What does it mean if my Chevy Equinox says engine power reduced?

The engine power is being limited to protect the vehicle, typically due to a detected fault in the engine, fuel, ignition, or emissions systems.

When you see a message like “Engine Power Reduced” on a Chevy Equinox, it signals the vehicle’s computer has identified a problem serious enough to curb throttle response and acceleration. The warning can appear during driving or startup, and it may be accompanied by the Check Engine light or other warnings. Understanding what triggers this message helps you decide whether to keep driving gently to a repair shop or stop and seek assistance.

What the warning means

Behind the message is a safety feature designed to prevent further damage by limiting engine output. The Equinox’s powertrain control module can reduce throttle, limit RPMs, and sometimes constrain gear selection to keep you moving at a safe, manageable pace.

Below are common causes of this warning:

• Throttle-by-wire system fault or sensor issue (including the throttle body or pedal position sensor)


• Sensors or electrical faults in the engine management system (such as MAF, MAP, or temperature sensors)


• Ignition problems or misfires (fouled spark plugs, failing ignition coils)


• Fuel delivery issues (clogged fuel filter, weak fuel pump, contaminated fuel)


• Overheating or faulty coolant temperature sensor


• Vacuum or intake leaks that upset air-fuel calculations


• Transmission or driveline faults that trigger protective limp-mode behavior

In many cases, the root cause is a sensor or throttle-control issue rather than a catastrophic engine failure, but any fault flagged by the PCM should be investigated promptly.

What to do right now

Taking prudent, immediate steps can reduce risk and prevent further damage:

• Safely pull over and park as soon as you can do so safely. If you’re on a busy road, slow down gradually and move to a safe location.


• Check for obvious issues you can safely address, such as a loose gas cap.


• Note any additional warning lights and unusual symptoms (rough idle, stalling, reduced power on hills, poor acceleration).


• If you have an OBD-II scanner, read the diagnostic trouble codes and record them for the repair shop; do not rely on the dashboard light alone.


• Do not ignore the warning or drive aggressively. If acceleration is severely limited or the engine is misfiring, have the vehicle towed to a dealer or qualified repair shop.

Taking these steps helps you stay safe and provides the necessary information for a technician to diagnose the issue accurately.

What a mechanic will check

When you bring the Equinox in, a technician will typically follow a structured diagnostic process to identify the cause of the reduced power:

• Pull diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the PCM to identify the faulty system or sensor.


• Inspect the electronic throttle control system, including the throttle body and pedal position sensor, for faults or contamination.


• Check the ignition system (spark plugs, ignition coils) and look for misfires.


• Test the fuel system pressure and examine the fuel filter and pump performance.


• Evaluate the cooling system and coolant temperature sensor to rule out overheating or incorrect readings.


• Inspect wiring harnesses, grounds, and sensor connectors for corrosion, damage, or loose connections; may update software if needed.


• Assess exhaust and downstream sensors (O2 sensors, catalytic converter-related issues) that could trigger limp-mode behavior.


• Check for vacuum leaks and verify MAP/MAF sensor readings against expected values.

A professional diagnosis is essential to determine whether the issue is a minor sensor glitch or something that could cause more serious engine damage if ignored.

Summary

The “Engine Power Reduced” warning on a Chevy Equinox indicates the vehicle’s computer has detected a fault serious enough to limit throttle and power to protect the engine and drivetrain. Causes can range from throttle or sensor problems to fuel, ignition, or cooling system faults, and in some cases could involve the electrical or transmission systems. Start with a safe stop, note any symptoms, and have the vehicle diagnosed with an OBD-II scan and professional inspection to identify and fix the underlying issue.

Why does my Chevy Equinox keep saying engine power reduced?

Why Do I Have This Alert? If you have an “Engine Power Reduced” alert, it could be the result of a number of different issues. But, the most common culprit is a dirty throttle body. This occurs when the throttle body is clogged with debris and can't allow air to pass smoothly into the engine.

Can I still drive with reduced engine power?

Regardless of the cause, whether it be a mechanical issue or an electrical malfunction, it must be repaired to restore normal power to your vehicle! Stay away from driving with reduced engine power as much as you can – it can lead to further damage and more expensive repairs.

How to fix engine power reduced Chevy?

To fix reduced engine power on a Chevy, first check for common issues like a dirty throttle body or low engine oil, as cleaning the throttle body can sometimes resolve the problem. If the issue persists, a more common cause is a faulty throttle body harness, which can be fixed by inspecting the wiring for breaks near the connector and repairing or replacing the harness. For more complex problems, it may be necessary to have a professional diagnose it, especially if you notice other symptoms. 
Potential fixes
Simple checks and fixes

• Check engine oil: Low oil can cause the engine to lose power. Ensure your engine oil is at the proper level. 
• Clean the throttle body: A dirty throttle body can cause performance issues. Clean the throttle plate and bore with a throttle body cleaner. 

This video shows how to clean the throttle body: 1mMatt's ShopYouTube · Jun 13, 2025
Wiring and electrical checks

• Inspect the throttle body harness: This is a very common cause. Look for damaged wires or poor connections between the throttle body and the rest of the engine harness. 
  • Perform a "tug test": Gently pull on each wire in the harness to see if any are loose or have an internal break. 
  • Repair or replace: If you find a break, repair the wire or use a replacement harness or pigtail kit. 
• Check other grounds: Inspect and clean the engine ground connections, which are sometimes located on the back of the cylinder heads. 
• Check knock sensor wires: Mice can chew wires leading to knock sensors, causing engine issues. Inspect these wires, which are under the intake manifold. 

This video shows how to check the wiring for issues: 45sD-Ray SmithYouTube · Nov 26, 2024
When to see a professional

• Professional diagnosis: If the issue is not easily fixed, it is best to take the vehicle to a professional mechanic. They can use an OBDII scanner to find specific diagnostic trouble codes and can correctly diagnose the problem. 
• Signs that need professional attention:
  • Warning lights stay on after an attempted reset. 
  • The vehicle struggles to accelerate, stalls, or has a rough idle. 
  • Other symptoms appear, such as a loss of acceleration or difficulty maintaining speed. 
  • The problem returns frequently. 

Can I still drive my Equinox with reduced power?

Can You Drive with an “Engine Power Reduced” Message? You can drive with this message, but again, the purpose of Limp Mode is to provide enough power for you to get to a safe place. You won't be able to exceed a certain speed, which can put you in a dangerous situation if you try to travel on a busy highway.