Rpm’s started to rise to around 1400 when idling and a dash message lit up saying reduce engine power.
The rpms rose to 1400 an stayed there at idle an the light came on that said reduce engine power and when i went to hit the gas pedal nothing happened and then i started it up again 30 minutes later and everything was fine
My car has 214000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Check the idle air control valve (IAC) on your vehicle. This valve is what controls the idle and is most likely stuck or has failed. When turning off the vehicle and then turning it back on, the valve will reset its self to normal settings. Replace the valve if you find that its not responding. If you need further assistance with diagnosing the idle air control valve on your vehicle, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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This issue is related to the throttle position sensor, and can be caused by faulty wiring to the TPS, bad connection at the TPS, or a failed TPS. To correct this issue, the wiring harness, connector, and throttle position sensor must be inspected, tested, and/or replaced. The most common cause is a faulty TPS.
Often this is a result of dirt buildup in the air intake. Other times it can be a problem with a cracked intake tube. If the IAC motor`s vacuum port is leaking, this can be another cause of high engine idling. The leak could be sourced at the seal, or more often, in one of the attached hoses.
Shut off the engine, wait 10 seconds, then restart the vehicle to see if this resets the reduced engine power light—but this will only work if it`s a signal error. Avoid driving your vehicle when the reduced engine power light is on—instead, identify and repair the underlying problem that`s causing the warning light.
Engine hunting and surging at idle is usually caused by a fuel delivery, air leak, or governor system problem. Cleaning/overhauling the carburettor, adjustment of the governor, and/or changing the air filer may be required.
Faulty throttle and pedal position sensor
Any problem within the TAC system can cause the reduced engine power warning light to go on. One of the more common reasons includes one or both APP sensors in the accelerator pedal or the pair of TP sensors.
Low engine oil, loose cables, and a clogged catalytic converter commonly cause reduced engine power. Tighten loose cables or clean your oxygen and mass air flow sensors to bypass reduced engine power. Replace your battery or catalytic converter if they are damaged to override reduced engine power.
Among the potential underlying causes are vacuum leaks, EGR system malfunctions, malfunctioning oxygen sensors, dirty fuel injectors, fuel pump malfunction, faulty spark plugs, a faulty mass airflow sensor, or a faulty throttle position sensor.
The most common causes of this on your vehicle are either a bad idle control valve, a dirty or failing throttle body, or a vacuum leak. It is very common for the engine to have a vacuum leak at the intake manifold gasket. I usually start by checking that first for leaks.
It depends on the cause of the reduced power. Often, the problems are minor. In rare cases, though, reduced power can cause more serious problems like a seized engine, or even an electrical fire.
Turn the idle screw to adjust the idle—turn the screw to the left to increase the RPM or to the right to lower it. When you have adjusted the idle—aim for 650 RPM—reconnect the idle air adjustment valve`s electrical connection. Lower the hood and turn your car off.
Engine Power Loss
Your high-performance engine will lag if the O2 sensor is bad and tricking the engine control unit (ECU) into putting too much air in the combustion chamber. This creates a lean fuel mixture in the chamber and causes sputtering and power loss in the engine.
As the MAP sensor fails, it can cause various issues with the fuel system and vehicle performance. An inaccurate reading from the sensor will cause the computer to change the amount of fuel it sends, which can rob the engine of power or cause it to run poorly.
Cylinders: If your battery is not functioning properly, the fuel injectors may not deliver enough fuel to the cylinders. This can cause a reduction in vehicle performance. Computer: A weak battery puts additional strain on the vehicle`s electrical and mechanical systems.
An idle air control valve, also called an idle air sensor control motor, is an electrically operated valve that controls the amount of air that bypasses the throttle plate in cars with a fuel injection system [source: Autozone]. This causes the idling speed of the engine to change as needed.
To check whether the idle air control valve is functioning properly, start the engine and let it run for about 10 to 15 minutes. If the valve is functioning correctly, the engine will sound good and the idle will be steady versus too high, too low, or inconsistent.
Here are some possible reasons your RPM is going up and down while driving: Worn-out spark plugs. Vacuum leaks. Bad idle air control valve.
When a cars rpm goes up and the car is not picking up speed, this usually means that there is a problem inside the transmission. The valve body, shift solenoids, and or clutches of the transmission probably had gone bad or are worn out to the point they are causing a transmission shifting issue.
The idle speed should feel consistent without skipping or slipping. In most of today`s cars, an idle speed of 600 to 1000 RPMs is average. If your car is idling rough, though, it won`t feel smooth. The RPMs will jump up and down, for example, or they`ll fall below 600 RPM (or whatever is typical for your vehicle).
Typically, the idle speed will be set at a value in the range of 600 to 800 RPM, but the exact value will depend on the number of engine cylinders and whether the vehicle is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission.
High RPM – Idle speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). For most 2 liter and below sized engines the vehicles, the standard idle speed should be around 750 RPM (when the engine is warm). If your car`s RPM is above 900 with a warm engine while idling, it is likely using too much fuel.
A misfiring engine means the spark plug wires are not firing properly. This causes many problems, like increased exhaust emissions, reduced fuel economy, and reduced engine power.
Expect to pay between $100 and $500, including parts and labor, to get your engine back in shape. However, a catalytic converter issue can cost over $2,000.
Fuel Injectors
Injectors allow fuel to enter the cylinder and mix with air before combustion. When a fuel injector becomes clogged or fails, you will notice reduced engine power and even misfires.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Rpm’s started to rise to around 1400 when idling and a dash message lit up saying reduce engine power.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the idle air control valve (IAC) on your vehicle. This valve is what controls the idle and is most likely stuck or has failed. When turning off the vehicle and then turning it back on, the valve will reset its self to normal settings. Replace the valve if you find that its not responding. If you need further assistance with diagnosing the idle air control valve on your vehicle, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
My car is having power issues. I get a message that says engine power reduced/ service traction along with headlights flickering and engine cutting out.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the battery and alternator to the vehicle. With all of the electrical issues that you are having, it sounds as if the battery is not charged and making the engine stall out due to lack power. Check the battery for a 12.6 volt reference and load test the battery. If the battery fails, then replace the battery. If the battery passes, then check the alternator and see if its putting out the full amount of amps. If you need further assistance with electrical issues, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Reduce engine power / check engine light is on
ANSWER : Hi there. Most of the time, reduced engine power is caused by a restriction of fuel, or the throttle body’s inability to efficiently mix air and fuel. This could be caused by a failing mass air flow sensor, EGR valve or other fuel system components. Since the check engine light is on, you should have a professional mechanic complete an inspection at your location to determine what codes are stored and which components require repair. This should resolve your issue.
Engine malfunction light, reduced engine power, engine powered down
ANSWER : Hi there. There are a lot of things that can cause this on your 2012 BMW M5. I usually start by scanning the computer for codes to see what comes up. If there are not codes then I load test the alternator and the battery to see if they are failing. Low voltage in the electrical system will cause this. If that is fine, then it is usually caused by a failing throttle body. I have seen a lot of these fail due to the motors in them hanging up. If the problem is only happening intermittently, this can make the issue hard to duplicate, but you can still have tests done on the car. If you are going to have this fixed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to test the vehicle and diagnose the Engine Malfunction Light.
Engine cranks but doesn’t start when warm, idling around 1000 RPM in park.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the idle air control valve (IAC) and see if its sticking. The IAC valve controls the engine’s idle and makes sure that the engine idle is set to the factory setting of 650 to 750 rpm’s. If your engine idle is high around 1000 and every time you shut off your engine, the IAC valve may stick causing the engine idle to be too low making the engine not start until the IAC resets. I recommend seeking out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you with your no start situation if you have replaced the IAC valve.
Car loses throttle and starts to putter then Car computer says engine power reduced then engine disabled.
ANSWER : Hi there. It is very likely that you are having problems with the throttle body on your Pontiac G6. If you are seeing the reduced engine power light on the dash, it is typically triggered by a faulty throttle body, throttle position sensor or malfunctioning O2 sensors. I would recommend having a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a reduced power light inspection.
Truck won’t idle stalls reduced engine power is on
ANSWER : Hi There,
Generally, the check engine light comes on when something fairly serious is going on with the vehicle. This can happen for many different reasons such as a faulty mass air flow sensor, a faulty O2 sensor, a bad catalytic converter, bad spark plugs or spark plug wires and many other reasons. Due to the wide range of possibilities for the check engine light to come on, the best and most efficient way to narrow down the scope of what may be causing this is to have the vehicle hooked up to a scanning tool to download any potential fault codes that may have registered in the computer. This will allow a mechanic to determine more specifically what to look for in diagnosing your vehicle. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle to determine what may be causing your check engine light to come on.
Generally, the check engine light comes on when something fairly serious is going on with the vehicle. This can happen for many different reasons such as a faulty mass air flow sensor, a faulty O2 sensor, a bad catalytic converter, bad spark plugs or spark plug wires and many other reasons. Due to the wide range of possibilities for the check engine light to come on, the best and most efficient way to narrow down the scope of what may be causing this is to have the vehicle hooked up to a scanning tool to download any potential fault codes that may have registered in the computer. This will allow a mechanic to determine more specifically what to look for in diagnosing your vehicle. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to take a look at your vehicle to determine what may be causing your check engine light to come on.
12 so ic 1.8 5 speed motor blow up replaced it idle is rough spits and sputter has no power to go up a hill no check engine light
ANSWER : The issue you are writing in about is common enough that a specific diagnostic, namely a reduced engine power diagnostic is performed by technicians dispatched by YourMechanic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this issue resolved for you. In your circumstance, the vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) has undoubtedly stored one or more diagnostic trouble codes that will identify the "general area" in which the fault lies in the engine management controls. Although the throttle control system is a common trouble area with reduced power, there are quite a few other components and systems that could come into play and, of course, there is always the possibility of multiple, or "coincident", faults. Here are some of the possibilities that YourMechanic dispatched technicians would consider:
Defective throttle position (TP) sensor
Defective oxygen sensor
Defective accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor
Loose or damaged wiring
Defective throttle body
Defective powertrain control module (PCM) (not typical; ONLY if a long, long list of other possibilities is ruled out)
Any fault/error that will affect drivability function
Any fault/error that will affect vehicle performance
A fault/error in the emissions system
A fault/error in the throttle control system
A fault/error in the transmission control system
If you request the recommended diagnostic the mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
