I could tell by his demeanor and his non rehearsed, natural flowing dictation that he has been around the block more than a couple times and is at home doing diagnostics. When ya got experience in an arena it shows. In this case he had several pretty good indications of the issue. But as for the reduced power mode, or message, I've had several impalas in my garage, many things will trigger this cars self preservation mode. The Throttle position sensor, the variable valve timing servo, the accelerator pedal position sensor, the oil pressure sensor, any of the engine wiring harness wires are a huge trouble area in these cars and often over looked (my Impala, 2006 has 168 circuits in that harness) These cars build a huge amount of heat in a very congested area and the insulation will get brittle wires get brittle, shorts and breaks are common and hard to run down. Often times even an intermittent problem, hit a bump the break in a wire separates, hit another bump now its fine kind of thing. Advise is be diligent, start with simple things, as you rule them out move up. Remember that often and more for the older cars those trouble codes are suggestions or suspects, (innocent until proven guilty) . A good digital volt ohm meter is a perfect partner for a scan tool. Check, test, and verify a sensor is bad as much as possible before replacing it. I've seen guys spend $1000 by reading a code, oh I'll buy that sensor, then get another code, well I need that one also and so on, only to bring it to me and learn a connection was corroded. Some of these sensors may have a range of 8 tenths of a volt between good or bad. Good luck to anyone with these issues, just go cautious, stay calm, be methodical, and research means everything.

I had this problem with my 2011 Chevy Impala for over 2 years. When it would happen and I had "service stabilitrak" and "Traction control" show up, my temperary solution was to disconnect the battery for about 5 minutes which would reset the computers. This worked for the short term but only short term. Eventually the problem came back. All the videos I viewed indicated frawed wiring and a mechanics help. This video was the only one which made sense so I took a chance and the sensor replacement solved my problem and was something I could do myself without help. I performed this solution 2 months ago and it has worked. I bought the part on ebay saving about half of what retail would have cost. I would highly recommend this sight for solving small vehicle issues. Always do your research before making mechanical repairs on your own

Came here for the relearn stayed for how well shot this vid is. You focused on the important points visually without bad angles or obstructions (usually poor vids I've seen had parts of the hand or angles that didn't show exactly what was taking place). Great learning vid and agains...shot so well.

I love the clear and concise descriptions and instructions. The camera and lighting positions really made a difference.

Thankyou so much!... I was driving my 06 Impala ss and the "service traction control" came on along with the "reduced engine power"... I got it home in limp mode after only being able to go 30mph with a very rough idle... got it in the driveway and starting looking... I noticed when I turned the key to the "on" position I could hear a very loud grinding noise... Turns out the gears inside my throttle body were stripped therefore causing the rough idle and grinding sound. Picked up a new duralast Throttle Body installed it myself in about 15 minutes started the car and acted like nothing even happened in the first place... Came here first to see that the problem mightve been and low an behold... Throttle Body it was... lmao

Awesome, I have a 2008 Impala with a 175k, got this code as a pending in the history. Erased the code, never came back, no issues as of yet.

Very, Very Helpful! My brother in law is a mechanic, but I tackled it myself, THANKS TO YOU!

You have no IDEA HOW MUCH THIS HELPED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

Thank you bro. I almost took my truck to the shop. You are a God sent to help us peasants. Lol. Awesome video.

It's the best video around here where a person can actually see the job and can say '' I can do that'' This video should help people with a Chevy Traverse, since they seem to have this problem. I own a Suburban , never had this problem But I love this video and will be a helping hand from me to someone someday :) t.y. nice job

Thanks so much for the video. It was only slightly different for my impala ss. Instead of cleaning the throttle body, I just ordered a new one as well as a new gasket. I put it in this morning. Plug and play and so easy thanks to your walk thru video. Saved SOOOOO much money. Thanks again!

Thank you sir. I was just driving to work and about 4 minutes down the road this happened to me , luckily I was able to make it to work, and when I got there i turned my car off for ten minutes and turned it back on it was running alright, so hopefully it lasts me till I can get a new part.

Great video man, I’m having trouble with a 2010 terrain and this video was very useful,so much that helped me cleaning a throttle body from a Chrysler Pacifica, it’s a different type tho, not electric. It was sticking and the cleaning solved the problem. Thanks for uploading

Thank You so much for doing this video, it has alleviated a huge headache 🙌🏾😁

Really fantastic, clear video and audio! Hopefully this will help to future viewers...... The TPS is simply a Variable Resister! To describe it closely is as follows. Consider windshield wipers as an example. As the wipers move back and forth, they will tend to wear down, will start to bind and squeak and leave streaks on the windshield. That is exactly what happens to the TPS contacts as the throttle is constantly opened and closed over time. It just simply wears down the resister on the circuit board and or wiper contact that moves with the throttle plate. As it wears down, it will give inconsistent/intermittent signals to the OBC/ECM. Kinda like drinking beer and smoking pot to some of you as it confuses the Brain/Computer to think one thing when something completely different is going on. Therefore, the body, or in this case, the engine will not respond as programmed! Just a little hint to you DIY mechanics and/or junkies! Cheers

Enjoyed watching this. This issue just happened to my tahoe. Gonna do this fix and see what happens. Thanks so much for the information.

RPO means "regular production order" and is asking if it is rpo uh8 . That info is on the production code sticker in your glove box or trunk.. Also has paint code info on it

you are great!!!!! i am a 77 y old female and i am going to tackle this on my 2012 chevy exp 2500. might have to get a couple of tools. thank you so much, so much

Excellent video for my 2010 Piontiac G6,

Thanks, great video. Had P2122 on my 2008 Impala and reduced engine power intermittently. Became a almost daily, so I replaced sensor. No luck, code came back same day. So I tried replacing accelerator pedal and voila, code gone! Knock on wood it lasts... Only been a week so far but it had been coding daily up until I switched the pedal... Hope this helps someone out there! GL

Great job, I have been having to deal with this issue with my 2011 Chevy Camaro SS. I took it to the Chevy dealer and the tech scanned it and told me that I needed my throttle body cleaned but he said that they would tell me to just buy a brand new one so that they could make a dollar off of me so he reset the error code for me. It happened again about three weeks later I let the car sit for a day and came back and started and it went away along with the check engine light. I have to get it done soon so thanks for the very informative video.

Clear and concise instruction. Idle patter helped a little bit, too. However, only good if it's the throttle body and not the accelerator pedal that's the problem. Would the scanned codes differentiate the possible problem sources?

Thank you for this video my 2010 Chevy Malibu lis doing that right now reduced power and esc off lights on my dashboard

Good video, im having that issue on my 2011 impala. Will try this before taking to the shop

Very helpful video. Got to go put it in practice now.

My 2015 Buick Verano just started doing this. It will come and go and hate when it does it on the freeway. Hope I can get it fixed.

You are awesome thanks so much for taking the time to make the video i haven't tried it yet but regardless of will this solve my issue, i do want to thank u for being concise and taking ur time to teach...thanks so much...

I juuust watched ur video I have that very problem right NOW on my Cadillac DTS... Thank U...!!! 👍👍

Great vid. HOW TO CLEAR REDUCED ENGINE POWER. Tps reset on lots of gm is key on but don't crank the engine in this order. Key on, key off, key on for 5 seconds, key off for 5 seconds, key on for 15 seconds, key off for 15 seconds, key on, key off, start the truck. This will clear reduced engine power and will probably get you to a shop.

this is a nice coaching watches and learn, thank you.

I love your channel man!!🔧🔧

Great and helpful video. If you put a towel under it when removing nuts the towel will catch the nuts you drop.

08:39 I think they mean the plastic sensor part, those cleaners eat through plastic - excellent video though, brilliant!

U saved me 600$ thank you 😊

thanks for sharing the info greatly appreciated

Amazing video thank you it really helped me !

Berryman B-12 CHEMTOOL Throttle Body Cleaner is the Bomb ! Great job , cables are better ...

Have the same for my chevTahoe 2017, gonna go to dealer this week, I’ll keep you updated

Very informative thanks...I've had this problem...I fixed the throttlebody...the problem came back intermittently, on my 2009 buick lucerne 2009 4.6l cxs, it drove me crazy, this problem can come from a bunch of different problems, including bad ecm, all the way to a bad short or ground, thank God my problem was from a low battery, make sure everyone has as full charged battery, because if the ecm/computer dont have the correct voltage at the time its started it will act the same way...your battery may seem hot as mine was, It even had enough juice to spin the engine with out hesitation, it will fool you, until I checked the voltage before starting and it was at 12.1 volts....if this happens , clear codes, reset the ecm/computer (Google process). Then replace or charge battery as needed (in that order) Before starting again. Hope's this helps anyone who's having similar problems.

Really helped me out thanks for the video

I had a 2008 Malibu a few months back; same problem but the "Reduced Engine Power" and sputtering came after 6-8 miles of driving and would go away if you just let it stand for 6 to 8 hours (overnight). I replaced the both of the Variable Timing Solenoids, and another variable timing sensor; Didn't fix the problem. Then after watching a million KZfaq fix it videos (because I am not a professional mechanic), I replaced new Battery Terminals, removed and ran without the Thermostat (even though there was no heating problem), and even tested with a direct connection to the Radiator Fan, so the fan will run constantly (again there was no heating problem but a KZfaq video suggested that it fixed the problem in their same model Malibu. It Increased the 6 to 8 miles to about 10 miles, but the never can get rid of the Sputtering and the Low Engine Power that will just happen. From all the videos I watched and the comments I have read, this problem can happen in the Malibus for so many reasons. There is NO one fix. Even the Chevy dealership acted like it was JUST MY CAR, when so many people were having the same problem and the fixes weer so different. The dealer wanted $200 plus to diagnose. Some people had issue reoccur after spending Thousands at the Dealership throwing new parts. Just do the research by reading the comments on KZfaq videos. Then there were some people who had fixed it by replacing the main fuse box. For some people, it was the traction control that was causing it. I would have let you have it for free if you lived close to Los Angeles. I just junked it and lost about $3500 and a lot of time and effort educating myself, working on it myself etc etc. OMG The aggravation is just not worth it. Just Don't buy a Chevy Malibu or an Impala. Even Hondas and Toyotas have this VVTI but not these kind of issues after 6-8 miles of normal driving. Then you have to drive home at 10 mph and it does not go away even if you start it in 2 hours -- needs to be left alone overnight. It is FUNNY. Chevy made these cars with a lot of sensors and from what I understand even Chevy does NOT know what's wrong when the issue happens because all kinds of problems can display the "Reduced Engine Power" warning and the associated sputtering, like it is running on 2 pistons. I am Just gonna start RUNNING if anyone even gives me one of these cars for free. I have never had a car like that 2008 Malibu.

Great job buddy............ thx much for teaching us!!!! 👍 👌 👋👋👋👋👋 I got the same prob. with my car. 🙄🤪

Great video - very helpful thanks!

Really good job, keep it up

I've learned, thanks.

Thanks for this video! My car has reduced power on me while driving while also showing service traction control & service stabilitrak. I'm a 38 year old woman who is learning to do things on my own with my vehicles!! This sure is one I'm going to tackle again on my own yay yayy 🎉🤘

Your very good sir!!! Thanks for video

Great video! You made this fix very easy to comprehend.😀🤙

What a great video. you saved my $ !

thank you I'm trying this !

You are awesome!! Thank you for this!!!!

You are my hero.

You did a great job

That happened to my car it had several problems so I had to replace several pieces at once total cost was like 220 or 270 maybe less but this problem in specific I just fixed it with 8 dollars just got a kit to clean the Throddle body got it in and immediately the car was running better other thing I changed was the thermostat coolant system and this was the most underrated and most simple fix that caused the most trouble just a dirty hose clean the end of your hoses people they get clogged and you get shitty airflow etc this where the problems / really rough idling / car rpm when yup and down all the time specially when stoped and sometimes the car would just stop working and I had trouble while cranking it it would take several tries and like 4 secs/ poor acceleration / ac off due to engine high temp this was just a cable / idk what else I changed other stuff too for example when I pumped gas the car had trouble starting or in general it had trouble the fix was a purge valve idk over all I fixed everything mi car was messed up from the previous owner it took me like 4 5 hours I’m no mechanic but I learned there is some maintenance you need to do if you want to save money and have lots of fun driving o I forgot to say the car I drive is a Chevy Cruze 2014 lt if you have any questions about the car I might be able to help you I had to replace a lot of stuff in this one

U A BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAD MONEY 4 GEICO WHEN I FINISHED

Amazing! Thank you.

TPS sensor also on another video a man diagnosed it and saw where 4 electrodes are fused together

rpo and uh8 refers to build options. you can find out in the glove box. has a list . you have to designate correctly or it can effect your diagnosis

My battery was near dead, used a halo jumper, got it going, got to the bottom of my street to find reduced engine power. I had to put the hazards on after pulling onto the main road just to limp off the main road. I let it run for 20 minutes, shut it down for over 30 seconds to reset. My first attempt didn't work, because I didn't wait. Most electronics in cars, I've found have a 30 second reset time.

I have a 2011 Chevy Cruze. Same problem with engine power reduced. Just got my throttle body ($158) later. Getting ready to go put it in with my brother. Will let you know how it went. WISH US LUCK!!

Mine came on while driving. I googled possible causes and one answer was to not use E85 gas. I currently had E85 in my car, about 1/3 tank. I filled up with regular unleaded and the issue stored within 2 days and my car is running fine now.

Good job thank you for sharing

Thanks good job

I gotta tell you, this didn't help me at all because one, I'm driving a 2015 GMC Acadia and two, I AM NOT a mechanic AT ALL. However, I watched this entire video even though it wasn't going to do me any good because I absolutely respect the hell out of car mechanics in general. Cars today are or at least look like, a nightmare to deal with under the hood and watching a guy who knows what the hell he is doing is a pleasure. MUCH respect sir. MUCH.

Thanks for the information

My job has several vehicles in its "fleet". One of them is doing this same issue. One of our guys says its the traction control module. I'm gonna do this fix first. All it will cost is my time and the cost of the kit. Less expensive then towing it to a shop and paying them to do the work. Let you know if it works.

This problem can be caused by a variety of things. For me it was the hi pressure fuel pump. Replaced that & it fixed all my problems. I've heard it can be a dirty throttle body. My point is that there is no one fix fits all solution. Good luck!

I have this issue, will try the sensor. I replaced my accelerator pedal thinking that was the issue and it did actually help something, it’s driving better, but I still get this code, the traction control code went off though! Ordered the part so hopefully this fixes it!

Appreciate the help easy job especially the steps you took can save me A couple extra 100 bucks

Nice video. Quite useful :)

Good Video Sir👍

Great job 👍

my pontiac just flashed reduced power engine and I think I can fix it by myself!!

RPO (regular production option) codes are on a sticker in the glove box or in the trunk where the spare tire goes

Good job

RPO UH8 is Regular Production Order package UH8 insturment cluster coolant temp, tach, trip odometer.

It worked on my Malibu 2008 thanks allots

Very excellent , However , you can clean it in position without removing it ( the throttle body ) . Also , you can use brake parts cleaner for cleaning the throttle body without any problems . I used brake parts cleaner so many times in the past .

RPO codes are factory info of the systems/parts on the vehical. They are either in the glove box or on top of the spare tire cover .

Hi. Thank you for the great video. I replaced the whole engine throttle body on my son's 2009 impala with an OEM Delco part. It went well, thanks to you! Unfortunately, he is still getting the same engine power reduced notice....any suggestions? Thank you again.

RPO is "Regular Production Option" -- or in other words, what you car was equipped with when it was built. UH8 is the cluster for coolant temp, tach, and trip odometer. So it's just asking if you have a tachometer and temp gauge in your car or not.

That was a very good video. Although I do not have that problem, it may become helpful because my son owns a Chevy Malibu. Would it be the same? Also, I did notice that traction control light but you did not mention anything about it since this video was not meant to fix that, however, my son's 2013 Malibu has that same light that will come on when he brakes. Any diagnosis/fixes for this problem?

Hi there thanks for your video, question the butterfly has to be closed all the way down or can have an small gap?

Wondering if you ran into this problem on a 09 escalade this stabilitrak thing is stressing me out and mechanics haven really given me an answer to the problem thanks

I love your Video

Rpo is a list of options on car usually in trunk also has paint code on it it was asking if it had that option

Cool video

Great video man.really appreciate your straight to the point format. should I unplug my negative unit on my battery before i pull my throttle body off ?

Check your air intake might have a crack same problem with the cruise found out there's a big crack the intake attaches down to by the engine

I have a chevy equinox 2010 with reduced power engine and traction control. when scanned, code P0089 and P228D is erasable. Is this method also useful. I bought new high pressure fuel pump, not still working. what do I do?

lol the svc tire monitor, mine has been on a long time. pontiac g6. I have traction control problems for a while now. Can't figure it out. Examined the throttle body sensor, ecm, tcm, map, wheel sensors, examined the hoses... going to test the ignition coils. it's coming to wires at this point .. no idea where.

Hey so do you disconnect the battery first or put the new tbs on then disconnect

Check wiring harness on front of engine.

I had this problem with my buick 2013 and the mechanic collected almost $3000 to fix it for me !

Man thanks. I replaced my pedal sensor. And 6 months later bam it's doing it again. I'm gonna buy a new throttle body

That sounds good! Sounds like my motorcycle. HAH!

Thanks for the help going see if this work

RPO code is in the glove box you need to look if you program a computer hope this helps

You just saved me!!!! 2013 buick verano.....

Yah i did this same thing w/o watching this vid. And the car was fine around the block and started up all over again..battery and all any advice??