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Need Code Help!!! Reduced Engine Power!!!

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Old Jun 28, 2009 | 11:08 PM
  #1  
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From: Waveland MS
Default Need Code Help!!! Reduced Engine Power!!!

Okay, so my 2002 Z06 is having a Reduced Engine Power/ Service Traction Control System problem... It is throwing these codes which I would appreciate very much so if some translated.

10-PCM P1120 H C
P1220 H C
P1516 H C
28-TCS C1278 H


So here is the situation... If I go WOT with Traction Control off it will throw the REDUCED ENGINE POWER and Service traction Control immediately after I geto out of it, but if I leave Traction Control on it has not done it yet. I have not gone through multiple gears in either senario... only like a 3rd or 2nd gear pull. My car is a 402 Iron Block with a stage 4 tranny and a stock diff because I just blew up the stage 4 dte DTE SUCKS btw... but again I really need help with this problem. After it throws the codes I can turn the car off turn the key on Reset all of the codes and it will act completely fine until I go WOT again. Thanks for any help
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Old Jun 28, 2009 | 11:42 PM
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Off hand I would say you have a throttle position sensor problem.

The below link will help translate the codes:
http://www.gearchatter.com/viewforum43.php
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Old Jun 28, 2009 | 11:50 PM
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From: Waveland MS
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Thanks for the Reply Sam I wrote all of them down. It says I have

p1120 TP Sensor 1 Circuit
p1220 TP Sensor 2 Circuit
p1516 Command vs Actual Throttle Position Performance(TAC Module)
and
c1278 TCS Temporarilly inhibited by PCM

I am leaning towards either TPS or TAC Module... I am hoping someone else has seen this problem and can tell me for sure before I go replacing.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 11:12 AM
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I had the exact same codes on my 2000 and it was the TPS. I'm money poor right now so I removed it and dissassembled it by prying out the pressed in clip on back and using tweezers pulled out the printed circuit ribbon and cleaned everything carefully. It now works fine again. A new one is around $125 but takes someone in China a week to make and ship to the dealer. If you're lucky and you don't have the flat pin type, but the small round plug type, the parts stores have it for $30.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 11:52 AM
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I agree check all around the TPS....but before that, take the duct off the throttlebody and look inside to the TB and manifold and make sure nothing is obstructing the TB blade. My bro's 2001 threw these codes and the tuner was shocked when they opened it up to find a piece of his plastic/rubber ducting had come off and wedged itself into the TB plate leaving it partially opened and thus forcing the system to go into "reduced power mode" for the fact that the TB would not close all the way! (man they caught a break there, if the piece had come off it would of been inhaled by the engine and who knows what would of happened there...it was a pretty good size piece from what I was told.)

Check it out and get back to us.

Last edited by XtremeVette; Jun 29, 2009 at 11:55 AM.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 12:14 PM
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From: Andover KS
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Good call XtremeVette. Also doesn't hurt to lube the blade bearings with WD40 (through the throttle body bore in front) . If they start sticking you also get a code for pedal vs throttle miscompare or something like that. I had that too once.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 01:42 PM
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I am about to go check and see if something is not shoved into the TB If not it will be in a few hours until I can change the TPS. The reason I am still leaning towards the TPS is the fact that it will only go into limp mode if I have TC off.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 01:53 PM
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Okay just checked the TB and it is Debri Free! I also noticed that under my hood is FULL of sand from driving down the beach yesterday. It then rained and I also have wet road grime under there very bad, so I am thinking that maybe the sand is messing with my grounds or TPS. So I am going to maticulously clean the grounds and under the hood and if that does not do it time for the TPS to come out. Luckily My Dad has a wrecked Z06 at his shop I can swap TPS's with and just buy him a new one if it works.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 02:04 PM
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My TPS had a very slight amout of corrosion between it and the throttle body, and inside it had a little moisture when I took it apart. I have an open element air filter that I'm guessing takes in moisture. It has a seal to keep out water externally, but nothing to keep moisture from inside the throttle body from getting to it. You are going to need the torx screwdriver with the hole in the end for the pain in the rear bolts they use on the Throttle body.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 02:06 PM
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Before you pull it check out the plug on the TPS and the wires to make sure they are clean and dry. Blow out inside the plug area on the TPS if you have an air blower. That helped me 1 time with the TPS.
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 02:08 PM
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Ac delco Part#17113566
6 blade TPS for a my friends 2000 was around $85 shipped
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Old Jun 29, 2009 | 02:23 PM
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From: Waveland MS
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Ok, thanks everyone! I am going ot my shop as soon as I get motivated enough and he has an air blower, the torx screwdriver, and anything else I could possibly need. I am supposed to be working there today but I have 1) a REALLY BAD SUNBURN 2) a possible ear infection 3) a lot of stuff to take care of today. So it looks like I will be working there on my own stuff today.
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 03:17 PM
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Okay, so I cleaned all of the sand out from under the hood and it has not thrown the Reduced engine power or anything yet.
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 03:18 PM
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There was sand all over my body grounds, enough to almost make a castle... all I have to say is driving down the beach is not worth it.
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Roger Z06/RX7
There was sand all over my body grounds, enough to almost make a castle... all I have to say is driving down the beach is not worth it.
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Roger Z06/RX7
There was sand all over my body grounds, enough to almost make a castle... all I have to say is driving down the beach is not worth it.

so to be clear, pull both body grounds and rough the terminals up, maybe some terminal cleaner. There was a post under the battery and one on the drivers front wheel well. Cant hurt to make sure that stuff is squeaky clean!
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Bull_in_a_china_shop
so to be clear, pull both body grounds and rough the terminals up, maybe some terminal cleaner. There was a post under the battery and one on the drivers front wheel well. Cant hurt to make sure that stuff is squeaky clean!
Will Do!!
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Old Jul 5, 2009 | 03:51 PM
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Was the beach on the ocean? You just cannot believe how corrosive salt water is unless you've had a boat and trailer and used it in salt water. It's like an acid bath. Please,oh please, stay away from the beach with your Corvette!
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Old Jul 6, 2009 | 11:51 PM
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Originally Posted by kh400
Was the beach on the ocean? You just cannot believe how corrosive salt water is unless you've had a boat and trailer and used it in salt water. It's like an acid bath. Please,oh please, stay away from the beach with your Corvette!
No lie right!!! I live on the gulf coast and salt water completely sucks.
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