check engine light
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Hockessin DE
My '06 Vert is at the dealers right now with 402 miles on it due to the check engine light. The light came on and I got a message stating "Engine Power Reduced". Since three different dealers couldn't look at it until Thursday I took it to my local garage and he said the code coming up was that the "accelerator pedal position sensor" (P2138) was malfunctioning. He said the reduced power result was probably because the sensor being at fault could result in erratic behavior, like a 6,000 RPM surprise as I'm driving out of my driveway. 
He checked the connections which seemed to be fine and I drove away with no "Engine Power Reduced" message and the engine light still on as he said, and I agree, that it would be bad to clear the codes without having the dealer check it out. I found a dealer who said they'd try to get it in tomorrow (Wednesday) and dropped it off. By the way, when the car goes into "Engine Power Reduced" mode it runs about as well as Chevette with 200K miles on it. Downright scary! We'll see what he dealer says. 
He checked the connections which seemed to be fine and I drove away with no "Engine Power Reduced" message and the engine light still on as he said, and I agree, that it would be bad to clear the codes without having the dealer check it out. I found a dealer who said they'd try to get it in tomorrow (Wednesday) and dropped it off. By the way, when the car goes into "Engine Power Reduced" mode it runs about as well as Chevette with 200K miles on it. Downright scary! We'll see what he dealer says.
Last edited by Vette66AirCoupe; Jun 20, 2006 at 11:16 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,074
Likes: 296
From: San Francisco CA
Originally Posted by Vette66AirCoupe
My '06 Vert is at the dealers right now with 402 miles on it due to the check engine light. The light came on and I got a message stating "Engine Power Reduced". Since three different dealers couldn't look at it until Thursday I took it to my local garage and he said the code coming up was that the "accelerator pedal position sensor" (P2138) was malfunctioning. He said the reduced power result was probably because the sensor being at fault could result in erratic behavior, like a 6,000 RPM surprise as I'm driving out of my driveway. He checked the connections which seemed to be fine and I drove away with no "Engine Power Reduced" message and the engine light still on as he said, and I agree, that it would be bad to clear the codes without having the dealer check it out. I found a dealer who said they'd try to get it in tomorrow (Wednesday) and dropped it off. By the way, when the car goes into "Engine Power Reduced" mode it runs about as well as Chevette with 200K miles on it. Downright scary! We'll see what he dealer says.
He checked the connections which seemed to be fine and I drove away with no "Engine Power Reduced" message and the engine light still on as he said, and I agree, that it would be bad to clear the codes without having the dealer check it out. I found a dealer who said they'd try to get it in tomorrow (Wednesday) and dropped it off. By the way, when the car goes into "Engine Power Reduced" mode it runs about as well as Chevette with 200K miles on it. Downright scary! We'll see what he dealer says. 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Since C6 owners can't read or clear DIC error codes like in the C5 I ordered a Code Reader even before my car was built. I've used it a few times already. Sure saved me a boat load of time going to the dealer to read and clear a stray code, which these cars are prone to trigger from time to time for no real reason.
http://www.diydiagnostics.com/
Every C6 owner should have one of these in a rear cubby.
Tom
http://www.diydiagnostics.com/
Every C6 owner should have one of these in a rear cubby.
Tom
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Hockessin DE
LS: No mods yet. She's bone stock. In her defense I have to say I had a nuisance trip to the dealer with my new Grand Cherokee as well. Bad wheel speed sensor caused a slew of warning lights to come on. It's still a PIA and this problem has occured at a most inopportune time for me. 
AFVette: My local guy needed both code readers to asess my problem. The OBDII Code Reader and the CAN OBDII Code Reader. He had a different model but when he couldn't get the code with the first one he had to add the Controlled Area Network reader to the loop to get the answer. That puts you at $125 plus shipping and you still may need a trip to the dealer once you have your answer, as was the case with my episode. Still, I agree that it's probably a good investment and will help keep the blood presure down!
AFVette: My local guy needed both code readers to asess my problem. The OBDII Code Reader and the CAN OBDII Code Reader. He had a different model but when he couldn't get the code with the first one he had to add the Controlled Area Network reader to the loop to get the answer. That puts you at $125 plus shipping and you still may need a trip to the dealer once you have your answer, as was the case with my episode. Still, I agree that it's probably a good investment and will help keep the blood presure down!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 14,553
Likes: 1,549
From: Supporting the Corvette Community at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista, CA 707-374-6317 Ext.123
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by JmpnJckFlsh
Some things are so elementary, you aren't going to get any codes. I'm surprised your dealer can't guess the cause...maybe he isn't trying very hard.
Inside the console, there will be a little switch that tells the computer when the shift lever is in Park...that switch has either loosened up or needs to be adjusted so that the shift mechanism closes the switch in the Park position.
Inside the console, there will be a little switch that tells the computer when the shift lever is in Park...that switch has either loosened up or needs to be adjusted so that the shift mechanism closes the switch in the Park position.
Maybe the car did not act up at all while the tech played with the shifter for 20 minutes. And the shifter assembly is one complete unit that does not really have any replaceable parts. The switch is nowhere near the consol, it is actually part of the shifter assembly, not the center consol. The park/nuetral switch on the trans also plays a part in the lamp coming on, but that all checked out OK.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 20,054
Likes: 44
From: Swansea IL
Originally Posted by Vette66AirCoupe
LS: No mods yet. She's bone stock. In her defense I have to say I had a nuisance trip to the dealer with my new Grand Cherokee as well. Bad wheel speed sensor caused a slew of warning lights to come on. It's still a PIA and this problem has occured at a most inopportune time for me.
AFVette: My local guy needed both code readers to asess my problem. The OBDII Code Reader and the CAN OBDII Code Reader. He had a different model but when he couldn't get the code with the first one he had to add the Controlled Area Network reader to the loop to get the answer. That puts you at $125 plus shipping and you still may need a trip to the dealer once you have your answer, as was the case with my episode. Still, I agree that it's probably a good investment and will help keep the blood presure down!
AFVette: My local guy needed both code readers to asess my problem. The OBDII Code Reader and the CAN OBDII Code Reader. He had a different model but when he couldn't get the code with the first one he had to add the Controlled Area Network reader to the loop to get the answer. That puts you at $125 plus shipping and you still may need a trip to the dealer once you have your answer, as was the case with my episode. Still, I agree that it's probably a good investment and will help keep the blood presure down!
Tom
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Hockessin DE
Originally Posted by AFVETTE
I paid $70 for the CAN protocol reader. I had all sorts or codes when I installed my SLP Blackwing. I wouldn't want to take my car to the dealer for those. Armed with the Codes SLP authorized me to return the item. So I spent $70 not $125. And as I said C5's and I suspect C6will trigger codes for no real reason.
Tom
Tom
My point was that your $70 unit would not have given me the code for my problem. They tried it and found the secondary unit was necessary for my diagnosis. Your mileage may vary.
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs CO
Originally Posted by Virile1973
Maybe you should stop guessing and have someone scan it for DTc's?Is the car under warranty?I do not understand people who come online to have people try and guess why their check engine light is on.Just bring it in if it is under warranty.
Last edited by fenderowner; Jun 21, 2006 at 04:33 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Hockessin DE
Originally Posted by fenderowner
Bottom line: I saved myself the hate, pain and grief of having to drop my car off at the dealer's, go back and get it, etc. I guess it's "to each his own," but anytime I can avoid having to go back to the dealer, it's a plus to me. HTH.
