Wow! This worked! Thank you sooo much. This afternoon while driving to work (Jan 1) my 2009 malibu suddenly slowed right down, engine light came on, Eng PWR Reduced message popped up as well as the traction light. I managed to pull over and turned off car. WTheck I thought. I managed to get to my destination but had my hazards on as I couldnt accelerate over 50 Kph. I was just ready to call a tow truck to bring to shop and thought I would google the problem. Note: I know very little about under the hood of a vehicle. Of course all the other RU-vid/google info listed a number of costly things that would need repairing/replacing as you stated you tried yourself. Then I came across your video and the title caught my eye (...**SIMPLE FIX***). I recalled when looking under the hood that a small reservior was almost empty...which I then googled the recovery tank and there it was with a photo of it half full. I went out just now and purchased the coolant recommended in my manual, put it in and started the car. Voila!!! All messages and lights cleared. THANK YOU SO MUCH for this video! Could have costed me $$$ and just after Christmas would have been tough. Bless you!
Hi kim as I would check why you were missing fluid . If your coolant is low it could be a head gasket and to check for that take out the dipstick for OIL. If your oil is starting to look like chocolate milk don't drive . If you have been driving and your oil level is way over filled that's real bad. If oil is ok and you have to add coolant once every little bit find the leak . Hose -rad or the water pump . I hope it has not been to long .Good luck. PS I told my son if the engine light comes on find out what caused it before you drive anywhere . If you are in a hot climate or if it is summer have a code reader in your car it can save you thousands. Also before going to a mechanic ask someone you trust so you are not ripped off .
Really I'm having this problem now message just popped up engine reduce message along with check engine light I've been to auto zone an a couple other shops an just frustrated not to mention I just purchased the car with only 100k miles on it a week ago an I instantly came to RU-vid saw this video an watched it to the end an within the next ten minutes I'll be trying this on my 2006 Chevy Impala
My ESC light was on and my traction light was on. I was freaking out thinking I had to spend all this money to fix my car. I started watching videos on RU-vid to find out how to fix it and I came across your video. I Immediately went and check my antifreeze and I was completely out of antifreeze!! I added some to my car and now my light is off and it’s driving normal again. Thank you so much for this video!! Your a lifesaver!
I just wanted to thank you for posting this video!! My car started doing the same thing yours did a few days ago and I had no idea what I was going to do...I'm a single mom barely making ends meet and right here at Christmas time my car breaking down was the last thing I needed. We all got in the car last night and drove 5mph to get to Walmart to get antifreeze to test it out and we all prayed real hard before we drove off and as of this morning on my way to work there's been no problems with my car.....you saved Christmas for my kids......thought I was gonna have to take their stuff back to get my car running. God bless you and your family and Happy holidays!!!!! Thank you again!!!!
What an idea, what a fix! Thanks for the tip, have been struggling with reduced engine power crap on a 2010 Equinox 4 cylinder for more than six months with no success. I hate wasting money to shoot the “parts cannon” at these problems that can turn out to have a simple fix. Thanks to your father for being wise enough to suggest the cure!
King Markey McFly . Right after commenting on this great tip, I had to replace my alternator because the bearings rusted up while the car has been sitting up these many months. However, I viewed a video by Scotty Kilmer yesterday at this link: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qYX4kRaOvTM.html, where he explains what goes wrong chemically with old antifreeze and how old antifreeze can affect the readings of any sensor exposed to bad antifreeze. After 5 years, or so, depending on what your owners manual says, you need to replace your antifreeze with one that the manufacturer recommends. The color of the antifreeze varies depending on its chemical makeup, and you want to use the right kind. This is pretty much what this gentleman found based on his father’s great advice. To answer your question directly, I haven’t changed my antifreeze yet, but it is on the “to do” list before I crank it again. Some RU-vidrs suggest draining the old antifreeze from the radiator first, filling the radiator with clear water, putting the cap on, running it for a few minutes, then cut off the engine, wait a few minutes, then drain it. He says the first few flushes will be dirty, as the buildup of gunk gets flushed out. When the drain water is clear, you can add the new antifreeze according to instructions. Each cycle with fresh water, run the engine for only a short time, and do not let the engine overheat. I have also added 5 gallons of gas to my practically empty tank, which is another tip I found. If the vapor pressure in the closed gas tank is too low, you also get the warning lights.
Man, you saved me big time. I literally just left the shop getting my A/C fixed. Had a shortage. When I left as I was driving it saved “engine power reduced” so I turned right back around. As I turned around I started to look up what it could be and I found your video. I told them that it would possibly be the anti-freeze and low and behold I was a little low, and they filled it for me and the light came RIGHT off! Thanks man sorry you had to go through this but you sure did bless a lot of people with your experience
Man... I watched this video the same day my car was scheduled to be picked up by a junker. Was told by my mechanic of 35 years that my engine and transmission were bad. I figured it was worth a try, so I stopped at autozone and got some coolant. Bam, just like that, no more issues. Can't thank you enough for this video dude.
People you must watch this video before you try fixing your car. Definitely checked all the fluids in my car first. Changed the oil and added water and the problem was solved. Thank you!
Same thing happened to me on Friday as I was going through a tunnel. I couldn’t get past 40 mph unless I took my foot off the gas for a second. I was worried it was going to cause a lot of money but decided to RU-vid it before I took it to the dealership or buy parts. So I brought the GM antifreeze and it ran like a champ. I have a 2015 impala. Thank you for the video bro.
I did exactly what you said my 09 Malibu no longer has this problem I was a little skeptical about such an easy fix but you sir along with your dad know exactly what you're talking about
A humble man is a good man. Thanks for sharing your experience. It's crazy how the codes that come up can have such simple fixes and often even the ones that aren't listed in the books. I was getting all sorts of codes for my Malibu only to have them go away when I replaced it the radiator fans. Something that was not in any way even suggestion in the fixes for the codes I was seeing. Good to see you are able to keep your car and enjoy it.
I having these same exact issues with my 2017 Chevy Malibu. I was about to take it to mechanic n miss work today to leave my car there. I’m going to Walmart to try this before i do anything else. I’m praying this works for me. Thank you for this video.
DUDE, been there done that. Sometimes a second pair of eyes works wonders. Don't feel like an idiot cuz everybody makes the most simple of mistakes. Been wrenchin for years and I still make dumbass mistakes. Thanx for the video, good shit man!
Thank you very much man you saved my life I was about to take it to the mechanic I was expecting to pay at least 300 dollars but I put a little antifreeze that I had and the car is running like new again !! Thank you again
I just saw your video n was having the same problems.. I pray to God this will solve my problems... I will let you know soon enough... Thanks a million!!!
OMG .. so I had called a mobile mechanic friend .. so before he got here , I seen your Video . I went downstairs AND YES I HAD ALMOST NO COOLANT . I filled up coolant .. and I started car and YES all those sensor warnings turned off .. I was able to give it gas .. AND NOW IT RUNS GOOD ! Thank you so much 🤗🤗🤗🤗
Your video saved me alot of money last night!. I had the same problem. My Malibu just started trippin for no reason. I was just sitting in park and when I went to pull off the gas was working but the car was barely moving. It said service esc and traction control. The engine light was on any everything. Went to RU-vid to find answers and ur video was the first to pop up. Once I made it home I noticed the antifreeze was a lil low. Once I added more the car was back to normal. I wanted to make sure I gave you ur props!💯.
Thanks brotha, I have to try this on my daughters car. Man, after all that work and money you spent, I hope you got to treat yourself somehow. Thanks again
Thanks for the tip! This worked on my 2011 Impala with the 3.5l V6. Check engine light was on, code P2122. It already has a new throttle body so was sure it wasn't that. Showed my son your video he is a budding mechanic, said yup makes sense actually because the car doesn't want to overheat so it's throwing a reduced power and throttle body code.
My 2012 chevy Malibu is doing the same thing ! It started today ! So thank god I came across your video b4 I spent money on parts and just so happened to have antifreeze/coolant in my trunk ! I popped the hood n put it in ! I'll drive it tomorrow n see if this works ! Pray me for that it does ! I literally was on the highway with my 6 month old in the car n my car was slowing down and driving slow with my foot on the gas petal. I have an extended warranty on it and called the dealership n ofcourse they tried to beat around n talk fast talking bout I'll have to pay 100 just to get it checked. Luckily my car was low on coolant when I popped the hood bc I think that might be my problem as well ! Wish me luck like seriously bc I'm a single mom n I can't afford for it to be a hefty bill 😩
WOW!!!! Yesterday my Malibu, with no warning what so ever, did this. It said the engine was not running at full capacity and not even fit to drive home. On the fifth try turning it off and back on, it no longer rough idled. Check engine light was still on. Took it to O'Reilly's where their reading said "throttle and camshaft" issues. After researching and came across your video, I went out and checked..... sure enough the antifreeze barely registered. Put antifreeze in it and WHAT DO YOU KNOW! Drove it a short distance and the check engine light went off. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Wow just had this exact problem i almost called Triple A and started dreading about spending lots of money I was actually in target and bought the antifreeze and problem solved wow!!!!!
Tell your dad thanks 😊 you guys just saved my pockets. The lights popped up while on the hwy I pulled over sat at a mechanics shop then found your video. Lol I drove right off!
This works for real you guys! I have 2012 Malibu it starting doing this last night . Boy am I glad I found this video a SIMPLE $14 fix. Thank you for making this video cause all the other videos kept saying throttle body
Modern cars with fail safe methods to keep you from damaging the engine and over heating the car. The dealer knows these tricks of the trade. Good looking on the information. Just makes me step my game up on fixing these modern cars.
Thanks a lot it worked for me 08 saturn aura and it was about a inch under the full line I can't believe it. You saved me a lot of money and frustration THANKS AGAIN for making this video
Wow thish was so helpful!!!! Same scenario but didn't spend all the money on fixing other stuff. Had some coolant in the trunck when this started happening. Amazing made the car run 60 percent better. Thank again.
man I feel just as stupid en from watching your video bro. because I literally bought just about everything you did, and still had the same problems but just noticed today the car was low on antifreeze. I really hope this works and thanks for posting this video with some really helpful news.
This problem started for me about a week or so ago, I hope this can be the fix, got to check it out.. That reduced engine thing is scary, especially on the freeway, always makes me grateful I work 2nd shift, and usually not as many ppl on the road going home lol
I had the same problem with my 2002 Trailblazer about one year ago. When I was driving on a highway, reduced engine power light came on and it reduced speed to 15 or 20 mph. I pulled over and checked all connectors around throttle body and everything was fine. I was about to call for help when I just disconnected the battery waited for about 10 minutes, connected it back and then everything was fine, I did not do anything else. Like I said, that happened about a year ago and I have not had the problem again. I hope my experience helps somebody.
Ricardo Macias yea I tried that numerous of times. It worked for a min then goes right back. Everyone experiences seems to be different. I’m just glad I can help ppl
I went through this recently with an 08 Malibu hybrid. Took it into garage. Turns out that clogged catalytic converter was causing the issue. It had 2. Both replaced. Zero issues with that since. Just wanted to share my experience.
You are God sent Bro, I've been having this problem for a year now. Nothing seems to work, no replacement could stop it. Am going to get that right away. God bless you
Thank you so much for posting this video. I have a 2018 Malibu rental for lyft and I was not going to put any real money in it. You saved me taking it back and literally put money back in my pocket because I can go back to work now! Thank you again.
Thanks for posting this man. Sure enough if I don't have a 2008 Chevy Impala and popped that hood to find an empty coolant tank. Gonna have to stop by Quick Trip after work for the coolant. Hope this fixes this reduced engine power BS!!
Engine power reduced / ESC (traction control). I found that the Camshaft position sensor causes this error. Next time you get the ESC?Engine reduced try disconnecting the Camshaft sensor (its by oil dip stick on the 2.4l). Replace it when you can and this should fix that issue.
@@nikaboo10204eva yes!, that engine has 2 cam sensors. One in front and one in back. It can run without both, but the back sensor does affect the operation of the car (it hesitates to start).
@@erinmcdermott3028 Make sure you buy OEM, Original parts. Not that Autozone or similar parts place. I did and my car just did not like the parts. Warning: The back sensor is sensitive, it can cause major issues if replaced with some 3rd party parts. Mine would randomly turn of and not restart until i cleared the check engine error light. Only to have the car turn of randomly again.
I’m dealing with this issue right now and reading all these comments just made me feel better. I’m omw to purchase the anti freeze. Thanks to you for posting this and thanks to everyone in the comments
Glad I found d your video man!! Exact same shit is going down with my 08 impala ls...I put some antifreeze in a few days ago and so far its fine..I was getting ready to do the same on buying basically everything you did then I came across your video. I know it sucks you spent all that cash but by you posting this video its helping people out a lot and I appreciate you for sharing. Don't feel dumb cause hell with all the videos of what could be wrong what else could we do lol...my next car I get will not be a Chevy that's for sure. 😎👍
BANANAHAMMER420 hey man glad I could help. My car still running fine till this day. But I won’t ever buy a Malibu again. Lol. I’m going for the hell cat charger next lol🤷🏾♂️.
Dude thank you so much this actually worked!. same exact problem, I literally just added coolant and it went back to normal. I wish i could send you a gift man.
Brother. . . Thanks for taking your valuable time to make this vid and posting it. While we are only here on this plane to get sick and die we might as well help one another out and enjoy this little journey to our deaths. . .... I keep rewinding it to the part where you look back at the camera dumbfounded laugh my ass off man.
great video! I've been stressed the hell out w this same problem..2011 Malibu..i've noticed the coolant needs topped off every couple months. I am super relieved cause I haven't checked it in a while. Hope that's the issue!
Having a problem with my 2011 chevy Malibu. Code keeps coming up saying the throttle position sensor is bad. & every now and then it will start shaking real bad and the engine light comes on then it stops for a while. Did this ever happen to you? Going to check & see if it need antifreeze like you did before I spend the money on a new throttle body sensor. Thanks!
Dude! I was starting to run down that rabbit hole. Code scanner says throttle body and open circuit error. I added fing antifreeze and all is well. I owe you big!!
Mine was doing this similar stuff so I checked n it was hella low so I put antifreeze tonight and it's seeming to work. car started right up n sounded much more powerful. hoping it works. thanks so much I just spent money all week on Uber And mechanic cuz it wouldn''t turn over at all. tonight it's MUCH BETTER AFTER PUTTING ANTIFREEZE TURNED RIGHT OVER,🙌🙌🙌🙌
No need to feel dumb. It's 2018 and for years cars have had a low coolant sensor and a light that tells you it's low. I feel like this is a ploy by General Motors to get people to take the car to the dealer so you can pay them $100 plus just to put coolant in the car. That's bad business. I just bought a 2010 on Saturday for waaaay too much money (bad credit=buy here pay here=gonna get screwed) but I hope I don't have these problems, but if it does I'll know to check the coolant. Thanks man.
Hey just had that problem an it fix it... Thank you so much for video... An I really forgot check on that but I know I got get oil change soon so I was going make sure they check all my fluids
Thanks you so much cause my car just started doing this and I thought it was my gas cap cause every time i turn my car off and tighten my gas cap and start it back up it don’t do it 🤦🏾♀️
I have a 07 Silverado and the antifreeze was about 2 inches low I filled it and the reduced power is off but the engine light is still on. I'm scared to test it was your light still on?
Was it completely low to where you couldn’t see any anti freeze in the car or was it just a little low, mine is found the same thing and I have anti freeze but it is low. Thank you
WOW- This totally is insane. Thanks for the amazing Video. I have a 2007 Chevy Malibu. 144,000 miles. I checked the gas cap, which was loose. Also the engine light came on. Also the loss of Traction thing came on. I live in Hot Florida, but it was cold that night. I turned my heated seats on and put the heat on Full Blast. They worked as I drove to a store. When I came out. The car did a click, click like battery problem, then it started with the engine power reduced and loss of traction. I turned off and turned back on and was able to drive home. Now the car starts with sometimes it comes on OK and other times the issues seen. Also smelled a burning smell. Will put on the antifreeze. Thank you. So much.
