Reduced Engine Power only when cold

Tiny
SOCCER9014
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I own the car listed above LT model. The car has ran perfectly for the first two years I had in, however, during the last two winters when it gets below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, my car will pop up a reduced engine power warning sign, service traction control and service stabatrak. Once the weather warms up it quits doing this all together and only happens again once it’s cold (below 32 degrees). I have, within the past month replaced the air filter, changed the oil and put Heet in my tank at every fill up. Obviously these aren’t working. When the reduced engine light comes on, the codes that read out are -
- P0106 - Manifold Absolute Pressure
- P0131 - O2 Censor circuit low voltage
- P0171 x2 - System too lean
- P0300 - Random Multiple Cylinder Misfire
- P2135 X3 - Pedal position sensor

The only code that keeps adding every time it reads is the P2135, the pedal position sensor. If anyone has any insight to what this might be I’d so appreciate your help. I’ve read in the forums before about similar things happening but they did not have codes or anything to tell you guys what was coming up. And also people saying the cold is not a factor but in my case I know 100% it is a factor. I’d rather replace the pedal position sensor myself rather than having to buy a brand new throttle body to start out with.

Thank you in advance for any help I can get.
Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019 AT 7:18 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The 2135 is the most common for this code. It must be verified before assuming t is the issue.

You need to verify voltages to the throttle body when it is cold in that condition. If the voltages are correct, then the throttle body is the failure.

Roy
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Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019 AT 10:33 AM
Tiny
SOCCER9014
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Okay, thank you. I’ll get the voltages checked today. So, I’m assuming if the voltages turn out to not be correct, only then it would probably be the pedal position sensor? And I know this is probably a stupid question to you but do you know why it would only do this in the cold? I know parts don’t work the best in the cold but I’m just at a loss. And sorry, one more question; if the voltages are correct, should I try cleaning the throttle body first or just go ahead and replace it? Thank you!
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Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, the cold acts on connections and electronics. You can try cleaning the connections first and see.

No, cleaning is not an option when the voltages are correct. It must be replaced.

Roy
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Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019 AT 11:13 AM
Tiny
BOSOXINNY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am having the exact same issue with my 2008 Chevy Malibu. When the temperature gets below about 35°, this is a constant problem. The car will shake, and the service control light will come on along with engine power reduced. I have to shut the engine off and restart, and it usually stops after a few times of on/ off BS once the engine is well warmed. If it is warmer than about 35 degrees, I have no problem whatsoever with it. I have a hard time believing it has absolutely nothing to do with very cold temps. Unfortunately, it is 5 degrees outside right now and I have to go to work this morning, so I know what I'm facing out there with that car. I cannot wait to get rid of this car, will never buy a Chevy again.
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Saturday, January 8th, 2022 AT 5:02 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Can you tell me the code that was sent? That will lead me in the right direction for failure.

The coolant sensor is a common issue for cold weather issues. I would try that as it is cheap and easy to replace.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-coolant-temperature-sensor-works

I attached the procedure below for you. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Roy

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Saturday, January 8th, 2022 AT 5:28 AM

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