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Anonymous Posted on Aug 04, 2014

Gm code p2120

Ses light on and reduced engine power displayed on driver info center

1 Answer

George Obray

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  • Posted on Aug 05, 2014
George Obray
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Code p2120 is accelerator pedal position sensor APP sensor 1 circuit apparently this is known as the reduced engine power syndrome and is quite common on the avalanche. There is no mechanical linkage from gas pedal to throttle body and it is quite common for the throttle position sensor located on throttle body to mess up and throw this code and also for one of the wires to the throttle position sensor to get hot become brittle and sometimes break. I would start there

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on May 25, 2009

SOURCE: engine power has been reduced

I had the same problem. Took it to a Chevy dealer to be checked out. It turned out to be a wire that was loose that was connected to the throttle position sensor. They had just had three other 06 Impala's come in for the same problem.

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Anonymous

  • 63 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 06, 2010

SOURCE: 2005 chevy cobalt, car wont start ... check

disconecting the battery should reset the pcm. but you will need to find out what caused the problems.

Joseph Prosser

  • 780 Answers
  • Posted on May 28, 2010

SOURCE: reduced engine power on

The traction control uses the speed sensor in the transmission and the wheel speed sensors to determine wheel spin. If a wheel spins braking is applied to it so that the power can be transferred to the other wheels. At some point the ECU detected a gross disagreement between the sensors and so as a precaution has entered into a limp home mode. On some systems if the fault is in error it can be cleared by putting the car into drive and moving forward a meter, putting in reverse and going a back a meter and doing this three times. If one or other of the sensors are faulty this process will not allow the error to be cleared. You need to check or have checked the error codes and the speed sensors.

emissionwiz

Marvin

  • 85242 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 17, 2011

SOURCE: 2009 Chevy Malibu - Random

Hello
Anytime this happens the computer that controls the systems of the car sets a fault code in memory, what are the codes you are getting? without that information it is impossible to even guess the problem. Another issue is this, did the dealer confirm the problem? Another point is that if you attempt any repairs you will void the warranty, and trust me they will do it. What would this 35 year dealer tech advise? Contact the dealer and request a GM factory service engineer get involved in the repair, then you WILL get the problem resolved. You can also call GM, the number is in the owners manual.

Anonymous

  • 6468 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 09, 2012

SOURCE: Check engine light is on, reduced power displayed on dash, code P2122 and code P2127 comes up

its a problem with the pedal and throttle position corilation

Testimonial: "Thanks, I replaced the throttle positioning sensor (had to buy a whole new gas pedal as the sensor is in the pedal. Pretty easy fix, two 10 mm bolts and used a small screw driver to release the wiring harness. Replaced in about 10 mins. "

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What is best diagnostic scanner for 2002 Envoy with ses and reduced engine power lights on?

We have discussed this yesterday--- I believe

You need professional help,not keep asking questions

Only a professional scan tool & checking factory info, to
(learn) about your vehicles Reduced Power issue, will get
to finding a problem

I told you to use the internet, to try & find & learn about it

I may have also told you to stop using it until resolved


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What type of diagnostic scanner is best for 2002 Envoy with SES and Reduced Engine Power lights on?

You need to road test with professional scan tool
& have a shop look up what causes reduced power
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I wouldn't use it,get is diagnosed

Don't need codes present to work on a problem

The answer is most likely already on the internet, if
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11helpful
1answer

I have a p2138 code and when engine light comes on it starts losing power and you to shut off engine and restart and it will go for awhile and it will happen again. next day no problem

There is a GM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on this issue, below is a summary;

#07-06-04-019A: Intermittent MIL/SES, DTC P2138 with Reduced Engine Power (Repair Instrument Panel (IP) to Body Harness Connector)

Models: 2005-2008 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (Including Saturn)
2005-2008 HUMMER H2
2006-2008 HUMMER H3
2005-2008 Saab 9-7X


Condition

Some customers may comment on an intermittent MIL/SES light Illuminated with a message center or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. DTC P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation may be set. The voltage difference between APP sensor 1 and APP sensor 2 exceeds a predetermined value for more than a brief period. Refer to DTC P2138 in SI for further diagnostics.

Cause

On some vehicles, the IP to body harness connector, which carries the APP signal to the ECM/PCM, is located in the left hand kick panel area or inside the IP. Water intrusion into these areas could cause an electrical short in the APP circuits setting a P2138 code.

Correction

Note: Make sure that no add-on/aftermarket equipment is electrically connected to the APP signals or to the other ECM/PCM five volt reference or return lines. These can generate false P2138 and/or other ETC System DTCs. If there are other engine DTCs besides P2138, such as MAP sensor faults (i.e. P0107, P0108), resolve these first before attempting to diagnose P2138 DTCs.

Important: Refer to DTC P2138 in SI to confirm that the ETC pedal is operating correctly.

Locate the IP to body harness connector, which may be located in and around the left hand kick panel area or inside the IP. Check to see if there is a water leak into the area and repair as necessary. Use a water hose to determine the source of a water leak and effectiveness of repair. Some examples of potential water leaks are: A-pillar seals, sunroof drain lines (if so equipped) and windshield/cowl sealing. Finally, repair or replace the IP to body harness connector, making sure no corrosion or debris is left on or between the terminals.
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Is there any recalls on the gas tanks of the 2006 cobalts cause my tank is leaking at the top

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1helpful
1answer

Why does my engine light come on occasionally with the reduced power sign

Condition:
Some customers may comment on an intermittent MIL/SES light Illuminated with a message center or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. DTC P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation may be set. The voltage difference between APP sensor 1 and APP sensor 2 exceeds a predetermined value for more than 2 seconds. Refer to DTC P2138 in SI for further diagnostics.

Cause:
On some vehicles, the IP to body harness connector, which carries the APP signal to the ECM/PCM, is located in the left hand kick panel area and if the kick panel is not sealed properly, water enters and causes a short in the APP circuits setting a P2138 code.

Correction:
Important: Do Not replace the accelerator pedal assembly.

Locate the IP to body harness connector, which may be located in and around the left hand kick panel area. Check to see if there is a water leak into the area and repair as necessary.
2helpful
1answer

Check engine lite is on, power lost lite is on. code p1276comes up. replaced throttle body, but no change. volts at vac fuse 14 both sides. will not accelerate over 1800 rpm's. 2004 trailblazer with 6cyl.

Your CODE P1276 refer to the Acelerator Pedal Position, Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance.

Probable cause: Wiring, APP or ECM


GM - P1271 Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 1-2 Correlation

I also found this... though its for Trailblazers... but may give you a clue:
Reduced Engine Power Message and/or Check Engine Light with any Combination of the following DTCs: P0107 P0112 P0122 P0452 P1120 P1220 P1221 P1271 P1275 P1280 P1481 P1515 P1540 P1633 P1635 P1639 P1682 #PIP3192 - (Oct 18, 2004)

Reduced Engine Power Message and/or Check Engine Light with any Combination of the Following DTCs: P0107 P0112 P0122 P0452 P1120 P1220 P1221 P1271 P1275 P1280 P1481 P1515 P1540 P1633 P1635 P1639 P1682 PCM Repeat.

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom described in the PI.

Condition/Concern:
Reduced engine power message and/or check engine light with any combination of the following DTCs: P0107 P0112 P0122 P0452 P1120 P1220 P1221 P1271 P1275 P1280 P1481 P1515 P1540 P1633 P1635 P1639 P1682

Recommendation/Instructions:
If the SI diagnostics did not isolate a concern, the following information may be helpful:
- Inspect the main engine wiring harness between the PCM and the generator assembly for a potential short to ground. There is a metal wiring harness retainer in this area that secures the main engine harness. If the harness conduit is mispositioned, some of the wiring may become exposed and chaff on the harness retainer. This may eventually cause the exposed circuit to short to ground.

- Inspect the 3 harnesses that connect to the PCM for potential shorts to ground on the metal PCM mounting bracket, just below the PCM. There are plastic harness retainers on the PCM bracket that secure the harnesses to the PCM bracket. If the harness conduit is mispositioned, some of the wiring may become exposed and chaff on the PCM bracket. This may eventually cause the exposed circuit to short to ground.

- If a chaffed circuit is found in either of the above locations, repair the circuit using the necessary SI procedures. Once the circuit is repaired, tape the area of the affected area of the harness to prevent the wires from becoming exposed in the future and secure the harness using the original harness retainer.

This applies to 04:
- 4.2L 5.3L LL8 LM4 Engine with DTC - P2120 or P2122 or P2123 or P2125 or P2127 or P2128 - kw low MIL pedal power reduced #PI01746 - (Feb 17, 2004)
- 4.2L 5.3L LL8 LM4 Engine with DTC - P2120 or P2122 or P2123 or P2125 or P2127 or P2128.

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

Condition/Concern:
MIL light on. Reduced Power message on DIC. Possibles DTCs P2120 and/or P2122, P2123, P2127, and P2128.

Recommendation/Instructions:
The APP harness is clipped to the accelerator pedal bracket. The harness may chaff on the upper portion of the accelerator pedal causing a short to ground. Verify the harness is not chaffing on the accelerator pedal. After repairing the short, reposition the harness to ensure no contact between the harness and the accelerator pedal.

Hope helpes.

17helpful
2answers

Reduced engine power signal throwing out codes p1125 and p2138. what do i do to fix the problem?

There is a GM service bulletin on this particular item. basically covers both codes your getting.
#07-06-04-019A: Intermittent MIL/SES, DTC P2138 with Reduced Engine Power (Repair Instrument Panel (IP) to Body Harness Connector)

Models: 2005-2008 GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks (Including Saturn)
3helpful
1answer

SES light then Reduced engine power light, loss of engine power

Hi It me Mohammad Siddiq my dear. First of all it will be wise of use to take your vehicle to a dealership or any other fully equipped w/shop. They can better tell you what the fault your vehicle has. But at the same time if your friend has the same model vehicle so you can exchange some parts with that vegicle, e.g., Mass Air Flow or TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) and can check your vehicle. These parts do not need to be programmed with scan tool. Just Simply replace these parts and switch on the ignition and wait for 01 minute, then switch off for 30 seconds and then start the engine. Now road test your vehicle, if no SES light or reduced power then there was fault with the part/s replaced. So Return those parts and now you must replace these parts with new or used ones. Anything else I may be contacted on my yahoo id [email protected]. Thanks. I am an auto technician and working in a GM dealership in Saudi Arabia. I am from Pakistan.
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