i have a 2002 camaro 3.8 5 speed and i was driving back from hunting this weekend and just outside of madison, i live in wisconsin, the reduced engine power light came on and i had no throttle at all. i have a 5 speed so i pushed in my clutch and floored it and nothing happend. i coasted to a stop and shut off my car. by the way it ran fine it just gave me no throttle. i started it and the reduced engine power light was gone and was replaced by the check engine light. it ran like it always does..awsome but this is realy conserning me and i dont realy want to take it to the stealership...any help would be awsome!!! thanks

 

Could be many things. Get the PCM scanned & see what it is complaining about.

 

ive never heard of a loss of power light...which one is that?

 

reduced power light is annoying it like throws the car into safe mode.... but use obd2 scanner either purchase one or most auto parts stores will scan them for free and then that might diagnose ur issue let us know what the code is

 

Alright, I have the same EXACT problem. I too have a 2002 3.8 5spd and once the REL came on it felt like all hell was breaking loose. I had gotten the codes pulled at the AutoZone and here what the "active" codes read:

P0172
P1515
P1516
P1120
P1220
Not sure what the "history" codes are since AutoZone's scanners cant read history.

I was told that the last 4 are "dealer codes" and that I would have to take these codes or the car to the Chevy dealership to have them figure out what is wrong. The car runs like its on 3-5 cylinders when the reduced engine power light is on and if you shut the car off for about half a minute, then start it, its fine and drives like normal for a few miles, then does the same exact thing! Im about ready to just find some C4 and blow this crap up lol. Any ideas as to whats going on here?

 

same thing happend to me 2-3 days ago. When i started the car reduced engine power light came on and i had no throttle. I went to autozone, scan it and -> P1518 code.

Here`s some info I found on ls1tech


DTC P1518 Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) Module Serial Data Circuit

Circuit Description
The TAC module and the PCM communicate via a dedicated serial data circuit. This serial data circuit is separate from any other serial data circuit on the vehicle. Accurate transmitting and receiving of serial data requires not only good circuit integrity but also adequate system voltage. This diagnostic monitors the accuracy of the serial data transmitted between the TAC module and the PCM. If the PCM/TAC module detects a loss of data or invalid data, this DTC sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition switch is in the crank or run position.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
Invalid or missing serial data messages are detected for a predetermined amount of time.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the first trip in which the diagnostic runs and fails.
If equipped with traction control, the PCM will command the EBTCM via the serial data circuit to turn OFF traction control and illuminate the TRACTION OFF lamp.
The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
The PCM will turn OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the third consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has run and passed.
The history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles have occurred without a malfunction.
The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.
Diagnostic Aids
Inspect for the following:


Important
DTC P1518 sets if the battery voltage is low or the PCM is replaced/reflashed. If the customers concern is slow cranking or no crank because battery voltage is low, ignore DTC P1518. Clear any DTCs from memory that may have set from the low battery voltage condition.


The following could cause an intermittent condition:

Many situations may lead to an intermittent condition. Perform each inspection or test as directed.

Important: : Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.


• Loose terminal connection

- Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.

- Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.

• Damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness inspection does not reveal a problem, observe the display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the scan tool display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.

• Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair.




Hope this helps.