All,
Lately my 1997 coupe has been giving me the message on the DIC that reads/flashes:

REDUCED ENGINE POWER... SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM SOON...

Anyone know what this is? Or what can be done to prevent this? It's really a pain because it doesn't allow you to accelerate more than maybe 35 MPH, plus the check engine light turns on.

I've changed all the fluids (engine, tranny, differential, etc.) I am not aware of any fluids or any way to service the traction control sys.

Any help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks!

~5ltrEATER

 

Have you pulled the codes? There are several things that will cause this and the codes should provide some clues.

 

Yes, no codes...all were history (H)

And I did check them anyhow, alot of them were Accelerator Pedal Position, LDBCM, etc.

 

I would write them all down just in case, then clear them all. Then drive it till the message pops up again. Stop right away and pull the codes again.

 

Accelerator Pedal Position failures will cause reduced power message.

Traction Control System is part of the ABS system and doesn't require any fluids other than brake fluid in the Base Brake system.

Bill

 

Is there anything I can do to troubleshoot the APP Code? Or is it all in the PCM? I am just worried that one of these days I ain't just cruising the vette and actually need to be somewhere and it starts doing this...might as well be stranded!

Brake fluid is good (as i stated, all fluids are topped-off and fresh). Car runs excellent, but lately it started doing this frequently. Usually I just shut her off and sit for a minute or two, then crank her up again and we're back to normal...but I know this is far from normal and if it continues to worsen, I will definetly need to take some action.

I just cleared the codes...I'll see over the next day if it throws the same message again. I considered reseting the PCM (but couldn't find the instructions online). I know it mentioned something about put ignition to start position, then pull fuse # ???(something) and disconnect battery cable.

Does anyone know the proper procedure? Also I am skeptical to do this because I know when my tranny was rebuilt they had issues setting the shift points, etc (A4). Will resetting the PCM cause more problems for me than what I already have?

The car is driveable right now, I don't want to do anything more to hinder it's driveablility. Thanks for all the posts/suggestions thus far and for those forthcoming!

~5ltrEATER

 

I believe you can just disconnect the battery for a few minutes and things will reset on their own.

 

One more time, post your actual codes, history or not. You are asking for help and then not giving us the needed info. With the actual numerical code, someone can check their service manual and give you a good idea of whether or not this is an easy fix or not. The mere fact that it is continual, if intermittent, to me says you have a real problem that will require some repair work, either by you or a shop. If you have an actual sensor (accellerator position, etc) malfunctioning, resetting the PCM won't help at all.

 

Just a thought but are you on your original battery and if so are you sure it hasnt leaked?

 

lets see the codes

 

I'll post the codes later... I wrote them down before resetting.

And when I say frequently, it isn't every 5 min, but probably at least 3-times a week, which is more than plenty for me! Thanks.

 

i had the same problem in my car. You have to replace a sensor.Its very expensive and very rare for them go. I ended paying over a 1000.00 canadian for just the sensor.

 

Any idea which sensor?

Here is the novel of history codes which were on the DIC...

P1571 - ASR Desired Torque
P1125 - APP System
P1286 - APP Sensor 3 Circuit Performance
P1431 - Fuel Level Sensor 2 Circuit Performance
C1278 - TCS temp. inhibited by PCM
B0521 - Tachometer & Signal Circuit Malfunction
U1160 - Loss of Comm w/LDCM
B2252 - Key Cylinder Switch Fault
U1096 - Loss of Comm w/IPC
U1064 - Loss of Comm w/BCM
C2105 - RF TPM Sensor Malfunction

Again, thanks to all!

~5ltrEATER

 

ttt

Thanks!

 

I had the very same issues. I read a post that mentioned something about a bad ground connection. However, I ended up replacing the battery and getting a tune (after some mods) and now the problem is gone. Im not sure if the tune or the battery caused the problem to go away but its gone.................

 

Check the sticky thread in tech about electrical problems. It is very detailed. These cars are very sensitive to the ground points and there are a few that have tendancy to corrode.

PS: My Pace threw the same codes and then one day i got a dead battery symtom. It turned out to be the front frame rail grounding point. SAVE YOURSELF TIME AND MONEY and clean them all before you get stranded. Use some dielectric grease to help preserve the connections.

Goood luck

 

Thanks! I know it isn't the battery as I replaced it maybe 3 mos. ago...

I'll have to look into where the ground points are and check them out - don't get me wrong, most the time the car runs fine.

As a matter of fact, I haven't gotten the code/issue yet after resetting the codes. I was wondering though if resetting the PCM might help the issue? I think there's more to it than disconnecting the battery though...

~5ltrEATER