P0597 Code: Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit High/Low Diagnosis & Fix Guide

Low Diagnosis & Fix Guide

Table of Contents 1. What is P0597? 2. Common Causes in European & American Vehicles 3. Key Symptoms 4. Models Prone to P0597 (Ford, Chevy, VW) 5. Diagnostic Steps with ICARZONE UR1000 6. Fixes & Execution 7. Repair Costs & Safety Tips 8. Preventive Maintenance 9. Frequently Asked Questions 10. Summary
Diagnostic Guide

P0597: Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit High/Low

Diagnose P0597 in Ford, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen vehicles. Learn causes, symptoms, and fixes using the ICARZONE UR1000 scanner.

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P0597

1. What is P0597?

P0597 indicates a problem in the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) Motor Circuit. The throttle actuator controls airflow into the engine via electronic signals from the ECM. P0597 occurs when voltage is too high or low in the TAC motor circuit.

Symptoms include poor idle, hesitation, and reduced engine performance. Timely diagnosis prevents further ECU complications and drivability issues.

Impact on European & American Vehicles

Modern Ford, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen models use electronic throttle systems. A failing TAC motor or wiring issue triggers Check Engine Light and may cause limp mode. Immediate repair ensures smooth throttle response and emission compliance.

Note: Turbocharged engines like Ford EcoBoost and VW TSI are highly sensitive—persistent P0597 can cause immediate engine derating.


2. Common Causes in European & American Vehicles

P0597 can have multiple origins. Real-world examples:

  • Faulty TAC Motor (Ford Explorer 2.3L) — UR1000 readings showed voltage spike; replacing OEM throttle motor cleared code.
  • Damaged Wiring / Connector (Chevrolet Malibu 1.5L Turbo) — Frayed wires between ECM and TAC caused intermittent P0597; proper wiring restored function.
  • Corroded Connector (Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T) — Water intrusion increased resistance; cleaned and replaced connector to resolve code.
  • ECM Software Glitch — Certain Ford Escape models misreported TAC voltage; UR1000 recommended ECM calibration update (Ford v12.1).


3. Key Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light illuminated with P0597 stored
  • Rough idle and hesitation during acceleration
  • Reduced throttle response
  • Fuel consumption increase (up to 10% reported)
  • Limp mode activation in some cases

4. Models Prone to P0597

  • Ford: 2017–2023 Explorer 2.3L EcoBoost, 2018–2022 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost
  • Chevrolet: 2018–2023 Malibu 1.5L, 2018–2023 Equinox 1.5L Turbo
  • Volkswagen: 2018–2023 Tiguan 2.0T, 2019–2023 Jetta 1.4T

Relevant TSBs: Ford 22-1550, GM 23-NA-120, VW 21G034.

5. Diagnostic Steps with UR1000

Step Action Goal Pass/Fail
1 Scan system for DTCs Identify P0597 and related throttle codes Pass: Only P0597 | Fail: Multiple throttle or ECM codes
2 Live Data: TAC voltage and motor current Check proper voltage and current during crank/start Pass: Normal range per spec | Fail: High/low voltage or erratic readings
3 Connector inspection & wiring check Identify corrosion or damaged wires Pass: Clean connectors, proper wiring | Fail: Corroded or broken wiring
4 Replace TAC motor (if necessary) Verify if code clears Pass: Code cleared → resolved | Fail: Code persists → check ECM
5 ECM calibration update Ensure latest software version installed Pass: Updated | Fail: Update required

6. Fixes & Execution

  • Replace faulty throttle actuator motor with OEM part
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring harness or connectors
  • Clean and apply dielectric grease to connectors
  • Update ECM software if misreporting TAC fault
  • Test drive to ensure code clearance and proper throttle response

7. Repair Costs & Safety Tips

  • Throttle Actuator Motor Replacement: $150–$400
  • Wiring harness repair: $50–$150
  • ECM software update: $0–$50
  • Total labor: $80–$150 depending on model
  • Disconnect battery before replacing TAC motor
  • Inspect throttle body and sensors while servicing

8. Preventive Maintenance

  • Inspect TAC motor and connectors every 20,000 miles
  • Check wiring harness for heat damage, corrosion, or wear
  • Keep throttle body clean and lubricated if recommended
  • Use ICARZONE UR1000 periodically to monitor live TAC data
  • Ensure ECM software is updated to latest version

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with P0597? Short-term driving is possible but may activate limp mode and reduce throttle response. Repair promptly to avoid further ECU damage.
Will replacing the TAC motor fix all throttle issues? Only if the issue originates from the TAC motor. Check wiring, connectors, and ECM if the code persists.
Is aftermarket TAC motor acceptable? OEM motors are recommended. High-quality aftermarket parts may work but verify voltage specs and ECM compatibility.
Does UR1000 help fix P0597? Yes, UR1000 provides DTC scan, live voltage/current data, TAC motor tests, and ECM info for accurate diagnosis.

10. Summary

P0597 indicates a Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit malfunction. Key steps: scan codes, analyze live data, inspect wiring/connectors, replace faulty TAC motor, and verify ECM calibration. Affects Ford, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen vehicles. Use ICARZONE UR1000 for fast, safe, and accurate diagnosis.

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