How To Fix Reduced Engine Power Chevy Silverado

Experiencing reduced engine power in your Chevy Silverado can not only be frustrating but can be worrisome. So how do you fix this problem? Let's take a look at the most common causes below.

The most common reason your Chevy Silverado is experiencing reduced power is a faulty throttle position sensor. The connector, wiring harness, and sensor itself will need to be replaced to fix this issue. If this doesn't fix the issue, then it could be due to the following:

  • Faulty Throttle Body
  • Bad Pedal Position Sensor
  • Damaged Wiring
  • Faulty PCM System
  • Cooling System Problems
  • Bad Oxygen Sensor
  • Faulty Fuel Pump
  • Bad Timing Belt
  • Failed Transmission Speed Sensor
  • Catalytic Converter
  • Bad EGR Valve
  • Clogged Fuel Filter
  • Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor
  • Battery Issues
  • Worn Spark Plugs

As you can see, there are several reasons why your Chevy Silverado has reduced engine problems. This article will discuss the most common problems and why this is happening. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the Chevy Silverado, so read on!

Two white and black colored Chevrolet Silverado's at a parking lot, How To Fix Reduced Engine Power Chevy Silverado

How To Fix Reduced Engine Power Chevy Silverado

Reduced engine power is a condition that can occur in any vehicle when the engine isn't performing as it should. This can cause the Chevy Silverado to stall, hesitate, or not accelerate as quickly as it should.

A few different things can cause this condition; some are more serious than others.

One of the most common reasons for reduced engine power in the Chevy Silverado is a faulty throttle position sensor [TPS]. The throttle position sensor tells the computer how far the throttle is open.

Thus, it tells the engine how much power to produce. Unfortunately, when this sensor isn't working correctly, it can cause the engine not to produce as much power as it should, leading to the symptoms described above.

A big black 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at a parking area

If it's not working correctly, the computer won't adjust the engine's speed properly, leading to reduced power. To fix this, you'll need to replace the whole system, including the connector, wiring harness, and sensor.

If the throttle position sensor isn't the problem, it could be something else. Let's discuss them below:

Faulty Throttle Body

The throttle body controls the amount of air that flows into the engine. If it's not working correctly, it can cause reduced engine power. You'll need to clean or replace the throttle body to fix this.

Bad Pedal Position Sensor

The pedal position sensor tells the computer how far the gas pedal is depressed. If it's not working correctly, the computer won't adjust the engine's speed properly, leading to reduced power.

Damaged Wiring

If the wiring in your car is damaged, it can cause reduced engine power. To fix this, you'll have to track down the wiring system to see what is wrong. Once you have found the faulty wire or wires, you'll need to replace them.

Faulty PCM System

The PCM, or powertrain control module, is the brain of your truck's engine. It controls everything from the fuel injection to the ignition timing.

If it's not working correctly, it can cause reduced engine power because it can't receive information from the sensors correctly.

Cooling System Problems

If the cooling system in your car is not working correctly, it can cause the engine to overheat. This can reduce power because the engine will run hotter than it should and won't produce as much power.

Check your coolant levels and make sure the radiator is clean. If it's not, you'll need to clean or replace it.

Bad Oxygen Sensor

Brand new oxygen sensor of a car

The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the air-fuel mixture in the engine. If it's not working correctly, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich.

This can reduce power because the engine won't combust the fuel properly. The oxygen sensor, like others, will throw a check engine light that can be scanned for codes.

Faulty Fuel Pump

If you hear a whining noise coming from the fuel tank when you start your truck, that's a good indication that the fuel pump is going bad.

When the fuel pump goes bad, it won't get enough fuel to the engine causing reduced power. If you wait too long to fix this issue, the truck may not start.

Bad Timing Belt

Damaged timing belt of a car engine

If your truck has a timing belt instead of a timing chain and it's not working correctly, it can cause reduced engine power.

This is because the valves will be out of sync with the pistons and won't open and close at the correct time. This can lead to the engine running poorly and not producing as much power.

Failed Transmission Speed Sensor

If you have an automatic transmission and the speed sensor is not working correctly, it can cause reduced engine power. This is because the transmission will be in the wrong gear for your speed.

These are some of the most common causes of reduced engine power. So, if you are having this issue, check these things first. Then, if you still can't figure it out, take it to a mechanic and have them diagnose the problem.

Catalytic Converter

Catalytic converter of a car

If you have a clogged catalytic converter, it can cause reduced engine power. This is because the exhaust gases can't flow through the converter properly.

Bad EGR Valve

The EGR valve is responsible for recirculating exhaust gases back into the engine. If it's not working correctly, it can cause reduced engine power because the engine will run lean.

You'll need to clean or replace the EGR valve to fix this.

Clogged Fuel Filter

Replacing old fuel filter with a new one

If your fuel filter is clogged, it can cause reduced engine power because the fuel can't flow through it properly.

Failed Mass Airflow Sensor

If the mass airflow sensor is not working correctly, it can cause reduced engine power. This is because the sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of air entering the engine.

If there is not enough air, the engine will not produce as much power.

Battery Issues

It is good to check your battery voltage, cables, and terminals. A weak battery or bad battery cables can cause reduced engine power.

In addition, if the terminals are corroded, you may not be getting enough power from the battery.

Worn Spark Plugs

Three new sparkplugs for replacement of an old one

If your spark plugs are worn, they can cause reduced engine power. This is because the spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders.

Check your spark plugs for wear and replace them if they are bad.

Is the Chevy Silverado reliable?

When it comes to reliability, the Chevy Silverado ranks 5th out of 17 full-size trucks with a score of 3.5 out of 5. On average, consumers can expect to pay $714 on maintenance and repairs per year. This is below the annual average for mid-size trucks, costing $936.

To get the most out of your truck, it is essential to stick to the maintenance schedule recommended by the dealer. This will help to prevent any major repairs from happening down the road.

This includes things like regularly checking the engine oil, topping off fluids, and rotating the tires.

If you take good care of your truck, it will take care of you.

How long does a Chevy Silverado last?

When taken care of, a Chevy Silverado can last over 200,000 miles. To achieve this milestone, be sure to use the correct oil, change it regularly, and don't forget about other maintenance items such as transmission fluid changes, brake pad replacements, and tune-ups.

If you are in the market for a used Chevy Silverado with high miles [100,000 or more], then ask for a CarFax. A CarFax is helpful to see if the previous owner has been keeping up with the maintenance schedule at a Chevy dealer.

In addition, CarFax will tell you if there has been an accident and what region the car was from. If you have found it has been in a region where salt is used on the roads in the winter, then it is best to keep looking.

The bottom line is that your Chevy Silverado can last a very long time with proper care and maintenance.

What problems does Chevy Silverado have?

While reducing engine power is possible, it isn't the most common issue with the Chevy Silverado. Instead, the Chevy truck has received the most transmission complaints. This can include anything from slipping through the transmission to not shifting gears properly to outright failing.

If you are experiencing these problems and the truck is still under warranty, be sure to take it in for a check-up. You may consider taking the truck to a transmission specialist if the warranty has expired.

Final Thoughts

Two white and black colored Chevrolet Silverado's at a parking lot

It can be frustrating when your Chevy Silverado or any vehicle has reduced engine power. Check the simple things first, such as the battery, fuel filter, and spark plugs. If you still can't figure it out, take it to a certified mechanic to have them diagnose the problem.

Thanks for reading; here are other related articles you might find helpful:

How Big Is The Gas Tank On A Chevy Silverado?

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Chevy Silverado High Country Vs. Ford King Ranch – Which Is Right For You?

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One comment

  1. Reduced power message, traction control light comes on. -7 with -20 windchill. Truck runs fine normally. Full tank of fuel with additive to prevent freeze up. Any ideas? 140,000 miles. Fresh Jasper rebuilt transmission back in summer. Gets great gas mileage, 17-21 MPG.
    Replaced knock sensor on passenger side 2 months ago, no codes thrown since that fix. Any comments would be helpful.

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