Hey guys, new to the forum, looking for some help and eventually the ability to pass on the knowledge. So just got a 5spd 2006 Ion with 120,000 on it from used car dealer. Ran fine at first, no codes, etc. Then started going into low power mode, at first only occasionally, then all the time unless I was very easy on the throttle. Error codes I have are P2138, P0101, P060E, P2127.
I am not a mechanic but I am broke lol so I did some research. I know a decent amount about how drive by wire works and that is the source of my problem. So today I cleaned the throttle body and did an oil change because i got paid. Too early to say for sure but I still have error codes and low power mode. Idling high too, which I know is normal. Car is running better in general though, it was pretty dirty in there.
So my questions are how do I perform a throttle reset on this car to fix high idl or will it just take drive time? I looked up the codes I know one is mass air flow sensor, should I clean or replace? Can the throttle actuator that one code refers to be fixed or cleaned? And basically what do you guys make of this, is there more I can look for and work on cheaply or do I need to start throwing parts at it as far as TPS and MAF sensors?
thanks so much guys, will update any more changes I notice from throttle cleaning, just did it a few before writing this.

 

Yeah, you can clean the MAF. Do NOT start throwing parts at it. Actually, the first thing I'd do is pull the spark plugs and have a look at them. They can be a good indicator of what's going on in an engine. Post the pics here. We've got some pretty savvy members here (I'm more of the village idiot), that can most likely help you get it running right.

 

Try this, When I first was told to do this, it did not make sense, but it worked.

 

New guy lands with a PUNCH!

Never seen that one before.
So simple.

Knowledge is power.
In this case, literally.

 

Nice video, Brain151! That might help someone looking to buy a used Saturn. I know I'd try it if I were in the market and ran into that.

 

Seriously, thank you for posting this. I know now what to look for if mine ever goes into limp mode like this, and not to spend a few hundred on a new throttle body and sensors without trying to clean the contacts first. Low tech solutions are always a huge plus in my book.