Check the vehicle for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code's should be the first step in diagnosing this problem . But a tune - up not ! Reduced enging power is caused by a problem with the electronic throttle control . If you are not familiar with this ,your best bet would be to take to a qualified repair shop.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER: Refer to Powertrain Control Module Description in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L
Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) Overview
The throttle actuator control (TAC) system uses vehicle electronics and components to calculate and control the position of the throttle blade. This eliminates the need for a mechanical cable attachment from the accelerator pedal to the throttle body. This system also performs the cruise control functions as well.
The TAC system components include, but are not limited to the following:
• The accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors
• The throttle body
• The powertrain control module (PCM)
Each of these components interface together to ensure accurate calculations and control of the throttle position (TP)
Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor
The APP sensor is mounted on the accelerator pedal assembly. The APP is actually 2 individual APP sensors within 1 housing. There are 2 separate signal, low reference, and 5-volt reference circuits. APP sensor 1 voltage increases as the accelerator pedal is depressed. APP sensor 2 voltage decreases as the accelerator pedal is depressed.
One of these sensors could be sending conflicting data to the PCM - engine computer .
Reduced Engine Power Mode
When the PCM detects a problem with the throttle actuator control (TAC) system the PCM enters one of the following Reduced Engine Power Modes:
• Acceleration Limiting--The control module will continue to use the accelerator pedal for throttle control, however the vehicle acceleration is limited.
• Limited Throttle Mode--The control module will continue to use the accelerator pedal for throttle control, however the maximum throttle opening is limited.
• Throttle Default Mode--The control module will turn off the throttle actuator.
• Forced Idle Mode--The control module will perform the following actions:
- Limit engine speed to idle by positioning throttle position, or by controlling fuel and spark if throttle is turned off.
- Ignore accelerator pedal input.
• Engine Shutdown Mode--The control module will disable fuel and de-energize the throttle actuator.
Throttle Body Assembly
The throttle body for the throttle actuator control (TAC) system is similar to a conventional throttle body with several exceptions. One exception being the use of a motor to control the throttle position instead of a mechanical cable. Another exception is the throttle position (TP) sensor. The TP sensor is mounted in the throttle body assembly. The TP sensor is 2 individual TP sensors within the throttle body assembly. Two separate signal, low reference, and 5-volt reference circuits are used to connect the TP sensors and the powertrain control module (PCM). TP sensor 2 signal voltage increases as the throttle opens. TP sensor 1 signal voltage decreases as the throttle opens.
How long since a tune-up? Any applicable trouble codes? Some of the national brand auto stores will check codes for free, if there are any?
SOURCE: WHAT IS REDUCE ENGINE POWER AND WHAT MAKES THIS
The onboard computer, or Powertrain Control Module (PCM),is the brains of the engine control system, so when the brain is not functioning correctly neither is the engine or anything else that the microprocessor controls - which may include the charging system, transmission, various emission controls and communications with other onboard control modules. Once a diagnosis has been made (and we emphasize the word diagnosis), then and only then should the PCM be replaced. It could be something as simple as the throttle position sensor, O2Sensor, etc. But knowing for sure could save a lot of time and money. The resetting (relearning process can be problematic in ways like causing car alarm problems, etc.
You can try unhooking the battery for about 15 minutes and see if it will reset the module but it's not likely. It could be many, many things so you really should have it diagnosed
Onboard Diagnostic (OBD II) diagnostic trouble codes that typically indicate a fault with the powertrain control module include:
P0600....Serial Communication Link
P0601....Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error
P0602....Control Module Programming Error
P0603....Internal Control Module Keep Alive Memory (KAM) Error
P0604....Internal Control Module Random Access Memory (RAM) Error
P0605....Internal Control Module Read Only Memory (ROM) Error
P0606....ECM/PCM Processor
P0607....Control Module Performance
P0608....Control Module VSS Output 'A'
P0609....Control Module VSS Output 'B'
P0610....Control Module Vehicle Options Error
If you see any of these codes when diagnosing the vehicle with a code reader or scan tool, it may mean the PCM has failed and must be replaced. Additional diagnostic tests will usually be necessary to confirm the problem is really the powertrain control module and NOT something else.
All too often, technicians tend to blame that which they understand least. If an engine is not running right and the cause is not obvious, they may blame the computer. Throwing parts at a problem in an attempt to solve it may be good for the parts business, but when a customer brings a PCM back because it failed to fix their problem, nobody wins. Warranty returns on complicated and expensive components like powertrain control modules are an ongoing problem that costs everyone money.
UNNECESSARY POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE RETURNS. Over 50 percent of PCMs that are returned under warranty (either because the PCM failed to fix a performance problem or because the engine did not run properly after it was installed) have nothing wrong with them! So it is obvious a lot of people are swapping computers to see if a different PCM will fix their problem.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way of doing that in a parts store. Be warned, though, that many parts stores have a policy of "no returns or refunds on electronic components."
PCMs typically fail for one of two reasons: voltage overloads (often due to a short in a solenoid or actuator circuit) or environmental factors (corrosion, thermal stress or vibration). If the shorted solenoid or actuator is not found and repaired, the voltage overload it creates may damage the replacement PCM, too.
As for environmental factors, water is the main thing to avoid. If water gets inside a PCM, it can short circuits and set up irreversible corrosion that ruins electronic connections. Most remanufacturers will not even attempt to repair a PCM if the vehicle it came out of was submerged in a flood. Replacement is the only option. Thermal stress and vibration can form microcracks in circuit boards (which are repairable). This often has more to due with the ruggedness of the circuit design than operation factors in the vehicle itself.
ACCURATE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE IDENTIFICATION
Because there are so many different PCMs, accurate identification of the PCM and its correct replacement is absolutely essential to prevent unnecessary returns. Many PCMs appear to be exactly the same on the outside (same sized box and connectors) but may be wired or calibrated differently inside.
Accurately identifying the PCM requires not only the vehicle year, make, model and engine size, but also the OEM part number on the PCM itself. Most supplier catalogs list replacement PCMs both ways. So if in doubt, always refer to the OEM number on the PCM and look it up in the suppliers cross reference index to find their replacement part number.
The calibration chip and PROM contains the programming instructions for the vehicle application. That is why it usually does not come with the replacement PCM. There are too many different possibilities. On many newer vehicles, flash memory or "EEPROMs" (Electronically Erasable Program Read Only Memory) are used. If the replacement PROM is not properly programmed for the application, it must be reprogrammed after it has been installed.
Unfortunately, the ability to do this type of reprogramming is not readily available to the aftermarket. The car makers do not want aftermarket technicians messing around with the calibration of their onboard computers because they are afraid doing so may alter emissions or performance. But that is another issue. One such example is Chrysler transmission modules. They must be reset with the factory DRB scan tool and dealer codes to set the "pinion factor," which controls the operation of the speedometer.
REMAN POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES
Because a powertrain control module can be very expensive to replace, almost all aftermarket replacement PCMs are "remanufactured" units. A PCM is not rebuilt in the same way that an alternator or water pump is rebuilt because there are no mechanical parts that wear out. Remanufacturing in this case usually means testing the powertrain control module, isolating and repairing any faults that may be found, then retesting the powert5ain control module to make sure everything works correctly.
A remanufactured PCM is typically sold one of two ways: on an exchange basis from stock, or on a custom rebuild basis. If a particular PCM is not in stock or is unavailable, you may be able to send an old PCM to a remanufacturer for repair. Turn around time is typically a few days and the cost is about the same as an exchange unit except there is no core charge). The hard part is finding a remanufacturer who can test and repair your powertrain control module.
Some PCMs, though, may not be repairable. As we said earlier, most remanufacturers will not even touch a PCM if it came out of a flooded vehicle.
PCM REPLACEMENT TIPS
Replacing a PCM is essentially a matter of swapping boxes. Accessibility can be a problem on some vehicles because the PCM is often buried under or behind other components in the instrument panel, climate control system or console. Some are located under a seat and require removing the seat.
Regardless of the PCM's location, though, one thing you should do prior to removing the old PCM and installing the replacement PCM is disconnect the battery.
On some applications, there may be a specific relearn procedure for establishing the base idle speed and other operating parameters. On others, it may be necessary to take the vehicle for a short test drive so the computer can adjust itself. The exact requirements will be spelled out in the vehicle service manual. The best advice here is to test drive the vehicle after the powertrain control module has been installed. A short drive cycle that includes going over 35 mph will usually reset most PCMs so they will operate properly.
The powertrain control module will also continue to learn and make small adjustments to the fuel mixture and other functions over time as the vehicle accumulates miles. If the PCM also controls the transmission, it may take awhile to relearn the driver's habits so the transmission may not shift exactly the same as before until this occurs.
If the engine control system is not going into closed loop, chances are the coolant sensor or oxygen sensor may not be working properly. If spark timing seems to be over advanced or retarded, the problem may be a faulty MAP sensor, misadjusted throttle position sensor or overly sensitive knock sensor. And if nothing seems to work right, low charging voltage due to a weak alternator or poor battery connections may be the fault.
Remember, a powertrain control module needs all its sensor inputs, proper battery voltage, a good ground and the ability to send out control signals to function normally.
Good luck
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SOURCE: What does reduced engine power light mean
this model has what they call fly by wire.. no accelerator cable. If the computer detects a problem in the thottle system it will not allow the engine to accelerate and will show reduced power and possibly set a check engine light. The dealer usually wants to replace the throttle assembly which is very expensive and usually un nessesary.
I have had a lot of succes with just cleaning the throttle plates real good.
SOURCE: gmc 94 sonoma
try the fuel pump relay... had the same problem... 94 sonoma .. it's the one up under the dash... cost me 400.... i didnt know where the darn thing was!!! chaeck all the normal stuff first...
SOURCE: 2002 gmc envoy check engine and reduce engine
typical causes: dirty air filter, clogged up catalytic converter
SOURCE: license plate light out on
Has 2 screws for the cover, take them out and replace the bulb/s. Might check the seal that seals the entire license plate panel, it's black. Common problem is that this seal comes folded under from the factory and allows water into the bulb area.
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