Need help--TPS problem?

MaverickZ71 · March 6, 2013

Started my '09 Silverado Crew Cab LT (5.3L LC9 V8, 6-speed auto, 3.42 gears, Z71 4x4) this morning. Started up fine, 17 degrees F outside, drove 100 yards and wham, all heck breaks loose. Feels like someone slammed on the brakes, stabilitrak and engine warning lights flashing, warning chime bong-bonging, and DIC says stabilitrak off, service stabilitrak, and engine power reduced. Running rough as heck and trying to idle about 1200 rpm. Limped to local Chevy dealer a few blocks away and not surprised to hear them say truck wasn't bought there, they are busy, can maybe work it in a few days from now.

I have gotten the "you may have a bad Throttle Position Sensor" letter from GM and suspect this is the problem. After shutting the truck off and restarting, it seems to run OK for a while and then wham, the problem reoccurs until you shut it off and let it sit again.

My problem is, I have an urgent family matter that I need to drive 140 miles to tomorrow. Am I crazy to even try to drive the truck that far? Don't want to get stranded half way out in the middle of nowhere! But my preferred GM dealer where I bought my truck is located at my destination point and they would get it in and fix it right, no problem, I'm sure.

What do you all think about trying to drive on a bad TPS? Am I crazy? Would it kill anything else on the truck?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

snow man · March 6, 2013

Don't drive on it unless you like being stranded.

txab · March 6, 2013

check connector at tps

have the battery checked

check all battery connections, connectors, cables and grounds

worth a shot while you're waiting to get it in. These vehicles are sensitive when it comes to the electrical system

gmtech4 · March 7, 2013

you not buying the truck there has NOTHING TO DO WITH IT !!!!! i have never heard that before in my life ,,,US dealers are dicks from what ive read here ,,,,holy crap ,i wouldve lost my mind on that advisor/service idiot

dont drive it dude ,,its busted

PH-Wolf · March 7, 2013

I had my TPS Fail an I have a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 4.3L V6 with over 52,000 miles about a week ago I was heading to a horse fair in Springfield, IL. I had 100 miles to go till I got to my hotel. Then All of a sudden I see a "Service Stabilitrak", "Service Traction Control", "Engine Power is Reduced" message and both 'SES' and 'low traction' warning lights on. My speed slowly creeped From 65mph to approx 40mph. I limped the 7 miles on the shoulder to the nearest off ramp and pulled into a hotel that was off the freeway. Engine also ran really rough at idle and the transmission shifted really hard.

I poped the hood to see if anything came loose, Everything looked fine. Looked for local Chevy dealers, all closed till moring. Sat there for 15 minutes, then I restarted the truck and it ran fine, just the SES light remained on. I decided to get back on the freeway and try to make it. I was able to drive another 80 miles and it happened again. This time with only 20 miles till my hotel. I limped the side streets/frontage roads and got to my hotel. I was not able to get it to go back to normal this time.

In the morning it was still the same and I limped it 8 miles to the local Chevy Dealer 'Friendly Chevrolet' in Springfield, IL and they took care of me right away. My print out stated two codes: a P2135 and P0121. They found the Throttle Postion Sensor had failed, replaced it with a new updated TPS sensor also reprogrammed the ECU and reset the Idle. So far I put nearly 500 miles on my truck since the repair and all seems well. Cost me a total of $257 to fix. Friendly Chevrolet In Illinois was a GREAT dealer. Poping in unexpected, on a snowy day, fixed it while I wated and less then two hours I was back on the road, off to the Horse Fair.

GMCustomerService · March 7, 2013

Maverick Z71,

I would have to recommend contacting your local dealer for more advice regarding your concern. Let me know if you need additional assistance. Thank you.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

MaverickZ71 · March 11, 2013

I did end up driving the 140 miles to my family event and as I anticipated, my preferred GM dealer where I purchased my truck had the part (throttle position sensor or TPS) in stock, got it right in, and fixed it in no time at all. I got lucky and did not have any problems on that relatively long trip home--no more TPS-shorting out-episodes; but service manager had already told me if it acted up anymore to shut it off for a little while and try again, which had worked earlier. By the time I got home, the check engine light was off and it was running fine (!), but of course we replaced the faulty sensor anyway. The dealer said they had replaced several TPS's. Guess it sits on the front of the throttle body? Thanks to all who replied!

GMCustomerService · March 12, 2013

I did end up driving the 140 miles to my family event and as I anticipated, my preferred GM dealer where I purchased my truck had the part (throttle position sensor or TPS) in stock, got it right in, and fixed it in no time at all. I got lucky and did not have any problems on that relatively long trip home--no more TPS-shorting out-episodes; but service manager had already told me if it acted up anymore to shut it off for a little while and try again, which had worked earlier. By the time I got home, the check engine light was off and it was running fine (!), but of course we replaced the faulty sensor anyway. The dealer said they had replaced several TPS's. Guess it sits on the front of the throttle body? Thanks to all who replied!

Thanks for the update Maverick! Let me know if you need anything in the future.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

bowserb · May 3, 2013

I am curious as to this being the same problem I have on my 11 Silverado. The service traction and stabilitrak dont come on until I actually turn my wheel.

MaverickZ71 · May 3, 2013

I am curious as to this being the same problem I have on my 11 Silverado. The service traction and stabilitrak dont come on until I actually turn my wheel.

A OBD-II code reader at your GM dealer or auto parts store (most of these will read a code for you for free) will easily verify if the Throttle Position Sensor is bad. I've been told that this part is only available from GM and is pricey if not covered under warranty, but if you don't replace it, eventually you won't be able to drive at all.

Mr_Rooney · May 5, 2013

I bought mine off Amazon for about $135 delivered. Pictures in last post.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/149228-2010-gmc-tps/page-2

PH-Wolf · May 9, 2013

A OBD-II code reader at your GM dealer or auto parts store (most of these will read a code for you for free) will easily verify if the Throttle Position Sensor is bad. I've been told that this part is only available from GM and is pricey if not covered under warranty, but if you don't replace it, eventually you won't be able to drive at all.

According to my repair invoice on my truck, the TPS on my truck was $42 an this was a Chevy Dealer part, I have over 57,300 miles and never had that issue return. I know GM uses the same TPS on my engine as well as several other engines also. Funny how despite the same part, the prices vary so much depending where you are in the country.