for this vehicle is highly discouraged due to the known failure patterns and electronic complexity. It should only be considered as a last-resort budget option if the donor vehicle is confirmed to be a very low-mileage 2023 or 2024 model, placing it outside the TSB window.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 30000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Confirm the donor vehicle's VIN is not within the 2021-2022 range affected by the PCV TSB.
• Visually inspect the throttle bore for any signs of wet, heavy oil residue; a dry, sooty appearance is more acceptable.
• Check that the electrical connector pins are perfectly straight and free of corrosion.
• Ensure there are no cracks or damage to the plastic housing of the electronic components.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Electronic Throttle Body Assembly: Due to the precision electronics and integrated sensors, an OEM part from Kia/Hyundai is the most reliable choice to ensure compatibility and longevity.
• PCV Check Valve: As this is an inexpensive part that is the root cause of the major TSB-related failure, using a genuine OEM replacement (P/N 22416-2S000) is critical.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Bosch (Often an OEM supplier for European brands, generally considered high quality if available for this application)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, low-cost units from online marketplaces. The risk of premature failure or incorrect calibration is very high with these complex electronic parts.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P2110 — Often appears alongside P2111; indicates the Electronic Throttle Control system is forced into a limited RPM 'limp mode' due to the detected fault.
• P2112 — The direct counterpart to P2111; while P2111 means the throttle is stuck open, P2112 indicates the throttle plate is stuck closed.
• P2101 — Related to a range/performance issue with the throttle actuator control motor circuit, often triggered by the same internal gear failure or oil contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions