Isn’t it convenient that we can pinpoint a problem thanks to an error code? While the code scanner itself will give a brief description of the problem along with the code, a quick search on the internet will reveal what’s causing it. This is especially handy when you have a vehicle that is known to throw a specific code from time to time.
When it comes to the Chevrolet Silverado, one of the more common error codes is P2135. It’s a throttle position sensor code that impacts the performance of your truck. Fortunately for you, this code isn’t complicated to fix. It’s also not unique to your vehicle which means a majority of the homework has already been done. In this article, we’ll discuss all of that and more.
How to Diagnose the P2135 Chevy Silverado Error Code?
One of the first symptoms of the problem causing the P2135 Chevy Silverado error code has to do with the driveability of the truck. What you will notice is a lack of power. Many owners have also described the shortage of power to be similar to a limp mode. This symptom will also be paired with an illuminated check engine light.
Despite the sudden drop in performance, you should still be able to drive the truck home or to a shop. Keep in mind, a problem with the throttle position sensor will also directly affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
For the next step, you will require a scan tool that is compatible with the Chevy Silverado. Using a modern scan tool is usually quite straightforward. Just plug it in and select the option to display all codes. After that, it should take you to a page that says DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) display. Once you’ve reached this stage, you can click on it to look for the P2135 Chevy Silverado error code.
What Does the P2135 Code Mean?
The P2135 Chevy Silverado error code is defined as “Throttle Position (TP) Sensor 1-2 Correlation”. That’s exactly what the scanner tool will display alongside the P2135 code. If you’ve cleared the error codes in the recent past, and it came back, you’re dealing with a consistent issue.
Simply clearing the codes won’t fix usually doesn’t fix them, at least not when you’re dealing with throttle body issues. Once this problem has occurred, the code will stay present until it’s taken care of properly.
This throttle position sensor, as its name suggests, communicates the position of the throttle to the ECU. The ECU uses this information to control the valve in the throttle body which essentially maintains the correct air-fuel ratio. These sensors fail due to wear or contamination at times.
List of Vehicles Affected by the P2135 Error Code
General Motors is a parent company to many automotive brands. What parent companies usually do to cut costs and simplify production is share as many parts as they can across their portfolio.
The throttle position sensor was one such shared part. As a result, the P2135 error code isn’t unique to the Silverado and can be found on several other vehicles. Here’s a complete list of vehicles affected by this problematic throttle position sensor.
- 2008-2011 Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche, Express, Suburban, Tahoe
- 2008-2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
- 2009-2011 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2008-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
- 2008-2009 GMC Envoy
- 2008-2011 GMC Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
- 2009-2011 GMC Canyon
- 2008-2009 Hummer H2
- 2008-2010 Hummer H3
- 2009-2010 Hummer H3T
How to Fix the P2135 Chevy Silverado Error Code
There are two ways in which the P2135 Chevy Silver error code can be fixed. The first one involves removing and dismantling the throttle body to replace it, while the other consists of replacing the entire throttle body assembly.
Check our selection below for quality replacements:
While you would think the obvious choice, in this case, would be to replace the sensor as it would cost less, keep in mind that it’s not always easy to replace. As far as vehicles mentioned above go, it’s bolted on the side of the throttle body assembly, but sometimes it’s difficult to reach.
If you decide to replace only the sensor, do it carefully. If you decide to clean it, do it with a cleaner that doesn’t contain Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) as it could damage fuel system components.
While the screws are reusable, you will require new clips when putting it all back together. When you take the throttle position sensor cover off make sure the throttle body is in an upright position. This will stop the intermediate gear from falling out. If this gear were to fall out, you would need a new throttle body altogether.
Once you take the sensor off, mounting a replacement is a matter of reversing the process. We suggest using a quality replacement such as this TPS part number 19259452 from ACDelco (applies to most vehicles on the list above, but check fitment). Many owners replace the entire throttle body assembly. While more expensive, it’s more of a guarantee that you won’t have to deal with the P2135 code again.
Is There a Recall for the P2135 Error Code?
Unfortunately, the recall for the P2135 error code has ended. GM issued a recall that covered the problem described above for 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. Since we’ve crossed the 10-year mark on all of the vehicles mentioned above, it’s not valid anymore. During the recall, GM dealers were told to replace the sensor at no cost.
Newparts Has the Fix for the P2135 Chevy Silverado Issue
Don’t let the end of the recall scare you away from fixing the P2135 Chevy Silverado issue. You still own a capable truck that possibly has a lot of life left in it. Order a new throttle body from our shop and say goodbye to the P2135 Chevy Silverado error code. What’s more, is that you might also be rewarded with better performance as a throttle body can collect a lot of dirt over a decade. So, head to our shop and get your order in!
