And now it's Engine Power Reduced - Oh Joy!
 

My wife informs me that, on her way home today, the message Engine Power Reduced appeared in the DIC and she couldn't get the (2006 LT) HHR above 20mph.

As always, I've read the relevant excellent and informative threads on this board (thanks folks!) and I realise that the first think I need to do is put a scanner on it and see what codes it's throwing. Fortunately, the father in law has one and he's bringing it round tomorrow. Once I have more data, I hope to be able to narrow it down.

I do have one somewhat pressing question, though. As I mentioned in another thread, she's having power steering issues too. I was going to buy a replacement motor, but might it be a good idea to hold off until I see what's up with this new issue? Is it possible that there could be a single fault causing both issues?

Is it possible? Yes. Likely? No.

Well, I got the scanner. The only code that it's throwing is "P2128 Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch E Circuit High Input".

Assuming that's the same as "P2128: Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage", I found Pic4125b and Pip4549A.

Armed with that info (thanks ChevyMgr!) I went and inspected the wiring harness. I couldn't see any obvious damage - the looms all seemed to be safely enclosed in flexible conduit which was intact and not punctured.

So, I cleared the code and took it around the block. The power steering quit after a hundred yards or so, as expected, but the Engine Power Reduced thing didn't reoccur and the MIL stayed off.

So, I'm not really sure what to do, now. I have half a mind to just leave it alone and wait to see if it reoccurs, unless you folks tell me that that's a really bad idea...

I wouldn't do that. I tried that and ended up having the code pop in the middle of I-75 coming into Chattanooga TN.. I nearly got a** packed by half a dozen vehicles because I couldn't merge because of the CEL.. I would take it to the dealership and have them fix it..

That's scary - glad you're OK!

Two general questions:

1 - what would be the benefits of taking it to a dealer, rather than an independent?
2 - what sort of costs am I looking at?

With the APP Sensor, it is something that is not easily gotten from an independent. Put it to you this way, my dealership had to send out for one because they didn't have any, and it took a week.

Mine was under warranty thankfully, but, I imagine if you contact Michelle (ChevroletCustomerService) on here, she can probably help you set up a set price.. That's what happened with my Ambient Temp Sensor, and Door Locks repair price.. for all 3 it was $100..

MeijerLPO, thank you for the shout out, but I am not able to assist with pricing. This type of thing is at the dealership level which I am not a part of.

I hope you have a great holiday weekend.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service

Michelle

Please look at here..
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...349#post666349

I am a former GM at a 10 dealer chain here. This type customer "service" is death to business. I was GM..Saturn..Honda..Toyota..Acura..Mercedes..Jaguar ..Porsche..others.

I am nice now though..out of the car biz..LOL (joking !)

Watson Chevrolet ..Inept or worse..