For some people who are DIYers when it comes to vehicle maintenance and repairs, finding the problem and fixing it may be done at home. Others may feel more comfortable having their trusted mechanic do the work. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Does This Happen with Chevy Silverados?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
General Motors \u2013 as all smart companies do \u2013 takes advantage of bulk purchasing and that\u2019s a good thing with hopefully savings passed on the consumer. However, it can be a not-so-good thing when one part that is in millions of cars and trucks singles itself out as a problem part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the years 1997-2007, a throttle position sensor (TPS) was installed in cars and trucks with the 2.2 L and the 4.3 L V-6 Chevrolet engines. That includes the Chevy Silverado. This little TPS sensor is not always the issue when the reduced engine power mode happens, but if you are savvy enough to check your diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) and you see a \u201cp\u201d or P0122, it indicates an issue with the TPS sensor and possibly bad connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Throttle body issues, a faulty pedal or throttle position sensor, circuit issues, and problems with the data network, engine, or cooling system are all reasons this warning message may appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Importance of Addressing the Problem Promptly for Safe Driving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We talked about how the reduced engine power mode is one way for your Chevy truck to protect itself, but it isn\u2019t safe for you to drive your truck<\/a> in this mode either. Some issues that could happen include a seized engine and\/or an electrical fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throttle position sensor measures how much you push down on the gas pedal and relays that information to the throttle valve, which determines how much acceleration is needed. Once the valve knows, it allows more air to flow into the intake manifold for more acceleration. The TPS is mounted on the throttle body, which is where the valve is located. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The throttle position data tells the power train control module (PCM) when your transmission needs to shift. When the data is outside of a certain range, the PCM activates the check engine light. If you know how to check your engine light codes and you see P0122, you can pretty safely bet your problem is the TPS sensor circuit low. Another code for this area is P0124, which means the Chevrolet throttle position sensor intermittent operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just a cautionary note: If you see that code and you know how to do it, you can replace your TPS and that may fix your problem. However, since there are many things that can cause your check engine light to come on or your Silverado to suddenly operate in reduced power mode, don\u2019t always assume the TPS is the only issue you need to address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t want to see your Chevy totaled because of ownership error in not getting required maintenance and regular service<\/a>, you\u2019ll pay attention to those manufacturer recommended service and maintenance intervals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides the reasons we mentioned above, other things that can cause your truck to go into limp mode include low engine oil, loose cables, clogged catalytic converter or clogged air filter and others. Getting your truck serviced regularly and taking advantage of regular preventive maintenance may help catch these things before they become a problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chevy recommends servicing your vehicle every 7,500 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Your owner\u2019s manual can tell you exactly what needs to be done and when. Some of the things your dealership service department, or your favorite mechanic, will check include basic car maintenance, checking or replacing parts like spark plugs, wires, fluids, and serpentine belts and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the really valuable reason you should do this is to catch any issues before they become a problem. With good luck and attention, you\u2019ll have a great truck for many years. Keep in mind also: If your manufacturer has a recall, they may ask you to prove you have performed the required maintenance before repairing your vehicle. So, keep those records and receipts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because filter clogging from a dirty fuel mixture is a reason you may experience an engine power slowdown, purchase your gas from a reputable place and use the type and octane level your manufacturer recommends. Again, you can find this information in your owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n\n\n We\u2019ve talked about the TPS, what is does and why it can be the most common reason your Chevy truck suddenly goes limp. But there are numerous other reasons we need to look at for a comprehensive picture of the dreaded dashboard light indicators signaling something is wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reduced engine power light and\/or check engine light means the engine is not getting enough power or torque to move the truck\u2019s weight optimally (failing torque converter). It\u2019s not always a faulty throttle body or sensors. Another cause includes low battery voltage, which can trigger the engine light that signifies reduced power mode, and this following list:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes caused by poor maintenance or dirty gas, your fuel filters can become clogged. When that happens, gasoline is not getting to the engine as it should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As with the above, if your fuel pump stops working correctly, your motor will receive less fuel and will let you know with the check engine light, as well as possibly going into reduced power mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your fuel pressure regulator is a vital component since it controls the flowing pressure of the fuel. Engine performance issues are one of the first signs there\u2019s something wrong with this component, although other signs include fuel leaks and smells, black smoke and a noisy fuel pump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A problem here can cause a power malfunction, as well as other symptoms common to the ones we\u2019ve described. However, you may hear your engine backfiring in addition to a loss in power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A clogged air filter is typically the result of poor maintenance. If you drive in an area where it\u2019s dusty, your air filter may need changing more often than regularly recommended service. Anytime the engine feels like it\u2019s not getting enough air, it will let you know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The MAF sensor measures air flow into the engine. This is a component that works within the system to help deliver the appropriate amount of fuel to the motor. As with any problem that impacts the smooth operation of the correct amount of gas into the engine, this can also cause your dashboard to light up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your catalytic converter is an important pollution control device. It works by reducing toxic particles that occur during the internal combustion engine operation into less harmful matter released into the air through the exhaust pipe. A blocked catalytic converter happens when your engine seals and valves are not working correctly and oil gets into the exhaust system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms we\u2019ve covered – poor acceleration and check engine light may present in this situation. You may also experience trouble starting the vehicle, a misfiring engine and the smell of rotten eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your EGR functions as a pollution controller, as well as an engine efficiency booster and contributes to better gas mileage. It works by recirculating exhaust gases to the intake system. If you drive a diesel, this component can help reduce the engine knock common to those types of vehicles. Symptoms of failure include the ones we\u2019ve discussed, as well as an increased knock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on what\u2019s causing your issue, it could cost anywhere between $100 and $500. The problems described above are typically not expensive and even if you aren\u2019t a DIYer, you shouldn\u2019t have to pay too much for parts and labor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exception is repairs or replacement of the catalytic converter. That\u2019s going to set you back around $2,000. You can help yours have a long life by taking advantage of routine maintenance, always using the correct fuel and oil for your truck and taking care not to use the wrong additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along with taking care of your truck by following recommended maintenance, you can also protect your pickup with insurance from Freeway. We\u2019ve got affordable options for all budgets. Reach out online for a free and fast quote for truck insurance<\/a>, give us a call at (800) 777-5620<\/a> or head over to one of our convenient locations<\/a>. We are happy to help!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Most cars have the ability to go into what some know as limp mode and some call reduced engine power mode. It\u2019s all the same thing \u2013 it means your vehicle\u2019s computer has determined something is wrong enough in the system that it needs to take drastic action to make you sit up and take […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1002630,"featured_media":9074,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[78,5,77],"tags":[],"importance":[],"type-content":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9072"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1002630"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9072"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9072\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10718,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9072\/revisions\/10718"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9074"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9072"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9072"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9072"},{"taxonomy":"importance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/importance?post=9072"},{"taxonomy":"type-content","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-content?post=9072"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}How the TPS Works \u2013 and Symptoms of a Malfunctioning TPS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Taking Preventive Measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Regular Maintenance and Servicing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Using Quality Fuel and Following Recommended Fuel Grades<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hands](\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/07\/Freeway-Directive-chevy-power2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nCommon Causes and Fixes for Chevy Silverado Engine Power Warning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clogged Fuel Filters and Injectors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Malfunctioning Fuel Pump<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Faulty Fuel Pressure Regulator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Faulty Ignition Coil or Spark Plugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Clogged Air Filter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Blocked Catalytic Converter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve Malfunction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Chevy Silverado with Reduced Engine Power?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Protect Your Chevy Silverado with Freeway Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n