Chevy Equinox is one of the most popular compact SUVs and an excellent vehicle to drive until it displays an engine power reduced message. Engine power reduced Chevy Equinox indicates a serious problem with throttle system that activates limp mode.
This error message can also come on due to a leak heater core, faulty O2 sensor, damaged ECU, or frozen PVC system. Reduced engine power mode doesn’t allow it to drive too long and makes it risky to drive with.
Article Summary
What Does Engine Power Reduced Chevy Equinox Mean?
Engine power reduced Chevy Equinox means the engine is running in a performance-limited mode. This warning message mostly comes on when electronic control unit (ECU) detects a serious problem with a part of throttle system like throttle, oxygen, or airflow sensor.
When this error message turns on, computer limits the car’s speed to around 40mph. Engine and transmission also start operating differently. So you can experience excessive car jerking and horrible gas mileage. In some cases, car engine can turn off suddenly. Plenty of reasons can trigger this issue. So it requires an OBDII scanner to determine the exact reason.
How To Fix Engine Power Reduced Warning Message on Chevy Equinox?
Below are some most common reasons that can trigger an engine power reduced message on Chevy Equinox along with solutions:
1. Clean Dirty Sticking Throttle
Throttle body is a part of air intake system that controls amount of air that goes into engine. If throttle body gets dirty, the ECU won’t get proper voltage and won’t be able to decide how much it should accelerate Equinox from the gas pedal input.
Hence it can turn on reduced engine power mode. In this case, cleaning the throttle body should solve the problem.
To do this, remove the inlet hose from throttle body and check black dirty build-up around throttle. Clean dirt using a rag and throttle body cleaner. If there is hardened dirt, use a nylon bristle bore brush. Don’t spray cleaner into throttle opening as it can damage catalyst or hydrolock the engine instead of removing dirt.
After servicing throttle body, turn on engine and let it clear dirt inside of intake. Then turn off the engine and wait for around 20 seconds. After that turn ignition key to run position for 20 seconds and back off for 20 seconds. Wait for another 20 seconds and start the engine. This process will let PCM relearn about minimum throttle.
2. Replace Leak Heater Core
If you neglect cooling performance for a long time, it can cause heater core failure and turn on engine power reduced error message. To fix this issue, you have to replace or bypass heater core after disassembling HVAC housing to remove error message from dashboard.
3. Change O2 Sensors
Oxygen sensor of Equinox measures oxygen amount in the exhaust system. It ensures a proper mixture of air and fuel. It also measures the amount of lean exhaust gases that leave combustion chamber. Fix O2 sensor immediately if it’s bad or dirty, because too much or too little air can enter into the engine.
Hence your Chevy Equinox can turn on engine power reduced message. If so, you’ll have an oxygen sensor-related code like P0160 after scanning the vehicle using a code scanner. Oxygen sensor contains delicate materials and technology, making them impossible to repair. So you have to replace faulty oxygen sensor to fix issue and remove error message from dash.
4. Repair Throttle Position Sensor
The throttle position sensor (TPS) is a vital part of equinox. It measures how open the throttle valve is and controls how much air can flow into intake manifold. If TPS fails due to electrical issues, wear and tear, or dirt build-up, it can provide inaccurate readings to ECU.
So, ECU won’t be able to tell how much gas it gets and can activate engine power reduced message on dashboard. Faulty TPS can also cause poor acceleration, stalling, rough idling, or activated check engine light. Depending on the condition of TPS, you can reprogram, reset, or repair it to fix the issue.
5. Update or Repair ECU
Engine control unit (ECU) takes data from various sensors and combines it to control engine. A faulty or outdated ECU can cause engine power reduced message on Chevy Equinox’s dash. ECU can go bad due to getting incorrect data from faulty sensors.
Overheating, electrical surges, or software malfunction can also damage ECU. If so, you can try updating ECU software to fix the issue. If it doesn’t work, contact an auto repair shop that has high skills and equipment.
6. Replace Frozen PVC
PVC system keeps exhaust clean and prevents seals and gaskets from blowing up. It also removes crankcase gases produced during the combustion process and protects engine from getting damaged.
PVC system can freeze in cold weather and cause pressure build-up in car exhaust that explodes rear main engine seal. It can drain entire oil and cause engine failure.
Hence computer can trigger an engine power reduced error message and stop the vehicle to protect engine. A damaged PVC system can also cause rough idle and engine misfire. Your car can shake extremely badly while driving with bad PVC.
If so, you can try cleaning PVC valve to see if it disappear the error message. Otherwise, you need to replace the PVC valve, rear main seal, and timing chain to solve the issue.
Temporary Fix for Engine Power is Reduced issue On Chevy Equinox
Yes, you can disconnect battery to temporarily fix the issue. Disconnecting battery will automatically delete some codes, and reset everything. This will let you start the vehicle to drive on the highway to reach homes or the nearest repair shop. To do so, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and wait for around 30 minutes.
Then reattach the battery and start your vehicle. It’s a good alternative particularly when you don’t have a scan tool and need to start the vehicle.
How To Diagnose Engine Power Reduced problem on Chevy Equinox?
Follow these steps to troubleshoot engine power reduced issue and determine underlying root of issue:
Check Oil Pressure
Pull over the car to check pressure and temperature gauges. Minimum oil pressure should be 10 psi per 1000 rpm for regular oil and 5 psi per 1000 rpm for synthetic oil. It’s also normal if you have 30 to 60 psi for over 2000 rpm.
Clean Components
Then clean catalytic converter, spark plug, O2 sensors, and throttle body using sensor cleaner.
Use OBDII Scanner
Reduced engine power lights should leave some error codes on the car’s system. If you have an OBDII scanner, use it to get error codes so you can repair the faulty part. Some of the most potential codes you may have are DTC P1516 for damaged accelerator pedal position sensor or TAC module. DTC P2135 indicates a problem with TPS while DTC P0856 indicates a faulty traction control system.
Can You Drive With An Engine Power Reduced Problem?
Yes, but you won’t have a comfortable driving experience. Since engine power reduced message activates limp mode, you won’t be able to drive over 40 mph which is dangerous on highway. It can also disable infotainment (radio) system of the car. Engine and transmission operate differently due to this error message. So you can experience car jerking during braking and unstable acceleration with this error message.
It can cause accelerator to respond slowly, making it risky to drive on a busy road. Limp mode may provide you with enough power and time to reach home if it’s nearby. But your best bet should be taking the car to the dealer. Otherwise, car can stop in middle of a highway and you may need to tow it to the auto repair shop.
FAQs
How Much Does it Cost To Diagnose A Reduced Power issue?
On average, diagnosing Chevrolet Equinox for engine power reduced issues can cost around $180 to $200 including labor. Exact diagnosing costs vary depending on the repair shop and your location.
How To Get Chevy Out of Reduced Power Mode?
Turn off the engine, wait for around 10 seconds, and restart the engine to get your Chevy out of reduced power mode. You can also reset the system by disconnecting the battery. If the message still exists, your vehicle needs physical inspection and proper diagnoses to find out and fix underlying problem.
Can Oil Cause Reduced Engine Power On Chevy Equinox?
If you use old oil or oil level drop down below recommenced, it can cause increased friction and reduce engine performance. Hence car can activate engine power reduced message. Overdue oil changing also impacts acceleration. So, change oil regularly to maintain optimum engine performance and improved acceleration.
Final Words
Engine power reduced Chevy Equinox is a serious problem and requires immediate attention. If you notice engine power reduced message on the Chevy Equinox dashboard, call an expert mechanic or take the car to the nearest repair shop.
Drive the car slowly and carefully. If engine stops, try restarting or resetting the system and disconnecting battery. This may help you reach repair shop avoiding towing charge.
