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Engine power reduced - Limp mode?

Tiny
ARKMAJVE
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 40,000 MILES
Engine power reduced was the message on the message center in dash. And it was right. The engine power is reduced. Why?
Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 AT 1:47 PM

41 Replies

Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
This is usually a dirty throttle bore here is a guide to help you fix the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Thursday, May 21st, 2009 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
JRMMACONSR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Thank you for this post I had this problem a followed the guide worked perfect! I love this site.
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Friday, September 13th, 2019 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
ELAINE0358
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.1L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 161,000 MILES
I get an engine power reduced and engine light comes on. I have had a new throttle put in along with a new engine with 63,000 miles and it was good for one day and the reduced engine light came on again while driving. The garage has tested everything and not coming up with the problem. Is it electrical or why is GM not dealing with this problem as it appears that it has been a big issue!
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Reduced power, AKA limp mode, is actuated when the computer determines there is a major problem with the vehicle. Not only the engine can cause it, but also a transmission issue. If they are getting no trouble codes, it sounds like an electrical problem, but it could be a number of things.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AARON HALL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 4WD
  • 250,000 MILES
Wellllllll, went to my college town one day and out to lunch with a friend. Came out of the restaurant and tried starting my car, but it wouldnt start. The dashboard said "engine reduced power'' and something about the servicing the traction control. The engine actually shut down while trying to put it on the tow truck. Now the car wont start and we have no clue as to why. Even when we try to jump it, its not starting. How do we remedy this situation?
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning

First, it sounds like the battery may be low. Low voltage is the main reason for things not working all at once and not starting.

I would have the battery tested.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Check the charging system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Then check for any codes that may appear after you have proper voltage.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/reduced-power-limp-mode

Roy
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WJG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 110,000 MILES
Daughter was driving car and said engine light came on then the message said "engine power reduced". Then she said it was like she could barely go 60 mph.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Have the computer scanned to identify where the problem came from. Ask if the engine was overheating or anything, other than the reduced power, occurred.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
That is going to be a problem with the "drive by wire" electronic throttle system. The first step will be to read codes but you will need some expensive equipment to get a final diagnosis.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEESSA16
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
My car acts like it is in limp mode. Codes po300 and co561 traction service lights comes on and engine light flashes.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
300 is a random misfire which are very hard to diagnose even for a mechanic before you waste any money the cheapest option is for him to fix it. The code 561 is an ABS code which knocks off the traction control. It may be a serial BUS problem or the engine code may have set it. A mechanic will need to check this out.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROZYRY
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
I was leaving work and I went to start my car and it seemed like the battery was almost dead. I turned it on and 'engine power reduced" came on and the motor sounded like it wanted to jump out! The RPMs where jumping up and down. I know I need an oil change, but my car was running fine. Before. I've noticed an oil leak the past few weeks and I thought maybe the oil filter was loose(I was told). I turned it on again about 3 more times and same thing! So I called for my boyfriend to come and by the time he came (20 min) I started it again and it turned on fine. The engine light was on though. I drove home (which is 25min drive) and it drove fine. I don't understand, I don't want that to happen when I go to work. I checked the oiland it was at an ok level.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
The first thing you need to do is go to a auto part's store and have them scan the car for trouble code's and write down all the code number's your car has and bring them back to me.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CAROLANDOH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
Engine Performance problem
2006 Chevy Impala 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

repair and cost
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
Take car to most autoparts stores and get codes read for free.

It may be the same code as this thread:

https://www.2carpros.com/forum/2006-chevy-impala-reduced-engine-power-vt382692.html

If so, it may simply require a simple cleaning as was the case above.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BILLYBLAIRJR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
06 chevy impala will read engine power reduced service traction control. You can turn car off and wait 15 min start car back up everything runs normal for a little while then same thing. Please help
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RHALL77
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,361 POSTS
Trhere is trouble code stored in the pcm that needs to be check. Your car is going into default mode to prevent any further damage.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NEIL WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
  • 2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 194,576 MILES
When the engine is at 3,500 rpm and when I push the gas pedal down some more, the rpm stays at 3,500 rpm.
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
I assume this is in neutral? If so the computer will not allow the engine to rev above 3,500 so the engine does not hurt itself.

Please let us know.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NEIL WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
No. In park.
Thank you for your reply.(Answer).
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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 2:28 PM (Merged)

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Related Engine Computer Limp Mode - Reduced Power Content

Reduced Power - Limp Mode
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Reduced Power - Limp Mode
The computer system that controls your car has a built in safety feature called "Reduced Power" or "Limp Mode" which is designed to get the car where it is...
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