P2106 Chevrolet Silverado: Fix TAC System Power Loss with UR1000 Scanner

November 14, 2025

Table of Contents 1. What is P2106? 2. Common Causes in Chevrolet Silverado 1500 3. Key Symptoms 4. Silverado 1500 Models Prone to P2106 5. Diagnostic Steps with UR1000 6. Fixes & Execution 7. Repair Costs & Safety Tips 8. Preventive Maintenance 9. Frequently Asked Questions 10. Summary

Diagnostic Guide

P2106: Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited Power

Diagnose and fix P2106 in Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Resolve throttle control issues and power limitations using the UR1000 diagnostic tool.

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P2106

1. What is P2106?

P2106 is a Diagnostic Trouble Code indicating a critical fault in the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System, specifically a "Forced Limited Power" condition. The TAC system regulates engine power by controlling throttle plate position electronically (no mechanical linkage). When the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects a malfunction that could compromise safety, it triggers P2106 and enters a failsafe mode—restricting engine power to ~30-50% of normal output to prevent失控 acceleration.

Importance for Chevrolet Silverado 1500

For Silverado 1500 owners, P2106 poses significant safety and performance risks—especially when towing or merging on highways. The forced power limitation can cause dangerous situations in traffic, while underlying TAC system issues may worsen without repair. This code is particularly critical in 5.3L and 6.2L V8 models, where sudden power drops under load can strain drivetrain components.

2. Common Causes in Chevrolet Silverado 1500

P2106 in Silverado 1500 originates from TAC system malfunctions—often electrical or software-related:

Failed Throttle Body Actuator — Motor or position sensor failure in the electronic throttle body (common in 2014–2018 models with 80,000+ miles).
Corroded TAC Wiring Harness — Water intrusion or road salt damage to connectors (vulnerable near the air intake).)
ECM Software Glitches — Outdated calibration causing incorrect failsafe triggers (notable in 2020–2023 Silverados).
Loose Ground Connections — Poor electrical continuity disrupting TAC communication (check battery and engine ground straps).
Contaminated Throttle Body — Carbon buildup preventing proper plate movement (seen in trucks with infrequent air filter changes).
Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Issues — Mismatched signals between pedal and throttle body (rare but possible in 6-speed transmission models).

3. Key Symptoms in Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Owners typically notice these P2106-related symptoms in their Silverado:

Check Engine Light illuminated with P2106 (often paired with P2110 or P2111)
Significant power loss—engine won't exceed 3,000 RPM
"Reduced Power" message on instrument cluster
Unresponsive acceleration—pedal inputs produce minimal speed increase
Idling fluctuations or stalling when coming to a stop
UR1000 live data showing throttle position stuck below 25%

Pro Tip: Silverado owners may experience temporary symptom relief after restarting the engine, but P2106 will recur until the root cause is addressed.

4. Silverado 1500 Models Prone to P2106

Certain Silverado 1500 variants show higher P2106 incidence due to TAC system design:

2014–2018 Silverado 1500 (5.3L V8) — Throttle body actuator failures common at 70,000–110,000 miles.
2019–2023 Silverado 1500 (6.2L V8) — Software calibration issues triggering false P2106 codes.
2015–2020 Silverado 1500 LTZ — Moisture-related connector corrosion in northern climates.
High Country trims with adaptive cruise control — Additional TAC system complexity increases fault risk.
2021–2024 Silverado 1500 with 3.0L Duramax — Diesel-specific TAC programming vulnerabilities.

GM TSB 22-NA-156 addresses P2106 in 2020–2022 Silverados, recommending ECM reflash with updated throttle control logic.

5. Diagnostic Steps (Silverado 1500 Focus) with UR1000

Use UR1000 to pinpoint whether P2106 stems from mechanical, electrical, or software issues:

Step	Action with UR1000	Goal	Pass/Fail
1	Full System Scan > "Chevrolet" > "Silverado 1500" > "Engine Control Module"	Confirm P2106 and check for related TAC codes	Pass: Isolated P2106 \| Fail: Multiple TAC codes indicating system failure
2	Live Data > "Throttle Position Sensor" & "Pedal Position Sensor"	Verify signal correlation (should match within 5%)	Pass: Signals synchronized \| Fail: Mismatched values (wiring/sensor issue)
3	Actuator Test > "Throttle Body Movement Test"	Command throttle plate movement (5–95% range)	Pass: Smooth movement throughout range \| Fail: Sticking or unresponsive plate
4	Circuit Test > "TAC System Voltage Check"	Measure voltage at throttle body connector (should be 4.8–5.2V)	Pass: Stable voltage \| Fail: Fluctuations (wiring or ECM issue)
5	ECM Software Check > "Calibration Version"	Verify current software matches latest GM specification	Pass: Up-to-date \| Fail: Requires reflash (common in 2020+ models)

Case Example: A 2017 Silverado 1500 with 5.3L engine showed P2106 and reduced power. UR1000's actuator test revealed the throttle plate stuck at 15%. Cleaning carbon deposits and performing a TAC reset resolved the issue without parts replacement.

Diagnose P2106 with UR1000

6. Fixes & Execution for Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Repair depends on UR1000 test results—60% of P2106 cases resolve with cleaning or reprogramming:

Throttle Body Service — - Remove air intake tube and throttle body (8 Torx screws on Silverado) - Clean carbon deposits with throttle body cleaner (CRC #05078) - Reinstall with new gasket (ACDelco #12615873) and torque to 8 ft-lbs - Perform TAC reset using UR1000 after installation
ECM Reprogramming — - Use UR1000 to install latest GM calibration (critical for 2019+ models) - Addresses software-induced failsafe triggers - Process takes 20–30 minutes; requires stable 12V power source
Throttle Body Replacement — - Install OEM unit (ACDelco #217-3418 for 5.3L; #217-3420 for 6.2L) - Transfer electrical connector carefully to avoid pin damage - Perform idle relearn procedure with UR1000 post-installation
Wiring Harness Repair — - Locate damaged sections using UR1000 voltage drop test - Repair with GM-approved splice kit (#12152004) - Seal connectors with dielectric grease and heat-shrink tubing - Secure harness away from heat sources (exhaust manifold, turbocharger)
Ground Connection Service — - Clean engine-to-chassis ground strap (located near battery) - Add anti-corrosion treatment to terminals - Verify 0.5Ω or less resistance with multimeter

7. Repair Costs & Safety Tips for Silverado 1500

DIY Diagnosis with UR1000: $0 (avoids $130–$220 dealer scan fees)
Throttle Body Cleaner & Gasket: $15–$30
OEM Throttle Body: $180–$320 (varies by engine)
ECM Reprogramming: $150–$250 (dealer or certified service)
Professional Throttle Body Replacement: $350–$550 (parts + labor)
Wiring Harness Repair: $180–$300 (complexity-dependent)

Critical Safety Precautions

Disconnect battery negative terminal before working on throttle body components.
Allow engine to cool completely to prevent burns during throttle body removal.
Use a memory saver to preserve radio presets and ECM data during battery disconnection.
Avoid spraying cleaner into the engine—cover intake manifold opening during cleaning.
Always perform TAC system reset with UR1000 after repairs to prevent driveability issues.

8. Preventive Maintenance for Silverado 1500 P2106

Reduce P2106 risk with these TAC system-focused steps:

Clean throttle body every 60,000 miles (45,000 miles for dusty/off-road use).
Replace air filter annually to prevent debris contamination of throttle components.
Use UR1000 quarterly to run "TAC System Health Check" and verify calibration status.
Inspect TAC wiring harness during 100,000-mile service for abrasion or corrosion.
Update ECM software whenever GM releases TAC-related updates (check via UR1000).
Use Top Tier detergent gasoline to minimize carbon buildup on throttle plates.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my Silverado with P2106?

Only in emergencies. The reduced power mode is unsafe for highway driving and can cause further ECM stress if prolonged.

Will disconnecting the battery reset P2106?

Temporarily, but the code will return unless the root cause is fixed. Use UR1000 for proper diagnosis before resetting.

How does UR1000 fix P2106?

UR1000 identifies the specific fault (sensor, wiring, or software), performs TAC resets, and can reprogram ECM to latest calibration.

What's the lifespan of a Silverado throttle body?

Typically 100,000–150,000 miles with proper maintenance. Severe carbon buildup can reduce lifespan to 70,000–90,000 miles.

Is P2106 covered under Silverado's warranty?

Yes—throttle body and TAC components are covered under powertrain warranties (5 years/60,000 miles for most models).

Can fuel quality cause P2106?

Indirectly—poor quality fuel increases carbon deposits, which can cause throttle plate sticking and trigger P2106.

10. Summary

P2106 indicates a critical Throttle Actuator Control system fault in Chevrolet Silverado 1500, causing forced power limitation. Common causes include throttle body contamination, wiring issues, or outdated ECM software—all posing safety risks during operation.

UR1000's advanced diagnostics—including live data monitoring, actuator tests, and software checks—accurately identifies root causes. Most cases resolve with cleaning, reprogramming, or minor repairs. Regular maintenance and proactive monitoring with UR1000 help prevent P2106, ensuring reliable throttle operation especially in towing and heavy-use scenarios.