How to Fix Reduced Engine Power Chevy Silverado | 06 Methods

If you own a Chevy Silverado and have been experiencing reduced engine power, you know how frustrating it can be. This issue can cause your truck to lose acceleration power, struggle up hills, or even completely shut off in extreme cases. The good news is that this problem is temporary and can be resolved with a few simple steps. In this article, we will look in-depth at how to fix reduced engine power Chevy Silverado whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or have never lifted a wrench.

What Does Reduced Engine Power Mean on Silverado?

Reduced engine power means that your truck’s performance has been limited by its onboard computer system to prevent further damage or accidents. The system does this as part of its failsafe mechanism, which triggers when it detects a fault in the engine control module (ECM). As a result, your vehicle will not be able to accelerate beyond a specific speed limit, usually around 20 mph. And even if you try pressing down on the gas pedal more complicated than usual, it won’t respond accordingly, leading to frustrating driving experiences.

When the speed limit warning sign pops up on the instrument panel, you may face the following problems:

• Limited throttle response
• Changes in transmission shift patterns
• The speed limit is reduced to 30 to 40 MPH
• The throttle entirely stops working
• The fuel pump malfunctions, and the engine shuts down.

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What Causes Reduced Engine Power Chevy Silverado?

Some drivers have reported experiencing reduced engine power in their Silverados, which can be frustrating and sometimes dangerous. There are several potential causes of this issue.

Here are the most common factors that trigger the Silverado’s reduced engine power warning.

• Faulty Throttle Body
• Faulty MAF Sensor
• Faulty Cooling System
• Malfunctioning PCM
• The defective pedal position sensor
• Engine internal issues
• Damaged wires
• Restricted fuel line

Some rare/uncommon factors trigger the Silverado’s reduced engine power warning.

• Contaminated air filter
• Vacuum leaks in hoses
• Battery issues
• Low transmission fluid etc.

How to Fix Reduced Engine Power Chevy Silverado?

06 most common factors trigger reduced engine power mode in Chevy Silverado, including faulty throttle body, MAF sensor, radiator issue, damaged wires, and flawed PCM system.

Repairing the Faulty Throttle Body

To fix the reduced engine power in your Chevy Silverado, start by inspecting the throttle body for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, you may need to replace it altogether. 

Follow these 06 steps to fix the throttle body of your pickup truck.

1. Turn off your vehicle.
2. Open your truck’s hood and find the throttle body.
3. Pull out the air duct connective.
4. Clean the throttle body by driving high-pressure airflow over the throttle body or using an appropriate throttle body cleaner.
5. Now reassemble all parts and restart the truck after a few minutes.
6. If the reduced engine power mode still exists, the throttle body is damaged enough, and it is time to replace it.

By Replacing the Faulty MAF Sensor

The most common culprit for this issue is a faulty Mass AirFlow (MAF) sensor which measures the air coming into the engine and determines how much fuel should be injected into it. 

To resolve the problem, follow these 05 steps:

1. Locate the MAF sensor between the air filter and the intake manifold.
2. Using a screwdriver, remove the connector and pull out the MAF sensor.
3. Clean the mass airflow sensor by using a cleaning spray.
4. Wait for 30 to 35 minutes and then reconnect the sensor.
5. Your problem should be resolved.

The estimated replacement cost of the Silverado MAF sensor is $230 to $330.

Repairing the Faulty Radiator/Cooling System

The radiator plays a crucial role in keeping your engine cool by circulating coolant to absorb excess heat. The cooling system also maintains optimal temperatures for other components that may overheat if left unchecked. 

These are the 02 steps you should take if your cooling system isn’t working correctly.

1. Check coolant levels.
2. Ensure that the radiator is appropriately clean.

If your vehicle’s radiator is over 8 years old, it is advisable to replace it.

Repairing a Chevy Silverado 1500 radiator will cost you between $50 and $100, but replacing the whole cooling system will cost you around $1,250 to $1500.

By Fixing the Incorrect Wirings and Damaged Battery

When wiring connections are not correctly made, they create resistance, reducing the voltage to the engine control module (ECM). This can cause the ECM to interpret the reduced voltage as a malfunction signal, triggering the reduced engine power mode. 

Replace the faulty cable as soon as you find it damaged.

You can do it yourself if you know about the Silverado engine and its components. Otherwise, you should hire a mechanic for this job.

By Repairing the Throttle Position Sensor

This diminutive component monitors the position of your accelerator pedal and sends signals to your car’s computer about how much fuel and air should be delivered to the engine. When it malfunctions, it can send false alerts that limit engine performance or cause the engine to shut off altogether.

You can fix it by rebooting the throttle position sensor (disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery wire).

After doing this, if the warning light still illuminates, you should replace the pedal/throttle position sensor. Replacing the throttle position sensor costs between $150 and $200.

By Repairing the PCM System

The PCM controls various aspects of your vehicle’s performance, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and transmission shifting. A malfunctioning PCM can cause reduced engine power in your Silverado.

Using an OBD-II scanner, the mechanic will diagnose and repair the PCM. Also, you need to check the oxygen sensor, fuel pump, timing belt, transmission speed sensor, EGR valve, fuel filter, etc. Because all the parts mentioned above are related to the reduced engine power warning light problem.

I have a simple solution for you if you need clarification about how to check so many parts. Use an OBD-II scanner to determine the part responsible for the reduced engine power warning light.

How to Use OBD-II Scanner to Diagnose Silverado Reduced Engine Power Reset Issue?

You will need to locate the OBD-II port on your vehicle. This is typically located under the dashboard on the car’s driver’s side. Plug in your scanner and turn on your ignition, but do not start your engine. The scanner should display any error codes that are present in your system.

In reduced engine power mode, an OBD-II scanner usually generates these codes:

• P0120-P0124: Malfunction in the throttle position sensor or circuit.
• P1125: There’s a problem with the throttle position sensor switch E.
• P1116: Indicates engine coolant sensor voltage problems.
• P1516: There’s a performance issue with the Throttle Actuator Control or TAC Module.
• P1518: There’s a low battery voltage.
• P2135: The PCM detects a mismatch between the accelerator pedal position and the throttle body position sensor.
• P2111: There’s a problem with the throttle actuator control system that is stuck open.

Once you determine the faulty code, you can try to resolve it yourself or go to a repair shop.

Can I Drive with Reduced Engine Power in My Silverado?

While you can drive for a short distance after receiving this warning, it is not advisable to continue operating continuously with reduced engine power. Doing so could significantly damage your truck’s engine components, resulting in costly repairs down the line. Limited driving ability can cause safety hazards on the road if your vehicle suddenly loses power or stalls without warning.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Reduced Engine Power?

The cost of fixing a reduced engine power will largely depend on the severity of the issue and the type of repair necessary. In some cases, simply cleaning the throttle body may be enough to solve the problem, which can cost as little as $100-$150. If replacement parts are needed, or more extensive repairs are required, costs can range from $500-$1,500 or more.

Conclusion

Reduced engine power in your Chevy Silverado can be frustrating and dangerous. Following the steps outlined in this article, how to fix reduced engine power Chevy Silverado? You can quickly identify and fix the problem causing this issue. It’s essential to regularly maintain and service your vehicle to keep it running smoothly. If you continue to experience reduced engine power after attempting these fixes, you must take your truck to a certified mechanic for further diagnosis.

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