p2138/limp mode after car wash - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

LSAmac · 11-11-2022, 08:41 PM

I mistakenly took my car to a self service car wash and after power washing it the car went into limp mode and the traction/stabilitrak lights came on RIGHT after. I took it home right after, and this morning after scanning it got the p2138 code with the cel on but the traction/stabilitrak lights are gone. I haven't tried driving it yet but just assuming from the wash something must of got wet because nothing was wrong prior, was just wondering if any has dealt with something similar. My cousin's camaro as well as other scenarios ive read had the cel come on in the rain so thought the water for sure is causing it.

Bigdumogre · 11-12-2022, 06:19 AM

Did you wash the engine too?

0stones0 · 11-12-2022, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdumogre

Did you wash the engine too?

Not according to the OP’s other related thread.

LSAmac · 11-12-2022, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigdumogre

Did you wash the engine too?

No just power washed the outside of the car but I did post it in the zl1 group because it’s a Z, but there isn’t a lot of engagement so I posted in here also in hopes someone else has been through this, with this problem didn’t really think it mattered if it was ss/zl1. I think some must of got through from the hood or something but shouldn’t of been soaked too much with my hood being closed . I Just don’t see how the the gas pedal or throttle would of randomly got messed up if it wasn’t something water related throwing the code.

InTheMarket · 11-19-2022, 04:21 PM

My car will do the same thing after going through an automatic wash (thats what i get right). I haven't had it happen with any amount of rain, or hand washing or power washing. I have to imagine something is being hit at the right angle to cause that issue. It will limp for a while then go away like nothing happened. Sorry I couldn't help more.

Mouse330 · 12-20-2022, 04:56 PM

Check X104 which is a 42 terminal connector located drivers side near steering shaft area, on flat frame rail. Wiring going forward or back from there. Water intrusion/corrosion. You could mist the wires while engine running and see if it sets P2138. APP signal and 5v reference wires are in this connector that goes to the ECM.

NOT A 45 · 12-21-2022, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mouse330

Check X104 which is a 42 terminal connector located drivers side near steering shaft area, on flat frame rail. Wiring going forward or back from there. Water intrusion/corrosion. You could mist the wires while engine running and see if it sets P2138. APP signal and 5v reference wires are in this connector that goes to the ECM.

X104 is a possibility, but I'd also check X102 near the fuse block. It's the last connection for the app circuits before reaching the ecm and probably more susceptible to water because of its location.

11-11-2022, 08:41 PM	#1
LSAmac Drives: 14 zl1 Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: michigan Posts: 21	p2138/limp mode after car wash I mistakenly took my car to a self service car wash and after power washing it the car went into limp mode and the traction/stabilitrak lights came on RIGHT after. I took it home right after, and this morning after scanning it got the p2138 code with the cel on but the traction/stabilitrak lights are gone. I haven't tried driving it yet but just assuming from the wash something must of got wet because nothing was wrong prior, was just wondering if any has dealt with something similar. My cousin's camaro as well as other scenarios ive read had the cel come on in the rain so thought the water for sure is causing it.

11-12-2022, 06:19 AM	#2
Bigdumogre Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: New York Posts: 1,434	Did you wash the engine too? __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS - CSP Custom Cam 232/240 .615/.615 113 +3, Texas speed CNC heads, FTI billet triple disc converter, K&N cai, Katech ported TB, GPI Ported/rod modded manifold, Texas speed 1 7/8 headers, HFC, Flowmaster 2 chambers with x pipe, Mishimoto CC, MSD wires, Roto fab washer relocation, tru cool 40k trans cooler, apex scoop, Pedders extreme coil overs and much more!!

11-19-2022, 04:21 PM	#5
InTheMarket Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 108	My car will do the same thing after going through an automatic wash (thats what i get right). I haven't had it happen with any amount of rain, or hand washing or power washing. I have to imagine something is being hit at the right angle to cause that issue. It will limp for a while then go away like nothing happened. Sorry I couldn't help more. __________________ 2013 Camaro 2SS: Summit White-Mojave Leather Interior : K&N CAI : Pypes Bomb Axle-Back Exhaust ---------------------------------------------------

12-20-2022, 04:56 PM	#6
Mouse330 Drives: 2011 2SS, 2006 GMC Sierra Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: MA Posts: 245	Check X104 which is a 42 terminal connector located drivers side near steering shaft area, on flat frame rail. Wiring going forward or back from there. Water intrusion/corrosion. You could mist the wires while engine running and see if it sets P2138. APP signal and 5v reference wires are in this connector that goes to the ECM.