Reduced Power Light

[kevin_co]

I own a 2002 Saturn Vue, V6, AWD. Yesterday after stopping at the store and then coming back out a light came on that said "Reduced Power". The vehicle no matter how hard I tried was only able to reach a top speed of approximately 10mph. The vehicle is at my mechanics right now and they have no idea what is causing this. If anyone has any idea of what might be causing this please let me know. Thank you in advance.

[burlyvue2]

kevin_co,

Any resolution to the reduced power issue?

:flag:

[kevin_co]

well my mechanic said and guaranteed that there was an electrical short that in turn shorted out the car's computer so he is going to replace that I should have it back tomorrow I will let you know

[D C]

What was he basing that on? Did he pull engine codes and find that a particular circuit was shorted or open?

[wolfman]

ONE:

Service Engine Soon (SES) and/or Reduced Power Lamp Illuminated, Limited Throttle Response Following Cold Engine Start Up DTC P0638 (Relocate Small Primary Positive Crankcase Ventilation Hose) #04-06-04-074 - (Oct 11, 2004)
Service Engine Soon (SES) and/or Reduced Power Lamp Illuminated, Limited Throttle Response Following Cold Engine Start Up, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0638 (Re-locate Primary Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Hose, Re-route Secondary PCV Hose)
2002-2003 Saturn VUE Vehicles with 3.0L V-6 Engine (VIN B - RPO L81)

Fixed Operations Manager and Technician

Condition
Some customers may comment on the Service Engine Soon (SES) and/or Reduced Power lamp illuminating and limited throttle response immediately following cold engine start up during subfreezing temperatures. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0638 may be stored in the engine control module (ECM).

Cause
This condition may be caused by crankcase vapors inside the throttle body collecting at the throttle plate base as engine cools down while shut off, resulting in restricted throttle plate movement immediately following cold engine start up during subfreezing temperatures.

Correction
Re-locate primary positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose from throttle body to intake manifold top cover and re-route secondary PCV hose over intake manifold. Refer to service procedure in this bulletin. If the vehicle has had PCV hose routing updated per Corporate Bulletin Number 04-06-01-001 (look for labor code J6020 in vehicle history), it is not necessary to repeat steps 29-31.

Service Procedure

Caution
Do not allow smoking or the use of open flames in the area where work on the fuel or EVAP system is taking place. Anytime work is being done on the fuel system, disconnect the negative battery cable, except for those tests where battery voltage is required.



Caution
Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition key must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.


Disconnect negative battery cable.
Record all of the customer's radio station presets.
Turn off all the lamps and accessories.
Make sure the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
Remove the battery ground (negative) cable and bolt from the battery.




Loosen clamp at air cleaner and throttle body assembly.
Remove attachment bolts from outlet resonator/duct assembly.
Remove outlet resonator/duct assembly.



Remove outlet resonator/duct assembly bracket from manifold.



Remove intake manifold cover bolts and cover.




Caution
Do NOT use high speed drill motors to drill holes in the magnesium intake manifold cover. Use only slow drill speeds to reduce heat on cover. Dispose of cool magnesium filings immediately after drilling operation. Use appropriate safety precautions when performing drilling operation.


Measure and locate new primary positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) grommet position as shown in illustration.
Drill a 2 mm to 3 mm (0.079 in to 0.118 in) pilot hole through both the black plastic intake manifold core hole plug (black plastic cover) and the intake manifold cover located 78 mm (3.07 in) from edge at throttle body end and 104 mm (4.09 in) from edge above bank 2 side of the cover.
Remove the black plastic cover from the intake manifold cover.

Important
Use metric 11 mm drill bit. This dimension is critical to grommet retention.


Enlarge hole on intake manifold cover to 11 mm using a slow drill speed.
Remove any burrs from both sides of the drilled hole in the intake manifold cover.



Enlarge hole on black plastic cover to 14.3 mm (9/16 in).
Remove any burrs from both sides of the drilled hole in the black plastic cover.



Install grommet from kit, P/N 15207750, in intake manifold cover. Use water or a drop of engine oil to ease installation of grommet in cover.



Clean intake manifold cover before installing to prevent metal filings from entering the engine.
Ensure that the five (5) intake manifold cover seals are properly positioned on the intake manifold cover prior to installation of the cover.

Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Apply Loctite™ 242, or equivalent, to all top cover bolts.
Tighten outer intake manifold cover bolts. Tighten
Tighten outer intake manifold top cover-to-manifold bolts to 4 N·m (35 in-lbs).

Tighten inner intake manifold cover bolts Tighten
Tighten inner intake manifold top cover-to-manifold bolts to 4.4 N·m (39 in-lbs).

Install black plastic cover on intake manifold cover. Ensure that the installed grommet on the intake manifold cover fits within the 14.3 mm (9/16 in) hole in the black plastic cover as the cover is installed.



Install 90° plastic vacuum fitting from kit, P/N 15207750, into grommet and position as shown.
Remove primary PCV hose from throttle body and re-locate to fitting on intake manifold cover.



Install vacuum plug from kit, P/N 15207750, on original primary PCV fitting on throttle body assembly.



Install outlet resonator duct assembly bracket to intake manifold. Tighten
Tighten outlet resonator duct assembly bracket-to-intake manifold nuts to 5 N·m (44 in-lbs).





Install outlet resonator duct assembly into position.
Tighten clamp at throttle body assembly.
Position outlet resonator duct assembly to support bracket and install rear bolt only.
Tighten clamp at air cleaner assembly.



Remove PCV hose from throttle body to PCV oil separator.

Important
Do not remove the braided covering from the hose.


Remove rubber isolator from PCV hose.



Cut the PCV hose to length as shown. Remove 65 mm (2.5 in) from the throttle body end of the hose.



Install PCV hose over intake manifold. Ensure routing is between the A/C line and the intake manifold.
Install hose clamp over PCV hose at oil separator.



Install hose retainer, P/N 2043150, over PCV hose and secure with remaining front air cleaner outlet resonator.



Install secondary PCV hose on throttle body and secure clamp. Tighten
Tighten two outlet resonator duct assembly-to-support bracket bolts to bolt to 10 N·m (89 in-lbs).

Connect negative battery cable.

Important
Clean any existing corrosion from the battery terminal bolt flange and the battery cable end.


Install the battery ground (negative) cable and bolt to the battery. Tighten
Tighten the battery terminal bolt to 16 N·m (12 lb-ft).

Program all of the customer's radio station presets and set the radio clock to the current time.

[wolfman]

TWO:

Reduced Power, Stuck in High Gear, Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On, DTCs P0223, P0504, P0700, P1228, P1271, P1280, P1599, P1779, P1791, P2119, P2101, P2128, P2135, P2138 Set, Buzz Noise from Door #03-08-45-003A - (Aug 17, 2004)
Reduced Power, Stuck in High Gear, Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On, DTCs P0223, P0504, P0700, P1228, P1271, P1280, P1599, P1779, P1791, P2119, P2101, P2128, P2135, or P2138 Set, Buzz Noise from Door Speakers or Door Speakers Inoperative, Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning (HVAC) Blower Motor Inoperative and/or Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor Inoperative with Vehicle Speed (Inspect/Replace Corroded or Bent Terminals)
2002-2003 Saturn VUE Vehicles

Technician

This bulletin has been revised with an additional condition. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-45-003 (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).

Condition
Some customers may comment that the vehicle is exhibiting one or more of the following conditions:

Reduced power
Transaxle not down shifting
SES light on
Buzz noise from door speaker(s)
Speaker(s) inoperative
HVAC blower motor inoperative
A/C compressor commanded OFF with vehicle speed (evaporator temperature sensor circuit 719 and/or 731 may be open)
These conditions may be intermittent. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) P0223, P0504, P0700, P1228, P1271, P1280, P1599, P1779, P1791, P2119, P2101, P2128, P2135, or P2138 may also be present.

Cause
The instrument panel/body inline connector (black 40-pin electrical connector), located behind the left hinge pillar garnish molding, may have bent or corroded terminals.

Correction
Disconnect and inspect instrument panel/body inline connector (black 40-pin electrical connector). If necessary, replace damaged terminals and apply dielectric grease to connector.

Service Procedure




Starting at the left hinge pillar garnish, pull upward to disengage attaching clips.
Reach under instrument panel and pull upwards to disengage additional clips and remove molding from vehicle.



Disconnect instrument panel/body inline connector (black 40-pin electrical connector).
Inspect connector for bent or corroded terminals.

Important
If no corrosion or bent terminals are found, proceed to step 7 and follow trouble code diagnostics in the revised 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Powertrain Electrical Diagnostics Service Manual.


Remove any bent or corroded pins from connector.
Install new terminal cut lead (verify correct size using connector/harness face views and electrical schematics in the revised 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Body Electrical Diagnostics Service Manual or SI).
Pack connector terminals with dielectric grease to prevent any further corrosion.
Connect instrument panel/body inline connector (black 40-pin electrical connector).
Install molding.

[wolfman]

Three:

MIL) Service Engine Soon Telltale Lamp On, Reduced Power Lamp May Illuminate with DTCs P0121, P0221 and/or P2135 (Replace Throttle Body, Throttle Body Connector, Throttle Body Terminals and Install #03-06-04-043 - (Sep 11, 2003)
(MIL) Service Engine Soon Telltale Lamp On, Reduced Power Lamp May Illuminate with DTCs P0121, P0221, and/or P2135 (Replace Throttle Body, Throttle Body Connector, Throttle Body Terminals and Install Throttle Body Pigtail Retainer to Throttle Body and Harness)
2000-2003 Saturn L-Series

2002-2003 Saturn VUE Vehicles

with 3.0L V6 Engine (VIN R -- RPO L81)

General Manager, Fixed Operations Manager, Parts Manager, Technician

Condition
Some customers may comment the (MIL) SERVICE ENGINE SOON and Reduced Power Lamp may come on intermittently and/or stay on. DTCs P0121, P0221 and/or P2135 may be set.

Cause
This condition may be caused by loose or poor terminal tightness at the engine harness-to-throttle body connection.

Correction
Refer to the Saturn VUE L81 or the Saturn L-Series L81 service procedure in this bulletin.

Service Procedure for Saturn VUE L81




Disconnect negative battery cable.
Loosen clamp at air cleaner assembly and throttle body assembly.
Remove attachment bolts from outlet resonator/duct assembly to support bracket.
Remove outlet resonator/duct assembly.
Cover throttle body opening with a shop towel and use shop air to remove any dirt at the base of the throttle body.




Notice
Damaged or broken throttle body connector retainer clips may result with intermittent electrical connection and (MIL) Service Engine Soon Telltale Lamp or Reduced Power Lamp illuminating.


Disconnect throttle body electrical connector.



Disconnect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) fresh air hose at throttle body.
Remove purge and PCV vacuum lines.
Clamp coolant inlet and outlet hoses with pinch-off tool to avoid leaking coolant on engine.
Remove coolant hoses at throttle body.



Remove throttle body bolts.

Notice
Cover the intake manifold opening with a shop towel whenever the throttle body is removed to prevent foreign material entry.


Remove throttle body.
Remove throttle body gasket.



Install new throttle body gasket, P/N 24446587.
Install new throttle body assembly, P/N 24446586.

Notice
Use care when tightening throttle body bolts. Manifold damage will result if over torqued.


Tighten throttle body bolts. Tighten
Tighten the Throttle Body-to-Intake Manifold Bolts-L81 to 7.5N·m(66 in-lbs).

Install throttle body harness retainer, P/N 22729513, to throttle body motor.



Position stand off clip inline with throttle body connector.
Attach coolant hoses to throttle body assembly.
Remove hose pinch-off tool to allow coolant flow to throttle body.



Connect PCV fresh air and vacuum lines.
Remove engine harness from metal harness retainer on intake manifold.
Remove tape and conduit 457.2 mm (18 in.) from throttle body connector.



Ensure green terminal retainers of new throttle body connector, P/N 22720050, are in released position to insert terminals.
Cut ckt 581 YEL terminal #1 throttle body connector 101.6 mm (4 in.) from connector on engine harness.



Remove insulation from end of cut wire. Recommended strip length is 9.5 mm (3/8 in.).
Install splice sleeve included in terminal lead, P/N 22690873, by positioning stripped end of engine harness ckt 581 into sleeve until wire hits stop in center of the splice sleeve.



Hand crimp sleeve using the approved crimping tool (found in terminal repair kit J-44020). Gently tug on wires to make sure they are secure.



Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 101.6 mm (4 in.) and insert in terminal location #1 of new throttle body connector, P/N 22720050.
Remove insulation from end of cut wire 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) and insert stripped end in splice sleeve for ckt 581.
Hand crimp sleeve to new replacement wire for ckt 581. Gently tug on wires to make sure they are secure prior to applying heat.



cont. next post

[wolfman]

Three cont:

Cut ckt 582 BRN terminal #4 throttle body connector 127 mm (5 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 127 mm (5 in.) and insert terminal location #4 of throttle body connector, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 582.
Cut ckt 2752 BLK terminal #2 throttle body connector 254 mm (10 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 254 mm (10 in.) and insert in terminal location #2 of throttle body connector, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 2752.
Cut ckt 2701 GRA terminal #3 throttle body connector 304 mm (12 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 304 mm (12 in.) and insert in terminal location #3 of throttle body connector, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 2701.
Cut ckt 486 PPL terminal #5 throttle body connector 355.6 mm (14 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 355.6 mm (14 in.) and insert in terminal location #5 of throttle body connector, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 486.
Cut ckt 485 DK GRN terminal #6 throttle body connector 406.4 mm (16 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 406.4 mm (14 in.) and insert in terminal location #6 of throttle body connector, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 485.




Caution
DO NOT USE MATCH OR OPEN FLAME TO APPLY HEAT TO SEAL.


Apply heat using a heat gun, or equivalent, and heat to 175°C (347°F) until glue flows down around edges of sleeves for each ckt.



Move terminal retainers of new throttle body connector, P/N 22720050, to locked position to secure terminals.



Wrap wires with tape and insert into conduit.
Apply tape to conduit to retain wires.
Install engine harness in metal harness retainer on intake manifold.

Notice
Damaged or broken throttle body connector retainer clips may result with intermittent electrical connection and (MIL) Service Engine Soon Telltale Lamp or Reduced Power Lamp illuminating.


Connect throttle body electrical connector.
Insert throttle body harness into throttle body harness retainer, P/N 22729513, on throttle body motor.



Install outlet resonator/duct assembly into position.
Tighten clamp at throttle body assembly.
Position outlet resonator/duct assembly to support bracket and install bolts. Tighten
Tighten the Outlet Resonator/Duct Assembly-to-Support Bracket Bolts-L81 to 10N·m(89 in-lbs).

Tighten clamp at air cleaner assembly.
Connect negative battery cable. Tighten
Tighten the Battery Terminal Bolt to 17N·m(13 ft-lbs).


Important
Do not depress the accelerator pedal assembly during the automatic relearn procedure.


The automatic relearn procedure must be completed by the engine control module (ECM).
To complete this relearn procedure, turn ignition to "RUN" position for one minute.
Ignition "ON", engine "OFF" for longer than 29 seconds
Make sure these engine operating parameters are met before proceeding:
ECT between 5° and 100° C (41° and 212° F)
IAT greater than 5° C (41° F)
Ignition voltage above 10 volts.
Accelerator pedal angle is less than 15%.
Verify proper coolant level and add if necessary.
Service Procedure for Saturn L-Series L81
Disconnect negative battery cable.



Remove air cleaner and inlet hose assembly from throttle body.
Disconnect throttle body electrical connector.
Disconnect hose clamps from plenum-to-runner connector using universal clamp pliers J-43914.



Remove intake plenum bolts.
Remove EGR pipe bolt.
Rotate plenum up and remove throttle body coolant hoses, EVAP hose, and vacuum lines from throttle body.



Remove throttle body nuts.
Remove throttle body.
Remove throttle body gasket.

Important
Upon replacement of new throttle body, the throttle body relearn procedure must be performed as follows:


Ignition "OFF" for 10 seconds
Ignition "ON", engine "OFF"
Make sure these engine operating parameters are met before proceeding:
ECT between 6° and 100° C (43° and 212° F)
IAT greater than 6° C (43° F)
Ignition voltage above 10 volts.
Accelerator pedal angle is less than 14%.
Leave ignition on for one minute with engine off.
Install new throttle body gasket, P/N 90571137.
Install new throttle body assembly, P/N 13105809.
Install throttle body nuts. Tighten
Tighten the Throttle Body Nuts to 8 N·m(71 in-lbs).

Attach vacuum lines, EVAP hose, and coolant hoses to throttle body.
Ensure O-ring on the lower manifold is correctly seated.
Install EGR pipe bolt. Tighten
Tighten the EGR Pipe Bolt to 25 N·m(18 ft-lbs).





Install intake plenum bolts. Tighten
Tighten the Intake Plenum Bolts to 8 N·m(71 in-lbs).

Connect hose clamps from intake plenum-to-runner rubber boots using universal clamp pliers tool J-43914. If clamps are damaged, replace with service screw type clamps.



Install air cleaner inlet hose.
Remove tape and conduit 228.6 mm (9 in.) from throttle body connector.

Notice
Damaged or broken throttle body connector retainer clips may result with intermittent electrical connection and (MIL) Service Engine Soon Telltale Lamp or Reduced Power Lamp illuminating.






Ensure green terminal retainers of new throttle body connector, P/N 22720050, is in released position to insert terminals.
Cut ckt 581 YEL terminal #1 throttle body connector 63.5 mm (2 1/2 in.) from connector on engine harness.



Remove insulation from end of cut wire. Recommended strip length is 9.5 mm (3/8 in.).
Install splice sleeve included in terminal lead, P/N 22690873, by positioning stripped end of engine harness ckt 581 into sleeve until wire hits stop in center of the splice sleeve.



Hand crimp sleeve using the approved crimping tool (found in terminal repair kit J-44020). Gently tug on wires to make sure they are secure.
Cut terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 63.5 mm (2 1/2 in.) and insert in terminal location #1 of new throttle body connector, P/N 22720050.
Remove insulation from end of cut wire 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) and insert stripped end in splice sleeve for ckt 581.
Hand crimp sleeve to new replacement wire for ckt 581. Gently tug on wires to make sure they are secure prior to applying heat.



Cut ckt 582 BRN terminal #4 throttle body connector 63.5 mm (2 1/2 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 63.5 mm (2 1/2 in.) and insert in terminal location #4 of throttle body connector, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 582.
Cut ckt 652 PPL/WHT terminal #2 throttle body connector 89 mm (3 1/2 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 89 mm (3 1/2 in.) and insert in terminal location #2 of throttle body connector, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 652.
Cut ckt 486 PPL terminal #3 throttle body connector to 89 mm (3 1/2 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 89 mm (3 1/2 in.) and insert in terminal location #3 of throttle body, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 486.
Cut ckt (2000-2001) 485 DK BLU (2002-2003) 485 DK GRN terminal #5 throttle body connector to 152.5 mm (6 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 152.5 mm (6 in.) and insert in terminal location #5 of throttle body, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 485.
Cut ckt 487 YEL/BLK terminal #6 throttle body connector to 152.5 mm (6 in.) from connector.
Cut new terminal lead, P/N 22690873, to 152.5 mm (6 in.) and insert in terminal location #6 of throttle body, P/N 22720050.
Repeat above crimping procedure for ckt 487.




Caution
DO NOT USE MATCH OR OPEN FLAME TO APPLY HEAT TO SEAL.


Apply heat using a heat gun, or equivalent, and heat to 175°C (347°F) until glue flows down around edges of sleeves for each ckt.



Move terminal retainers of new throttle body connector, P/N 22720050, to locked position to secure terminals.
Wrap wires with tape and insert into conduit.
Apply tape to conduit to retain wires.




Notice
Damaged or broken throttle body connector retainer clips may result with intermittent electrical connection and (MIL) Service Engine Soon Telltale Lamp or Reduced Power Lamp illuminating.


Install throttle body harness retainer, P/N 22729513, to throttle body motor.
Position stand off clip inline with throttle body connector.
Connect throttle body electrical connector.
Insert throttle body harness into throttle body harness retainer, P/N 22729513, on throttle body motor.



Connect negative battery cable. Tighten
Tighten the Battery Terminal Bolts to 17 N·m(13 ft-lbs).

Perform throttle body relearn procedure as follows:
Ignition "OFF" for 10 seconds
Ignition "ON", engine "OFF"
Make sure these engine operating parameters are met before proceeding:
ECT between 6° and 100° C (43° and 212° F)
IAT greater than 6° C (43° F)
Ignition voltage above 10 volts.
Accelerator pedal angle is less than 14%.
Leave ignition on for one minute with engine off.
Verify proper coolant level and add if necessary.
Parts Information

[wolfman]

None of which have anything to do with a "bad computer"..............

[Mr Joe Handyman]

similar issue happened to mine recently. was just a loose connection at the throttle body wiring harness. Could also have shorted out by improperly washing engine I would imagine.

[kevin_co]

well I got it back and drove it around for a little bit, it seems to be working fine for now

[bue05]

Next time my vue has a problem I want to take it to wolfman!!! How do you know or get this stuff!!! Its insane, I hope you cut and paste that info in! GOOD JOB. bue05