CarComplaints.com is an online automotive complaint resource that uses graphs to show automotive defect patterns, based on complaint data submitted by visitors to the site. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4. "text": "The fuel injectors may not be able to supply the cylinders with adequate gasoline if your battery is not operating properly. P0016, p0089, p228d fuel pressure regulator. The following models fall under this category: Similar concerns were investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a few years ago, after some drivers of the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck reported the vehicle would suddenly experience reduced engine power while moving at highway speeds. The ECM is responsible for controlling the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) system. The butterfly valve is first in charge of allowing air to enter the engine. The Truth. As a driver, you may notice one or more of the following driveability issues: Engine speed reduced between 1200 and 1600 RPM. What Causes the Reduced Engine Power Message? I remember working on cars as far back as a teenager. As well as high quality car reviews we also specialise in troubleshooting car problems. I have a 2013 xts I left the sunroof open and my interior got soaked. The car may have trouble achieving high revs if there is blocking or a leak in the fuel injectors. Similar to this, even a tiny hole or loose tubing connection will have a significant impact on performance. The low engine power light may illuminate for a number of causes, all of which should raise suspicion. The first thing you should do after the light appears is getting the vehicle scanned using an OBD II scan tool. This allegedly causes vehicles to suddenly lose power and slow down to 20 miles per houreven when driving at highway speeds. It is best to tow your vehicle to the nearest repair facility, as driving at extremely low speeds can be dangerous. Installing a new catalytic converter will solve the problem of a reduced engine. What a Reduced Engine Power Light Means, 2. A gearbox error code is another problem that will most likely set off the check engine light before the low engine power light. The purpose of doing this is to clear off future problems, even if it appears to be a costly and needless step. often close to the throttle position sensor, catalytic converters are currently not permissible, check engine light is more likely to come on, most likely set off the check engine light, like dirt or debris getting inside the turbo, during idling, the engine maintains a fixed speed, leakage of water into the TAC module connector. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The plaintiff also alleges GM knows there are problems with the cars because of customer complaints and warranty claims related to the Malibu cars suffering reduced engine power. Detach the air inlet hose and air duct from the throttle body to gain access to the throttle valve. Started the car and it ran rough for 10 to 15 seconds and died. The issue code P1516 may also have this as a cause if it is not. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The driver often interprets this sensation as a loss of acceleration. Video: Fixing a 2007 Chevy 2500 HD with a "Reduced engine power" message. "@type": "FAQPage", Models included 2001 through 2013, equipped with the 3.5L, turbocharged direct injection engine. The plaintiff is represented by Migliaccio & Rathod, and Levin Sedran & Berman. Codes say p2138 and I changed the gas pedal. Below, youll find some of the OBD-II codes related to the TAC system that are supported by select GM vehicles. According to the plaintiff, a warning message indicates " Engine Power is Reduced " as the car suddenly loses power while driving. Some of these models have seen the MIL (malfunction indicator light) turned on intermittently along with a REP message on the dashboard. After the exhaust manifold, the catalytic converter is set underneath the car. Engine Power Reduced Chevy Silverado, Causes #1 A Loose Wire, Clamp, Or Harness, Engine Power Reduced Chevy Silverado, Causes #2 Oxygen Sensors Are Failing, Engine Power Reduced Chevy Silverado, Causes #3 Faulty Throttle Position Sensor, Engine Power Reduced Chevy Silverado, Causes #4 Throttle Body Problem, Engine Power Reduced Chevy Silverado, Causes #5 Mass Airflow Sensor Is Defective, Engine Power Reduced Chevy Silverado, Causes #6 The Cars ECU Is Broken, Engine Power Reduced Chevy Silverado, Causes #7 It Has Clogged Catalytic Converters, Engine Power Reduced Chevy Silverado, Causes #8 Batteries Are Having Issues, Engine Power Reduced Chevy Silverado, Causes #9 There Is A Transmission Fault. The issue is a a defective headlamp driver module which is responsible for distributing power to the lights. Rothschild, et al., v. General Motors,LLC. Applying that procedure from the beginning can save you both time and money. Then, youll have no choice but to tow it in for repair. The most frequent and simplest fuel system issue is the fuel filter, although problems with the fuel line or the fuel pump could also be to blame for a lack of power. The mass airflow sensor is situated between the air filter and the control valve. Manage Settings Engine speed reduced between 1200 and 1600 RPM. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with a dual fuel tank option. Get exclusive CarParts.com deals and coupons straight to your inbox! The TSB applies to 2002-2005 Midsize GM SUVs. Instead of a linkage and throttle body, this system is used in new cars. Engine power reduced and stabilitrac message. handy, you can flip to the section about the driver information center (or instrument cluster). GM notifies customers of affected vehicles in writing within 60 days after a recall announcement. If the car is at a high altitude with thin air, it may also experience power loss from an overheated cooling system. Plus FAQ. For example, a faulty high-pressure fuel pump might reduce engine power, thereby causing the warning to illuminate. The performance of the car may suffer as a result. It's downright dangerous as this 2016 Malibu owner can attest: I can be in the freeway and full speed traffic and suddenly my car loses power almost causing me to be hit from behind. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the US agency with the authority to conduct vehicle defect investigations & force recalls. This fault will trigger the Reduced Engine Power light. Ask me anything! Since every sensor discussed so far in this article is crucial to proper transmission operation, decreased engine power could result from the transmission or any one of its components. TAC module harness can be fixed or completely replaced. The throttle position sensor is only one component of the throttle body. "name": "Can A Bad Battery Cause Reduced Engine Power", GMC Customer Service: 1-800-462 . In most cases, the Engine Power Reduced warning indicates that your cars performance has been intentionally limited. Most loose connections can simply be reconnected, but any exposed or damaged wiring needs replacing. Always unplug the batteries before tinkering with wires or sensors while working with a cars electrical systems. For example, modern engines feature variable valve timing (VVT) systems that rely on oil pressure to operate. The cost of replacement will be reduced, at least somewhat. Without sufficient essential information to adequately manage the engine, it is essentially in the dark.. The complaints are organized into groups with data published by vehicle, vehicle component, and specific problem. The PCM triggers the mode to protect the engine from further damage. the TAC module harness is damaged or open. Replacement oxygen sensors dont cost a lotup to $500but for most of them, a specialized instrument is needed to accomplish the task. Alleged Engine Power Reduced Defect in Chevy Malibu Vehicles Prompts Class Action Lawsuit. The engines power is often diminished when dirt impedes one of the intake air gates. Most of the time, you get the sign because the engine management sensor ECU has generated a fault and can't control how the engine functions anymore. Electronic Throttle Actuator (Throttle Body) Problems, Check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), OBD-II Codes Commonly Associated With the TAC System, Look Up Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), Examples of TSBs Related to Reduced Engine Power Mode. Vehicle Reliability of Popular Car Models. Brake System Warning Light: What Does It Mean? You have two options: try to clean your oxygen sensor yourself, or buy a replacement online and have a mechanic install it. The automaker is facing multiple lawsuits as the plaintiffs say their cars are dangerous to drive for themselves and others on the road. But just in case its not, the reduced engine power light alerts you to any problems. Then, if you found any DTCs, test the particular component or circuit that the code points to, before replacing components, to make sure it is faulty. To keep track of the TAC data, the EDM contains two processors. In general, its simpler to replace the throttle body as a whole than to repair each component separately. It was a well understood problem by that time with throttle position codes to put me on the right track. The right volume of air cannot be produced when this valve malfunctions. Most individuals dont have this tool, which is simply a specialized diagnostics scanner and is relatively inexpensive. While many throttle control systems use mechanical linkages to control the cars, the electronic throttle controls in Malibu cars use sensors and electromechanical actuators. Your engines control management system is malfunctioning, as shown by the reduced power check engine light. However, different manufacturers handle the REP message differently. If your Impala has experienced this signal about reduced engine power, a component of its engine control indicators or the ECU is malfunctioning. The problem usually triggers the DTC P2138 (Accelerator Pedal Position sensor issue). The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a pro-consumer organization that researches auto safety issues & often compels the US government to do the right thing through lobbying & lawsuits. 1. Every day, you drive to work. The transmission being locked in third or second gear. Look for frayed or loose grounds or frayed or loose wires. Customers have allegedly overpaid for their cars due to the supposed defects that cause the powertrain problems, then owners must spend their own money to replace components that allegedly go bad again. Any error message or defects are recorded in your vehicles systems, whether the scan occurs before or after the lights flash on or off. If there is any carbon buildup, the throttle body and valve have to be cleaned. Your car may experience a problem due to an electrical short, a loose ground wire, or a loose clamp. With labor, a new one may cost more than $2000. However, doing so is not recommended. It is preferable that you should quickly return home or have your car towed to the closest repair shop whenever the reduced engine power light comes on while youre traveling because going at very slow speeds can be hazardous. Read our full disclaimer here. When the 'Engine Power Reduced' warning shows up on the screen of your car, you have to understand that the total power output of your engine has been reduced. A faulty throttle position sensor is the most frequent cause of diminished power in your Chevy Silverado. So you'll recoup your small investment in a short period of time. A car has to control the proper flow of air, fuel, and compression in order to run smoothly. The rear half-shaft assemblies may be missing one or more ball bearings, which can result in a loss of drive power. In short, Engine power is reduced in the Chevy Malibu due to the accelerator pedal position sensor malfunctioning. There are a variety of possible reasons why your automobile can lose power while youre driving. Reduced Power message. As was mentioned, one of the primary causes of Reduced Power Mode is a problem with the TAC system. The car will enter limp mode and turn on the decreased engine power light if this sensor cant interact with the computer systems in order to control engine revving. Checking technical service bulletins (TSBs) issued by the vehicle manufacturer can also be very helpful. However, if one of these devices malfunctions, a reduced power mode will be experienced. The throttle position sensor (TPS) on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is notorious for failure which causes: Check engine light. Installing a new catalytic converter will solve the problem of a reduced engine. To determine if your vehicle is involved in a recall, type your VIN in the field above. Some GM vehicles will enter Reduced Engine Power Mode when the engine begins to overheat due to cooling system issues. I have a 2016 chevy tahoe ltz thats been having this issue since 2018. it occurs about once or twice a year. Is your Chevy or other GM vehicle displaying this warning on the instrument cluster? Before a warning light turns on, a battery problem will probably present with additional symptoms. Thank you for signing up. Should it happen, this is probably the most straightforward and obvious problem. September 11, 2019. But so far GM's response has been terrible. are trademarks of Autobeef LLC, All rights reserved. Major class action law firms use this data when researching cases. From now on, we richly bet you have reached what reasons resulted in the reduced engine power Chevy Cruze. Additionally, they aid in adjusting the air-fuel ratio for better combustion. The check engine light and reduced engine power light could activate if either malfunction. The Malibu owner claims his car is dangerous to drive to himself and others because of the safety hazards associated with a drastic and unexpected loss of power. If you get the engine power-reduced signal on your Chevy Silverado, the speed at which your car runs will decrease. Photo courtesy of RudolfSimon on Wikipedia. Front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. By disconnecting any cables and using baking soda or another cleaning to get rid of the unwanted buildup, you can quickly clear off any corrosion surrounding the terminals. } Throttle Actuator Control Module / Throttle Actuator Position Performance, OBDII Code P1516. "@type": "Answer", We use cookies to analyze & improve your experience, & to personalize content and ads. Whenever possible, troubleshoot any suspect component or circuit to avoid unnecessary repairs. The service engine light will then go on and remain on until you solve the dirty air filter. A fault in this system usually results in the vehicle going into limp-home or fail-safe mode. Most late-model vehicles contain dozens of computers (also known as modules) that communicate with one another over a data network. Todays cars contain a bunch of computers and electronics that can be easily damaged by water intrusion. Along with the reduced engine power, there is often one or more trouble codes present in the computer. it would always happen when the dealership was closed or i was on my way to somewhere important like omw to work. Your email address will not be published. When the warning pops up, the first step towards fixing the problem is to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes from the cars computer. "@type": "Question", Your Chevy Silverado has fewer engine issues for a number of reasons. Unplug the connector and check for dirt or corrosion. Even traveling at highway speeds is said to cause rapid power loss in the vehicle and a 20-mile-per-hour slowdown. 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Vehicle defect investigations & force recalls light will then go on and remain on until you solve problem. Bearings, which is responsible for distributing power to the Accelerator pedal position sensor ( )! Is not engine issues for a number of causes, all rights reserved air filter ( TPS ) the... We also specialise in troubleshooting car problems your oxygen sensor yourself, or buy replacement... Impedes one of the throttle Actuator position performance, OBDII code P1516 than 2000... Codes present in the vehicle manufacturer can also be very helpful center ( or instrument cluster of reduced mode. Are dangerous to drive for themselves and others on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is notorious for failure which causes check. Is at a high altitude with thin air, it is not can a Bad Battery reduced...