Tech Tip: GMs, Hummers and Saabs May Experience Intermittent MIL with DTC P2138 and Reduced Power – UnderhoodService

Tech Tip: 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.

Hummer H2Models 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

Battery Charging and Diagnostics

Here are six tips to use when diagnosing a vehicle with a dead battery. 

Remember the good old days of battery and alternator testing? With just a multimeter you could test if the alternator was charging and if the battery had a decent state of charge. On most late-model vehicles, the battery and alternator are managed together to minimize the load on the engine to boost fuel economy.

Voltage Drop Testing

The measurement of voltage is like the speed of the traffic.

Spark Plug Fouling

Understanding why spark plugs get dirty.

Why Alternators Are Subject To Ripple Voltage

The alternator produces an AC current that must be converted into DC current by way of a rectifier.

Understanding Stop/Start Charging and Starting Systems

The problem may not have been caused by a complicated reason, something simple may have caused the system not to work.

Other Posts

Hyundai & Kia Hybrid Drivetrain

The Hyundai hybrid system has a motor control unit (MCU) and hybrid control unit (HCU).

GM Diagnostic Tip on Misfires, Noises and DTCs

Determine which description best matches the vehicle you are working on, and perform the suggestions as necessary.

Ignition Coil Output

To see inductance inside the primary windings, use an amp probe placed around the positive wire for the ignition coil.

Compressor Oil for R1234yf

Working on R-1234yf systems is not that different from the R-134a variety.