GMs, Hummers And Saabs May Experience Intermittent MIL With DTC P2138 And Reduced Power

GMs, Hummers And Saabs May Experience Intermittent MIL With DTC P2138 And Reduced Power

Some customers may comment on an intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being illuminated with a message or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power. The technician may observe on a scan tool DTC P2138 - Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation set as Current or in History.

Models affected:
2005-’11 GM passenger cars and light-duty trucks (Including Saturn)
2005-’09 HUMMER H2 and Saab 9-7X
2006-’10 HUMMER H3

Condition
Some customers may comment on an intermittent malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) being illuminated with a message or an indicator that displays Reduced Engine Power.

The technician may observe on a scan tool DTC P2138 – Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation set as Current or in History.

Cause
This condition may be caused by water intrusion into the instrument panel (IP) to body harness connector, which carries the APP sensor signals to the ECM/PCM. This water intrusion results in a voltage difference between APP Sensor 1 and APP Sensor 2 that exceeds a predetermined value for more than a calibrated period of time, setting P2138.

Correction
Note: Aftermarket equipment can generate DTC P2138 and/or other DTCs.
1. Verify that aftermarket equipment is not electrically connected to any of the APP sensor signal or low
reference circuits or to any other ECM/PCM 5V reference or low reference circuits. Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories in SI.

2. Perform the Diagnostic System Check – Vehicle.
• If any 5V reference DTCs are set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List – Vehicle.
• If any 5V reference DTCs are not set, proceed to step 3.

3. Locate the IP to body harness connector, which may be located in and around the left-hand kick panel area or inside the IP. Depending on the vehicle and model year, refer to Wiring Systems or Power and Signal Distribution in SI.

Note: Some examples of potential water leaks are: A-pillar seals, sunroof drain lines (if equipped) and windshield/cowl sealing.

4. Inspect for a water leak in the area. If necessary use a water hose to determine the source of the leak. Refer to General Information > Water Leaks in SI.
• If a water leak is observed, repair as necessary. Verify the effectiveness of the repair.

5. Inspect the IP to body harness connector terminals for corrosion and debris. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in SI.
• If any corrosion and/or debris is observed, repair as necessary.

6. After completing the repair, verify the proper operation of the system. Depending on the vehicle and model year, perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification procedure or refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List – Vehicle in SI.

Courtesy of ALLDATA.

You May Also Like

Servicing Mercedes-Benz AMG Brakes

Take a look at some of the things you need to know in order to service the brakes on a Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicle.

AMG is the performance line of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, just like Nismo is to Nissan, and M is to BMW. I can tell you from experience that there are many exciting vehicles wearing that AMG badge. They’re powerful, luxurious and they make a sound unlike any other.

But, just like all motor vehicles, they require service from time to time. Slowing the vehicle down from high speeds takes a toll on the brakes, wearing them down over time. So, today let’s take a look at some of the things you need to know in order to service the brakes on a Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicle.

Nissan Electro Hydraulic Steering

Nissan’s steering system is susceptible to driver-error.

Toyota Regenerative Braking System

The brake system of a hybrid may have multiple components to perform regenerative braking and pedal simulation.

Regenerative Braking Service

Regenerative braking takes the forward motion of the vehicle and turns it into electrical energy.

Toyota Prius Battery Codes P0A7F, P2011 and P0A80

A second generation Toyota Prius is at least 12 years old and batteries may need to be replaced. Here’s what the codes mean.

Other Posts

AUDI Outside Air Temperature Readings

Incorrect readings can be avoided.

Mercedes-Benz ABC Suspensions

The system provides great ride & handling, but it can be complicated to service if you do not have the right training.

Audi TFSI/FSI: Oil Consumption And Carbon Buildup

Technical Service Bulletins can be valuable in helping solve vehicle problems. But sometimes, it takes multiple TSBs to find a pattern failure or the “root cause” of a problem. In the case of the Audi/VW 2.0L Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engine introduced in 2006, three problems related to engine carbon and fuel issues are connected

BMW Headlight Service

Taking a guess can get very pricey if you can’t return the part.