Reduced engine power and temp gage problem
06-23-2013 | 10:35 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: 04-20-2011
Posts: 2
From: so cal
Reduced engine power and temp gage problem
2008 LT 2.4
purchased this vehicle 2 years ago from private party, very low mileage. While traveling in Az in 100* weather we stopped for lunch. When we returned to the car and drove away the A/C would not work and the temp gage was straight lined. took it to the local GM dealer, who put it on their computer ($100+) and told me the thermastat was bad and the temp sensor also needed to be replaced. I'm 300 miles from home and need it fixed. The dealer said they had to order the sensor, so it could not be ready until the following day. Rental car $75 and motel $75. total cost around $500.
1 year later while in 90+* temps I started the car in the morning and started to drive away and noted no A/C and temp gage straight lined. I drove to a local auto parts store and purchased a thermastat and installed it,problem solved. fast forward 30 days and I drove about 15 miles and stopped at a stop sign when I turned right the car lost power and the reduced engine power warning came on. I limped on to supermarket I was going to and checked the owners manual which said I could go ahead and drive it but with reducd power, I made several stops before heading home and on one of the startups it ran normal and the cel went out. yesterday I turned right onto a major highway and lost power and the reduced engine power warning is on.
I have owned vehicles for 60+ years and have never had one with these problems. this is more than a faulty thermastat. what is the fix?
purchased this vehicle 2 years ago from private party, very low mileage. While traveling in Az in 100* weather we stopped for lunch. When we returned to the car and drove away the A/C would not work and the temp gage was straight lined. took it to the local GM dealer, who put it on their computer ($100+) and told me the thermastat was bad and the temp sensor also needed to be replaced. I'm 300 miles from home and need it fixed. The dealer said they had to order the sensor, so it could not be ready until the following day. Rental car $75 and motel $75. total cost around $500.
1 year later while in 90+* temps I started the car in the morning and started to drive away and noted no A/C and temp gage straight lined. I drove to a local auto parts store and purchased a thermastat and installed it,problem solved. fast forward 30 days and I drove about 15 miles and stopped at a stop sign when I turned right the car lost power and the reduced engine power warning came on. I limped on to supermarket I was going to and checked the owners manual which said I could go ahead and drive it but with reducd power, I made several stops before heading home and on one of the startups it ran normal and the cel went out. yesterday I turned right onto a major highway and lost power and the reduced engine power warning is on.
I have owned vehicles for 60+ years and have never had one with these problems. this is more than a faulty thermastat. what is the fix?
06-23-2013 | 11:00 AM
#2
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 25,339
From: Fredericksburg,VA
I am just taking a flying leap here; you did make sure that you have enough coolant in the ENGINE, when cold remove the pressure cap fluid should fill the hose. It is easy to get an air bubble in the system when refilling, or have a head gasket leaking. Other thing to worry about: water pump.
I am taking a guess that the CEL and reduced power was because the coolant temp got over 140F. If it goes over that the temp reading goes off and "limp home" initiates.
I am taking a guess that the CEL and reduced power was because the coolant temp got over 140F. If it goes over that the temp reading goes off and "limp home" initiates.
06-23-2013 | 11:08 AM
#3
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,039
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Sidewheeler - you really need to get the CEL code(s) downloaded - without them, anything we can suggest would be a guess. Most auto parts stores will download them for free for you.
Oh, the current problem probably has nothing at all to do with the thermostat - the symptoms are totally different.
Oh, the current problem probably has nothing at all to do with the thermostat - the symptoms are totally different.
06-23-2013 | 11:36 AM
#10
Platinum Member
Joined: 12-06-2009
Posts: 11,432
From: Alabama
Based on your 1st post, I think your present problem is not thermostat related. The "right turn" statement made me think a possible wheel sensor.
But, as whopper said, you need to get the codes read to point you(and us) in the right direction.
The fact that it cleared up after a few start and stops, just means that the computer cleared itself. Probably through the key use cycles. Certain codes will self clear after so many engine start/stop sequences. Those codes won't return unless the problem occurs again.
Get your codes read while the Reduced Pwr is lit. Then post it here and we'll try to help you out.
But, as whopper said, you need to get the codes read to point you(and us) in the right direction.
The fact that it cleared up after a few start and stops, just means that the computer cleared itself. Probably through the key use cycles. Certain codes will self clear after so many engine start/stop sequences. Those codes won't return unless the problem occurs again.
Get your codes read while the Reduced Pwr is lit. Then post it here and we'll try to help you out.