Did I Make A Mistake?

[DSN46]

Hello All,

 

Been having intermittent throttle problems for the past 6 months. Engine would try to die at stoplights, rough idle, etc. Finally went into "Reduced Power Mode" and threw a code at me... P0220... 3 times. I unhooked the plug at the Pedal Position Sensor and cleaned the contacts and re-plugged it back in. Engine light went off and it ran normal (with same problems as before). I have removed the drive-by-wire throttle body and cleaned it every 6 months or so, so I know there is no gunk built up in it.

 

Took it into dealership that I trust (mostly) and the Tech said that the Throttle Body itself needed replacement. He said the Pedal Position Sensor tested fine, and he tried the "wiggle" test on the harness. Then he tried to move the throttle plate manually with the Tech II Tool and the plate did not respond. Said the TAC was bad.

 

So, I shelled out over 500.00 to have it replaced. The engine runs better now, but not enough that I am saying "Woo Hoo" about it or anything.

 

Should he have done more to test the problem? Did he just throw an expensive part at it? Do throttle bodies go "bad" very often?

 

2004 Suburban with 120,000 miles on her.

 

Thank you for any advice!

 

James

[SouthCo]

My 2003 tahoe with about 170k miles kept going into "reduced engine power" (msg on the DIC) and would throw a check engine light. I forget the code but it had to do with throttle position sensor. The cleaned the throttle body and checked the wires and plug but all tested ok. So they replaced the throttle body and throttle position sensor which is one unit on the drive by wire trucks. It's been about 6 months now and all is good. Have not had a repeat issue. Mine was doing it a few times a week prior to the repair. I went and found my receipt, and I paid $498. They used GM OEM parts.

[DSN46]

Thank you for the reply! Sounds similar to my experience. I feel a little better knowing that someone else has needed a Throttle Body (since the TPS is built-in to them), although I am sorry you had to go through it also.

 

Maybe it's because I just got done paying all that money, but I still have that "did they screw me?" kinda feeling.... and it is VERY possible they did the right thing. :-)

 

Thank you again. Anyone else?

 

James