Reduced engine power

Tiny
GABE34
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 145,000 MILES
I have pulled codes with my code scanner, it was reading my throttle position sensor. I replaced the throttle body. I have tested my MAP sensor it tested good. I have cleared the codes, but as I pull out the check engine light comes back on and reduced engine power shows back up. Could you point me in any other direction to troubleshoot? Could it be in my ECM? Thanks
Monday, September 30th, 2013 AT 6:41 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
This happens when the throttle pedal sensor goes out causing the throttle body to lose correlation which puts the car in limp mode. You will not always have a code for this problem because the failure is too intermittent. Below is the location of the sensor.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers
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Monday, September 30th, 2013 AT 6:48 AM
Tiny
GABE34
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the tip. When I pulled the sensor I found moisture in the connector so I got a used pedal and sensor installed it the problem is fixed! Thanks I love this site.
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Monday, September 30th, 2013 AT 7:02 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Nice work, we are here to help. Please use 2CarPros anytime.

Cheers
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Monday, September 30th, 2013 AT 7:08 AM
Tiny
TREVORCOX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2006 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 160,000 MILES
Recently I was driving on the highway and after about thirty minutes, the coolant temperature light came on, and then five minutes after I noticed reduced power and the car would not accelerate. I pulled over to the side and turned the car off and it would not start again. It cranks but just whines and nothing.
I was late for an oil change and just going into the city to get one. The car was also low on coolant and oil I noticed when I pulled over, I tried re filling and nothing, and when I opened the hood there was quite a bit of smoke and could smell a burning smell. I am thinking possible head gasket? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Friday, July 20th, 2018 AT 1:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HOMER1967
  • MECHANIC
  • 875 POSTS
Yes, it does sound like you may have blown a head gasket. I would suggest that you have someone do a leak down test on the vehicle to confirm or deny the head gasket issue. Do no keep cranking it, you could do more damage.
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Friday, July 20th, 2018 AT 1:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TREVORCOX
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Great thanks. I will get that done tomorrow. I am going to try and get it done myself with a mechanic friend to hopefully save money. I wanted to make sure it is a head gasket before I buy the parts.
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Friday, July 20th, 2018 AT 1:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EFIZER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
After we changed the oil and oil filter the car engine light came on and the display said engine power reduced. Do you know why this might be happening?
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Friday, July 20th, 2018 AT 1:49 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Get your code's read at a auto part's store like AutoZone and let me know what the code number's are we have to start there.

Or if you would like to conduct the scan yourself here is a link to an article from this site that features written step by step instructions and pictures explaining how to do the scan yourself. Also, I have included a link to our YouTube channel with a how to video on code scanning.

This is applicable even if your check engine light is not on.

Most scanners are inexpensive to purchase, you can purchase one online from sites like Amazon.com

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

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Once you have the codes please get back to us with the code number(s) so that we can further assist you. We are always happy to help.
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Friday, July 20th, 2018 AT 1:49 PM (Merged)

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