Everything You Need to Know About the P1516 Code on Chevy Silverado!

Often Chevy Silverado Vehicle users notice the P1516 code flashing on their vehicle, but do you know what this P1516 code means on a Chevy Silverado vehicle?

The P1516 is a manufacturer-specific OBD trouble code specially developed for Chevy vehicles to notify users when the Powertrain Control Module detects a problem with the Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) module caused by unstable throttle positioning.

In this article, I will explain more details of the definition of the P1516 code, what mostly causes this error to show up, symptoms, and how to fix this error code on Chevy Silverado.

What Does P1516 Code Mean On Chevy Silverado?

Modern Chevy Silverado vehicles are designed and equipped with similar types of trouble codes so that Engine Control Module can detect the issue when something is wrong with the internal engine operational components and other vital parts to notify the users or drivers about the potential failure.

Technically, the P1516 code on Chevy Silverado is a generic Onboard Diagnostic (OBD II) trouble code to warn users about an issue with the Throttle Actuator Position Performance or Throttle Actuator Control Module detected by the vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM).

The P1516 code mainly indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected instability in the Throttle Actuator Positioning System, and the forecasted throttle position does not match with the Throttling Butterfly Valve’s desired or expected throttle position.

But before I start explaining more details, let’s check out the dissection of the P1516 code:

• p- Powertrain (System of components compelling the Chevy Silverado forward)
• 1-Generic malfunction code generated via ECM/PCM
• 5-Specific System related to the Throttle Actuator Position Performance
• 16-The particular information indicates that the indicated Throttle positioning is unstable or does not match with the Throttling Butterfly Valve’s predicted throttle position.

Mainly, the Engine Control Module (ECM) or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) of a Chevy vehicle controls the engine Throttle Actuator Control (TAC) System.

Also, any issue with this TAC module directly affects the Throttle Actuator Position Performance.

Now you might be wondering How?

Well, PCM/ECM determines the driver’s intention by monitoring the movement of the steering.

Then, calculates the actual estimated Throttle response by generating a pulse width modulated voltage to achieve accurate throttle position.

The two circuit components of the Engine Control Module: Motor Control 1 and Motor Control 2 are responsible for monitoring the TAC system Data and maintaining the throttle control according to the driver’s command.

Since these two ECM circuits continuously monitor and control the TAC module, the ECM sends the signal to trigger the P1516 code when these circuits detect that the throttle position is not matching the expected position, and more than 0.5 s.

As a result, the Check Engine Light shows the OBD P1516 error code.

Is P1516 Code On Chevy Silverado A Critical Or Serious Problem?

The P1516 code means there is an unstable throttle position because the indicated throttle position does not match the expected throttle position.

When the P1516 warning signal flashes on your vehicle, your vehicle engine will turn into the Reduced power mode, and this mode restricts the vehicle to not run above a certain RPM speed level.

This restriction is a precautionary step to prevent any major failure of the internal engine components due to high RPM speed.

Unfortunately, this P1516 code is a serious issue to consider, and one should immediately take necessary action to fix this error code. 

What Causes Code P1516 On Chevy Silverado?

Check out the potential causes behind the P1516 code on your vehicle:

• A faulty or inferior Throttle Actuator Control module due to the water accidentally entering the module, the Throttle body assembly harness is either open, bent, or short, and if the assembly has a worn out or poor electrical wiring connection.
• If the Throttle Body Sensors or the Padel Gas Sensor is faulty or damaged, it might trigger the P1516 code.
• When the throttle plate is not reciprocating to its resting place quickly enough as soon you release the gas Padel, PCM will detect a suspicious issue in the system and send a signal to flash this error code.
• The P1516 code might flash due to low battery voltage (between 4 and 5) or a blocked ground connection between the engine wiring harness & engine rear.
• If the throttle body is not clean enough, you might also notice the P1516 code flashing.
• If the PCM has malfunctioned or is not programmed accurately, it will send a false signal to trigger that code.

Other Symptoms Of Getting P1516 Code On Chevy Silverado

Besides the obvious sign, let’s check out what other symptoms can also give you a heads-up about the potential problem:

• The engine power will significantly decrease and you won’t be able to increase the RPM above a certain level while driving.
• You might notice other performance issues like engine surging, jerking, poor fuel economy, and acceleration failure.
• Poor or no active Throttle response
• The pedals will eventually stop responding or working since the throttle response will die.
• Since the vehicle goes into the reduced power mode, it will maintain a fixed low speed while idling too.

How To Fix The P1516 Code On The Chevy Silverado?

After noticing the P1516 error code on your Chevy Silverado vehicle, all you have to do is follow below explained easy steps to get rid of that trouble code-

How to Fix CHEVROLET P1516 Code With Easy DIY

1. Remove the Engine Cover, Loosen the 8-millimeter Bolt & Take the PCB Hose Off

This is where the Throttle body is located on most Silverado models.

Once you have confirmed the P1516 trouble code via the scanner, use an 8-millimeter and lift the engine cover first to access the Throttle body.

Now that little rear end might get stuck under the coolant hoses So just be careful while removing the cover.

Next, use a flat head screwdriver and loosen or just take that 8-millimeter bolt off.

Take of the PCV hose by wiggling that nipple out.

2. Get Access to the Throttle & Clean It With Brake Cleaner

Next, move the intake to the side and to do so, lift from right there while pushing down at the same time. Then lift it up by rocking it back & forth.

Once you have put the intake out of the Throttle body, go ahead and inspect the throttle body.

Then, go inside your vehicle, and put the key in the “On” position, but do not start.

Put something heavy on over there and your throttle body should be wide open.

So, clean the Throttle by spraying some brake cleaner on a rag

3. Put Everything Back Together Securely & Check the Idle

Once you have finished cleaning the throttle, bring back the intake in its actual position and reattach the bolt in position securely.

Then, grab the PCV hose and slide it right in there.

Now go inside your vehicle and start it to check whether the idle is high or not and verify it with the scanner.

On the scanner, increase the brightness, turn off the flash, and click on the ACC/ELECT/THEFT Data option.

Just check on the throttle body on the displayed result and turn the vehicle off.

If the result shows you have the throttle body within the predicted range, press on the actual pedal while keeping an eye on the scanner.

See whether the results reach up to 100 or not when you wide open the throttle.

If the idle is too high, go to the scanner and do an idle relearn and perform a functional test on the scanner too.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Chevy Silverado P1516 Code?

In most cases, you have to replace the entire Throttle body to fix this P1516 code.

But sometimes the problem can be fixed or the code can be cleared by replacing the TAC module, Throttle Sensor faulty TAC harness, draining the water out of the TAC module or simply repairing the poor electrical connections.

If you are taking your vehicle to the mechanic, they will also charge for diagnosis and labor expenses as additional costs.

Mostly, the labor cost hangs between $75 and $150 per hour based on the local area rate.

Replacement	Estimated Price
Throttle Body	$300 up to $1500
Powertrain Control Module (PCM)	$500 up to $600
Throttle Position Sensor	$185 up to $256

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

I already explained everything you need to know about the P1516 code, including its definition, causes, other common symptoms, and an easy DIY technique to fix it without spend a single buck. 

However, if the suggested method fails to fix the P1516 error code on your Chevy Silverado model, contact and take your vehicle to the nearest workshop for better professional help.