Reduced engine power?

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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When the light is on, you need to have the computer scanned to identify where the problem is coming from. Most parts stores will do it for free.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
  • 83 POSTS
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 6.0L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
While sitting in a drive thru a message come across the dash that said reduced engine power. It entered this mode and I have no idea as to what it be causing it. I was told it is more than likely the throttle body so I put a new one on and it still says reduced engine power. Any help on how to proceed would be great.

Not sure if it is related but I removed the negative battery cable so I could replace the fuel pump, when I reconnected the battery terminal there was a problem where the radio would not turn off when I opened the door after turning the truck off, also when the key was in the ignition and the door was open it would not chime. The solution for those problems was disconnect both battery terminals and reconnect. I tried just the negative terminal but it did not fix the problem, I had to disconnect both the positive and negative to get the radio and chime to start working properly.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Reduced engine power can be the result of a few different things. Engine temp, fuel issues, ignition issues, throttle actuator control system, and so on can all set that code. What you need to do is have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. That will point you in the direction of the problem.

I realize you replaced the throttle body, but the TAC involved more. Here is a list of components:

The TAC system components include the following:
- The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors
- The throttle body assembly
- The throttle actuator control module
- The powertrain control module (PCM)

This is why it's important to scan the computer. In all honesty, all of the above items can be somewhat expensive, so we need to determine the root of the cause first.

Now, here is a quick video that shows how it's done.

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a auto parts store will scan it for free. Have that done. My only concern is this. If the reduced power indicator hasn't returned since the battery was disconnected, it may not show what we need. However, it should be done.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. If you determine what codes are stored, let me know what they are and we'll work through it together.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
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I am going to get it scanned tomorrow and will update with what is found.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That sounds like a plan. Honestly, I wouldn't want you to just replace parts that are good. Lets see if the codes show up and point us in the right directions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
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Just pulled the codes and got the following:

P0120
P0220
P1515
P1516
P1518
P2135

I did clear the codes and they came back as soon as I cleared them.
As I state above I did put a new throttle body on the truck but that did not help any.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Those codes all are associated with the throttle actuator control module (TAC). Now, there are a list of checks for these codes, but to start, I suggest simply checking the wiring to the TAC module. It is under the hood. I attached a pic of it. I highlighted the connector and circled the module. I want you to unplug it to confirm there is no damage to the connector and no corrosion causing a bad connection.

Before you unplug the module or plug it back in, make sure the battery is disconnected.

Do this and let me know what you find. Also, let me know if you are comfortable following diagnostic flow charts.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
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I have unplugged and inspected the wires and nothing seems to be broke or damaged. Please provide what I should do next. As far as flow charts never followed one but would open to try if it will allow me to get it fixed faster. Lol
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
  • MEMBER
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Got up this morning and started to check grounds and all connections to tax module, pedal and throttle body. Still getting the reduced engine power message. When I cleared the codes and re-scanned it now only brings up p0120 and p2135 codes.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
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Also, my scanner says TPS is at 100%.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
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So after saying a few bad words and then laughing at how I could not figure it out! I decided to put the old throttle body back on and now all codes have went away and the truck is not in reduced engine power anymore. I don't understand how it is now acting normal and driving fine? I know I had move wires around to test different pins on the throttle body as well as reached behind the passenger side to check the ground back there but I didn't take any wires loose or anything. I ran out of time today, had to come to work, but tomorrow I guess I need to start shaking wires to see if the code comes back on? Any help would be appreciated.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That is both good and frustrating news simply because the lights are off now, but your uncertainty of the cause. I have to be honest, since it is working now, you moved something that caused a connection to improve.

I have to tell you that these vehicles have engine grounds which are known to corrode, break, and so on. So the idea that you moved the ground, I would start there. I have gone through vehicles like this that show continuity to ground as good, but as soon as a load is placed on the ground, it would fail. It's just a thought.

Let me know what you find or if you need any schematics or help.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
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Where are the “main” grounds I need to check first? I think there is one or two behind the block and another one or two at the frame, but not sure. If you can send me the location of them I can at least clean them.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The throttle body is grounded through the ECM. After tracing through about 10 pages of schematics (LOL), the primary ground for the ECM is at the right front of the engine. See attached picture.

Joe
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
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What ground is behind the engine?
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
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I read that there is a GM service bulletin saying to check g103 and g104 when having TPS problems. Can you tell me where those grounds are please?
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Both are behind the engine. I attached a pic so you can locate them. I indicated which is 103 and 104.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBERTBARNES62
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What uses these grounds?
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CHUCK903
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 6.0L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 223,000 MILES
Driving down the road and it will go into limp mode or reduced engine power. Seems to happen more frequent in warmer temperatures. I have changed out throttle body three times, the throttle peddle, throttle sensor, battery, fuel pump, fuel filter, and crank position sensor. Now wondering if it is in the transmission or wiring.
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning.

Okay, were there any codes set or is the check engine light on? That will give us a clue of the area of failure.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output
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Thursday, September 10th, 2020 AT 12:59 PM (Merged)

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