! Engine Power is Reduced
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28
From: California
! Engine Power is Reduced
Message came on this morning in the last mile of my commute to work and I lost all but limping power, enough to get off the freeway and make it to the office parking lot.
I've got 9,000 miles on my 2SS.
Anyone else had this problem? I don't know what the errors are yet, I am waiting to be towed in for service.
Just curious if anyone else has experienced this problem.
I've got 9,000 miles on my 2SS.
Anyone else had this problem? I don't know what the errors are yet, I am waiting to be towed in for service.
Just curious if anyone else has experienced this problem.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28
From: California
I had it towed to the dealer same day. When they turned it on the "! Engine Power is Reduced" message cleared but the check engine light remained. I don't have the paperwork with me so I'll post the error code later but the Service Tech told me that the issue was the "accelerator linkage".
They "uploaded software upgrades" and "were unable to duplicate the error".
I would rather learn that something broke and that they fixed it but I'm stuck with "we couldn't make it happen again". I hope the software fix was the thing.
They also think they found an oil leak so they added dye and asked me to put another 500-1000 miles on and bring it back to re-check.
I have put 600 plus miles on since getting it back (nice drive from LA to Vegas and back) and will try to get it back to the shop later this week.
They "uploaded software upgrades" and "were unable to duplicate the error".
I would rather learn that something broke and that they fixed it but I'm stuck with "we couldn't make it happen again". I hope the software fix was the thing.
They also think they found an oil leak so they added dye and asked me to put another 500-1000 miles on and bring it back to re-check.
I have put 600 plus miles on since getting it back (nice drive from LA to Vegas and back) and will try to get it back to the shop later this week.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 28
From: California
"P2138 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor" was the problem
Anyone know what this really means and/or if it is cause for any concern?
It sure isn't fun to have the car power down to limp mode while driving on the freeway in traffic.
Anyone know what this really means and/or if it is cause for any concern?
It sure isn't fun to have the car power down to limp mode while driving on the freeway in traffic.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
FWIW, Other GM vehicles have apparently had the same issue:
http://coloradofans.com/forums/viewt...hp?f=8&t=58146
Condition:
Some customers may comment on an intermittent MIL/SES light Illuminated with a message center or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. DTC P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation may be set. The voltage difference between APP sensor 1 and APP sensor 2 exceeds a predetermined value for more than 2 seconds. Refer to DTC P2138 in SI for further diagnostics.
Cause:
On some vehicles, the IP to body harness connector, which carries the APP signal to the ECM/PCM, is located in the left hand kick panel area and if the kick panel is not sealed properly, water enters and causes a short in the APP circuits setting a P2138 code.
Correction:
Important: Do Not replace the accelerator pedal assembly.
Locate the IP to body harness connector, which may be located in and around the left hand kick panel area. Check to see if there is a water leak into the area and repair as necessary.
Some customers may comment on an intermittent MIL/SES light Illuminated with a message center or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. DTC P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation may be set. The voltage difference between APP sensor 1 and APP sensor 2 exceeds a predetermined value for more than 2 seconds. Refer to DTC P2138 in SI for further diagnostics.
Cause:
On some vehicles, the IP to body harness connector, which carries the APP signal to the ECM/PCM, is located in the left hand kick panel area and if the kick panel is not sealed properly, water enters and causes a short in the APP circuits setting a P2138 code.
Correction:
Important: Do Not replace the accelerator pedal assembly.
Locate the IP to body harness connector, which may be located in and around the left hand kick panel area. Check to see if there is a water leak into the area and repair as necessary.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11
Got my car back yesterday, there was water in the linkage that they think might have been the problem. I asked about the HVAC making a gurgling noise and of course they could not find it.
So hoping that it is fixed and no more issues.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,647
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Just FYI,
The 2002+ trucks have the same problem.
It's the wiring going into the throttlebody. They were breaking right at the weather connection. Solution is to wire in longer leads or re-make the connector. Sometimes a wire slides out.
90% of the issues were cold weather related.
Our truck had the same error message: Engine Power Reduced. Traction Control and Active Handling disabled. The dealer re-wired the TB connector and it fixed the problem.
The 2002+ trucks have the same problem.
It's the wiring going into the throttlebody. They were breaking right at the weather connection. Solution is to wire in longer leads or re-make the connector. Sometimes a wire slides out.
90% of the issues were cold weather related.
Our truck had the same error message: Engine Power Reduced. Traction Control and Active Handling disabled. The dealer re-wired the TB connector and it fixed the problem.
Last edited by Gripenfelter; Feb 3, 2010 at 11:49 AM.
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