You’re driving down the road, pushing the pedal to the floor, and your car just won’t respond. You pull to the side of the road and put it in Park, only to realize that your car has gone into limp mode. But why is that happening, and how much will it cost to fix the limp mode issue?
In this article, we’ll explore what limp mode is, identify its symptoms, and suggest some straightforward solutions. Additionally, we’ll offer advice on preventing your car from entering limp mode in the future. Read on to discover more!
What Is Limp Mode?
Limp mode serves as a protective mechanism for your vehicle’s engine and transmission. When the engine or transmission control unit detects a faulty parameter from either system, it activates limp mode to prevent further damage to the engine.
Limp mode often reduces power and limits the engine RPM to make it safe to drive your car to a mechanic without damaging the engine.
For example, if the engine control unit detects that your turbo boost pressure is 2.0 bar when the maximum boost pressure should be 1.3 bar, it could potentially damage your engine and therefore the engine control module will activate limp mode.
Many car owners don’t pay enough attention to the check engine light. So to protect the engine, the computer activates the safety mode by turning off the turbo boost completely and sets a max rev limit of 3000 rpm to make sure you don’t blow or damage any engine parts.
Limp Mode Symptoms
The most common symptom of limp mode is a check engine light on your dashboard. You may also notice reduced engine power, RPM limit, or that your automatic transmission won’t shift up.
Here is a more detailed list of the signs of limp mode to look for:
1. Check Engine Light
The check engine light is probably the first thing you will notice on your dashboard when the car is in limp mode. You often see this light along with an EPC light or a similar warning light.
However, a check engine light can show up for hundreds of different reasons, so just because a check engine light is showing on your dashboard doesn’t mean that the car is in limp home mode.
If the check engine light is on your dashboard, you need to check the trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner to figure out what’s going on.
RELATED: Check Engine Light – Meaning, Causes (& How to Fix It)
2. Reduced engine power
A very strong sign that your car is in limp mode is if you feel that your car has lost almost all of its power. This is because when your car is in this mode, the engine control module will cut off the turbo pressure to protect the engine.
Of course, not all engines have a turbocharger, but even if your car doesn’t have one, the engine control module will limit the engine’s output.
RELATED: Reduced Engine Power Warning (What Causes It?)
3. RPM limit lowered
Another safety feature that your engine control unit uses when your car activates limp home mode is to lower the rev limit. If you notice that your car will only rev up to a specific RPM and then stop there, that is a strong sign that your car is in limp mode.
In most cases, you will find that your car engine will be limited to between 2500 and 3000 RPM when the car engages limp mode.
4. Stuck in Gear
If your car has an automatic transmission, there are some signs you can look for to determine whether your car is in limp mode or not. The strongest sign is that your transmission will not shift higher than third gear. You may have noticed this if you are driving on the highway and the engine speed is very high.
If you notice that your transmission is locked and revs are limited, this is a very strong sign.
Limp Mode Causes
The most common limp mode causes are boost leaks, overboost, faulty engine sensors, transmission issues, or wiring issues.
Here is a more detailed list of the most common causes.
1. Turbo Boost Pressure
The most common reason why your car activates limp mode is that there is something wrong with the turbo charge pressure. Most often, this is because the boost pressure is too high. The car activates limp mode to prevent serious engine damage from occurring.
But it can also happen if the turbo pressure is too low or if it doesn’t build up the boost pressure as it should. The most common causes of boost pressure problems are a faulty turbocharger, wastegate, boost pressure sensor, boost control valve, or a boost pipe leak.
RELATED: 6 Symptoms of a Boost Leak (& How to Find it Easy)
2. Faulty engine sensors
Faulty engine sensors can also cause limp mode. Of course, there are many different sensors in a car engine that can cause limp mode, so it is not that easy to find out exactly which sensor is causing the problem.
Some of the common engine sensors that cause limp mode are the MAF sensor, engine temperature sensor, boost pressure sensor, O2 sensor, or MAP sensor. To diagnose which sensor you should take a look at first, read further down in the article.
3. Transmission Issues
If your car has an automatic transmission, a problem with the transmission could cause your ECM to activate the limp mode. There are many different reasons why this can happen, but the most common causes would be a faulty sensor, control valve, low transmission fluid level, or a bad shift solenoid.
Due to the many different potential causes, it is best to check the transmission control module’s fault codes using an OBD2 scanner.
4. Wiring Issues
Modern cars use a lot of electronic components, and wires are needed to connect them all. Unfortunately, these wires can become damaged, and this can cause all sorts of weird issues.
Bad wiring to any sensor or solenoid can affect engine performance, which can cause limp mode. Damaged or bad wires can be very hard to find, so you want to properly diagnose your car before you start checking the wires. Keep reading for more information about this.
How To Fix Limp Mode
In most cases, you need to make a proper diagnosis to fix limp mode. By making a proper diagnosis, you won’t just be replacing parts and throwing your money down the drain.
But if you don’t have much experience in car repairs and want to try some simple things before taking your car to a mechanic, you can try these methods. These methods are pretty easy to do and can save you a lot of money if you’re lucky.
1. Check All fluids
Start by checking all the fluid levels in your car. These include engine oil, coolant, power steering, transmission, and brake fluid levels. Another important fluid if you have an automatic transmission is the automatic transmission fluid.
Make sure these fluids are in good condition and that nothing looks strange with them. Check your service manual to see how long it has been since the fluids were changed. Compare it to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and replace the needed fluids.
READ MORE: 11 Car Maintenance Tips (Extend the Life of Your Car)
2. Clean MAF Sensor
The MAF sensor controls the air-fuel mixture in your car, and it can often get dirty, especially if you have an open air filter. Dust and dirt on the MAF sensor will often cause it to send incorrect values to the engine control unit, which can result in limp mode.
Fortunately, cleaning the MAF sensor head is fairly cheap and easy. Remove it and gently clean the sensor with an electronic cleaner. Remember that the sensor is sensitive and you should not touch it with your hands or a towel.
RELATED: 8 Symptoms of a Bad MAF Sensor (& Replacement Cost)
3. Check & Clean or Replace Air Filter
The engine’s air filter ensures that the engine always receives clean air without dust or dirt. If you haven’t changed the air filter in a while, it may be so clogged that there is a problem with the intake air.
Most car manufacturers have a fixed schedule for when to change the air filter, so check your service history to find out when the last time was. However, air filters are often quite cheap and easy to replace, so if your engine air filter looks dirty, it’s worth changing it to prevent further problems.
RELATED: How Often Should You Change the Engine Air Filter?
4. Check Trouble Codes
If you checked all of these things above but did not have any luck finding the problem, the best way to move forward is to do a full diagnosis of your car. But before making a full diagnosis, check the error codes with an OBD2 scanner.
You can either go to a mechanic to check the error codes, or you can invest in an OBD2 scanner to use at home. They are actually quite cheap and they can save you a lot of money in the long run.
5. Talk to a professional
If you don’t have the right knowledge to solve difficult problems like limp mode sometimes can be, it can be a good idea to get help from a professional mechanic. Although it may cost a lot, it can actually save you a lot of time and headaches.
It is also possible that you will actually save money by having the mechanic diagnose the car, instead of replacing the wrong parts all the time.
You do also want to check that there are no recalls for your particular car model. In some cases, your limp mode can get fixed to free.
How to Diagnose Limp Mode
A full diagnosis is the best thing you can do with any problem with your car. It will keep you from wasting money just guessing which parts are faulty and it’s actually pretty fun too.
Here is a quick guide on how a mechanic would start the diagnosis if he receives a customer car that has limp mode activated. You may need some special diagnostic tools to follow this guide fully.
- Connect an OBD2 scanner and check the trouble codes. When the limp home mode is activated, there is always a trouble code stored in the engine control module or the transmission control module. If you can’t find any trouble codes, you may want to try another diagnostic scanner.
- Research the trouble code you find in the memory and continue the troubleshooting with that information. You can find a lot of information about error codes here on our website, just save the error code number and search for it here.
- Check the boost pressure sensor with your diagnostic tool in live data. Make sure it gives realistic readings when idling or revving. Replace if faulty.
- Use a vacuum or pressure gauge to test the wastegate and make sure it moves freely. Use your diagnostic tool to test the boost control sensor by testing it while pressurizing or vacuuming the wastegate. Replace the sensor or replace the wastegate if faulty.
- Check for intake leaks with an EVAP smoke machine. Repair any possible leaks or replace a faulty PCV valve .
- Check the MAF sensor values, O2 sensors, engine coolant temperature sensor, throttle position sensor, and air temperature sensor. Replace if faulty.
If you can’t find any faulty parts and solve the issue using the methods above, you may want to consult a professional mechanic.
How do you fix limp mode?
The easiest way to fix the limp mode is to check the trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner and then repair the faulty part. Checking for possible boost leaks and topping up car engine fluids are some of the simple methods you can try as well.
Can I drive my car in limp mode?
Yes, you can drive your car in limp mode, but it is not recommended and therefore should only be done on the way to a mechanic. Driving in limp mode can help you get to a service center or mechanic without causing further damage to your car. However, the safest way – if you want to be 100% sure – is to tow your car to a repair shop instead of driving it.
How many miles can you drive in limp mode?
There is no fixed number of miles or kilometers you can drive with limp mode. It is not recommended to drive your car around in limp mode. Limp mode exists solely to drive your car to a workshop safely without damaging your car’s engine.
Can a bad battery cause limp mode?
It is possible for a bad battery to cause limp mode, but it’s actually not a very common cause of limp mode. You are more likely to notice other issues with your car if the battery is bad. However, low voltage can create a lot of weird problems with your car’s electronic computers, and limp mode is one of them.
How much does it cost to fix limp mode?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the cost to fix limp mode will vary depending on the underlying cause of the problem. If you’re lucky, the limp mode is just caused by a loose connector which is free to fix. If you’re unlucky, it could be caused by a faulty turbocharger, which can cost over $3000 to fix.
Can low engine oil cause limp mode?
Although low engine oil itself does not cause limp mode, it can cause it indirectly. If the oil level is low, it can cause low oil pressure. If your car engine has low oil pressure, it can cause the timing chain tensioner to fail, or other oil-related problems that can cause limp mode.
Can bad spark plugs cause limp mode?
Yes, bad spark plugs can cause limp mode, but it’s not a very common cause. In fact, if a car’s spark plugs are in bad condition, it can cause all sorts of problems, including poor fuel economy, rough idling, and (of course) limp mode.
How to bypass limp mode?
There is really no way around limp mode other than repairing the problem. In some cases, you can reprogram the car’s engine control module to remove the damaged sensor from the system if possible, but this is not a recommended way to do it.
How to Reset Limp Mode?
To reset limp mode, you must first repair the problem that caused your car to activate limp mode in the first place. Most times, the ECM will reset itself after a while after the problem is fixed, but if you want to speed up the process, you should use an OBD2 scanner to reset the codes.
Wrap Up
Limp mode is a safety feature that was created to protect your engine if a problem occurs that could potentially damage your engine.
It can be an annoying feature, but it’s actually there to save your car from even more expensive repairs. Therefore, it is also important to take it seriously and stop driving your car if it is in limp mode and repair it as soon as possible.
This mode can be difficult to diagnose due to the number of issues that can cause it. Therefore, it’s important to connect a diagnostic scanner to see what’s causing the issue. I hope this article helped you and gave you the information you needed to diagnose and fix your car’s limp mode condition.
References:
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Accelerator Control Systems
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57 thoughts on "Limp Mode: Meaning, Causes & How To Fix It"
Trenda york
Hi i have a 2010 chevy equinox 2.4L and just put an engine in and now car is going into limp mode it start up and drive fine then it goes into limp mode and these are the codes that i get now that i didn't have before putting engine in c027b, c0800, c1100, u0100, c0040, p0089, p0420, p0010 an P228d where to start please help me i have already spent so much money already.
Magnus Sellén
Start by clearing all trouble codes and see which codes come back. If all of these codes come back, it is very likely that there is a ground, power, or CAN bus problem, which can be quite difficult to diagnose without the right knowledge unfortunately.
Randy Hickey
Hi, Having limp mode problem with 2010 Mazda CX7. Showing codes P2100 and P0220. One code relates to the throttle position sensor and the other to the accelerator pedal. I have removed the pedal and tested. I have removed the throttle body, inspected sensor and cleaned. Then did a relearn with same results. Tried erasing the codes to no avail (says permanent codes). Removed ECM, opened and inspected good. Basically, it seems to be an intermittent issue. Sometimes I'll start it up and take it for a spin with no issues at all but then sometimes it starts up and goes right into limp mode (very low RPM's and will barely drive). Oh and it also has an O2 sensor code which I haven't bothered to look at. I tend to let all O2 sensor codes go by the wayside nowadays since they are so recurrent they have become more trouble than they are worth in my opinion.
Rochelle
Got a caddy 2006 model 1.9tdi 6 speed manuel its doing limp mode whats the reason thats making that
Chuck
I have an '04 GMC Savanna 3500 with 6.0. The 4l80 trans shot craps at 360,000 miles after bad maintenance practices. so installed a rebuilt one from a wholesale rebuilder. The truck now goes into limp mode at start intermittently. The ABS light has been on since before replacing trans and it had thrown fuel injection codes before. Cleaned fuel injectors, cleared codes, no current codes but still goes into limp mode at start. The truck is now at the Transmission rebuilders shop where they say it's an electrical issue they are tracing. Trying to get to the bottom of it as it's my work truck. Any ideas?
Ed Barton
I have a 2013 F150 3.5 Ecoboost with symptom of engine shaking (severely miss-firing?) and shuts down to about 30 mph. I also have a transmission reprogramming recall so took to dealer. They have not called me so I drove to the dealer. The service manager says they haven’t completed the diagnosis (it’s in their computerized diagnosis equipment and the mechanic is evaluating the information. They think it’s a lead rail in the transmission. Can I just take this to AAMCO TRANSMISSION? I Leary of their slow to give me an answer approach. Thanks Ed Barton
Michael Hauley
I have a Nissan navara D40 YD25 turbo engine,I just replaced the turbo recently when on drive the engine lacks power.But works well on 2rd and 3rd gear power boost.
Robert Pallas
Anybody ever hear of a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe going into limp mode with no check engine light. Will not run over 2000 RPM find a start up an idol go about a half a block goes into limp mode and won’t come out with no check engine light at all.I’ve been stuck for a week and I can’t find The problem any help would be appreciated
Margie
I have a 2011 Nissan Rouge in limp mode. Put it on a code reader and it came up a abs sensor issue in the right front passenger tire. Replaced the abs sensor. When I go to accelerate it looses power.. will the computer have to be reprogrammed?
Tim Young
I have a Maserati 2016 went into limp mode the Maserati shop charged me 700 dollars for new spark plugs and the problem was fixed. I suspect that it was something else that was covered by warranty but they had to make some money off of me
Lauren
Hi there. I’m really hoping you can help. I have a 2011 Toyota Highlander. The first time the car went into limp mode we replaced the throttle body. Two weeks later, the car went back into limp mode. After weeks of looking at the car, the mechanic had us replace the PCM in the car. A week later, the car went back into limp mode. The code is still saying error in throttle body.
Jordan steffy
I have a 2002 hyuandai Santa Fe with 165,500 miles I recently got a p0501 code and my trans went into limp mode when I press the gas hard it seems to brake against me and it also won’t go past 45 sometimes and once I drive it it won’t go past 20 just happened today when I got onto the highway
phyo
hi. everyone i'm facing with limp mode when i replace my electronic throttle body control i don't know how to reset ecu and old memory. if i place back the old one.,the car was totally fine.
Jenny
Hello, Thank you for the great article. We have a Mercedes Benz Vito 112cdi 2002. Shortly after its latest maintenance (changed air and oil filter and front left light unit), it started jerking for a few seconds at motor start and it's been on and off going into limp mode (3000rpm / 100km/hr limit) with no engine light on. No idea if these two issues are related. Our garage has "fixed" the van twice - once by changing the vacuum hose to the turbo which seemed to have a hole in it, another time by changing the clutch pedal switch but to no avail... the limp mode still switches on. The garage can't find any error codes. The garage says we should just do the quick fix every time it happens and we think they have no clue what else to look for. The quick fix we have is to stop the engine and start again but we're not satisfied with this. Has anyone else had this issue, and if so, what would the advice be? Could it be something to do with the maintenance they did or something else? Jenny
Ann
Can my car be in limp mode without engine light on
Vicky
Hi :) I had a few codes come up and I think I have solved the problem, but the car is still in limp mode. Do I need to reset and remove the codes before it will go out of Limp mode, or will it go out of limp mode automatically once the problem is sorted out?
Martin Stagi
I have a 2009 Acadia SLT 3.6 that was running like a brand new car, then my check engine light went on showing number 3 spark plug misfire. I went and bought spark plugs and the following day I put my OBD on the car at which time it showed 7 codes, (P2096 fuel trim) P0300 x 2. P0301. x2. P0302 x 2. I don’t understand what could of happen but I do suspect sugar in my gas tank would that do it? I’m desperate for answers.
Jessica
Hello, so I have a 2007 bmw 328i, recently I was driving the car and felt a loss of power or a transmission slipping feeling and so I pulled over and parked. Later when returning to the vehicle it started fine but when I move the gear shifter thru all gears nothing engages, like the transmission doesn't exist. So now the car will not move, it doesn't even show signs of a glitch or communications between the dash or car and the transmission at all. after doing a little rooting under the hood I noticed the transmission cooling line out hose not fully connected. but other then that no signs of anything out of place. Is it possible to completely kill my transmission driving just a few blocks. I had hardly went 3 miles from my home for the first time all day and this issue happened. What do u think?
Aniyan
Hello I bought a Mercedes C180 brand new, automatic gear. In less than two weeks it fell into limp mode on reverse. In another two weeks it fell into D2 limp mode. Restarting engine got me going. No display of any error. Mercedes garage cannot identify the problem. They do not find anything on the on board computer. The problem repeated 4 times but each time no warnings. Restarting after few minutes make the problem disappear. How can I have repeatability of the problem or recordings on the computer so that Mercedes can find a solution?
Ricky
My Mercedes had this problem and it was the conductor plate in the transmission. Sometimes on Mercedes it’s caused by the shifter assembly or the gas pedal assembly
Sean
Hello I've got a 04 landcruiser down in power but when accelerating the engine check light comes on and the power just goes. When I restart engine the light goes out but a lot of black smoke when I rev it up. Any idea what the problem could Be?
Melissa Caride
Hello, So I am having a problem with my Nissan Sentra 2010. I had my transmission replaced 2 years ago, now I am having a problem with going into limp mode while driving at the speed of 70 for longer than 45 mins. When driving 70 for 45 minutes I loss most of my acceleration. If I turn my car off wait 5 mins turn back on I can drive normal again. No lights come up and codes. I have changed can shaft sense and crackshaft hardness. What else could it be??
Peejay
My mazda 3 2006 goes into limp mode, obd scan read absolute manifold, baromtric presure and solenoid c electrical, already change the 2 sensors maf and baro dn transmision, after instaling the new, stil in limp mode.when scand same error code.. Pls help
Claude
Hi, I own a 2002 Mitsubishi l200 diesel 4d56, with a injector fuel pump p/n; MR577077 wich is an electronic control fuel pump, so my problem is that the pick up goes in to limp mode, and have a engine check light on, I read the trouble code and it show only one, 18, fuel pump speed sensor, my question is; is it posible to replace the fuel pump speed sensor on that specific fuel pump model? or any maintenance will fix my problem? didn t find much solution wise on the net! thanks for your help!
ALAN
Hello. I have a 12 bmw 335i e92 coupe with full bolt on. When im accelerating in stock form i can floor it constantly and not have a problem at all..but when i put on jb4 piggyback and i accelerate hard then here comes limp mode and even the winsheild wipers come on! i thought the jb4 was the problem so i took it off and then took it to Dinan for stage three ECU flash..drive out of the parking lot try to do a forty roll and guess what..limp mode again..this is baffeling me , Dinan performance and my mechanic. In stock form with no extra boost hp or torque with full bolt on it is smooth sailing like a rocket but would be nice if i could run a tune and it not go into limp mode! This is also almost impossible to log because of course when i cut the car off and restart it will erase the log because its just fine then after say 15 seconds and will drive fine unless i accelerate a little hard..then limp mode...please help if you got any ideas please..thanks
Zainool Khan
I have a BT 50 MADZA the power train light come on when driving long distances or going up an incline (hill) The vehicle goes into limp mode but get off the limp mode if I stop and restart the engine I scanned for codes and the only code that is generated is the P00BD Code. The only thing that was done to the vehicle before having this problem was changing the oil and filter and diesel fuel filter. The intercooler boost hose was also changed because it was burst. Any help will be much appreciated
Shane
Hi mate I have this exact issue, I’ve replaced the air intake sensor, map sensor, camshaft position sensor so far and still not better. After the new Camshaft sensor went in it ran the best but still not right. Took it for a big drive out it on cruise on 107kmph and first slight incline went into limp mode (light flickered and turned itself off) but still had to kill the engine to get running properly. Mine also always feels like it got the hand brake on or towing something?! No smoke, if I put my foot down it drives fine and no big transmission issues, only it won’t gear down unless I floor it?? Did u resolve ur problem I’d love to hear how if you did???
Bornface Chishimba
I have a Toyota Ractis 2006 model with a 2sz-fe engine and a CVT transmission. The chain inside transmission box got broken, so I replaced the whole transmission. Now, after the replacement, my car started going into the limp mode after driving it for few kms, sometimes even at idling. What should I do?
Ronald Watkins
Is there inning one that can help me with a scanner labtop.
BRENT H.
I have a 2012 Nissan Altima with 182,000 and the battery light and ABS light are both on and the check engine light sometimes blinks but sometimes goes off. The cars keeps going into limp mode. Brought it to Nissan and was informed it was a misfire on cylinder 2. Replaced the coil pack on that cylinder. Ran better temporarily but when it went back to limp mode brought it back to Nissan and now its giving a code concerning the catalytic converter. It seems that the batter is having trouble recharging. Already swapped alternators but upon being told my core was good i swapped them back. I purchased Cataclean (auto zone manager recommend it) and added it to a 1/4 tank as instructed but after starting it and attempting to drive it it rapidly went into limp mode and then killed. Wont restart. Should i replace the catalytic converter considering it seems like a battery issue more than a cat. conv. issue? My faith in Nissan is almost gone due to them not finding the cat code during the 1st scan plus the fact that i heard Nissan merged with Fiat and Renault years ago and ive heard they are both junk. Please help cause im almost ready to just sell the damn car to a junkyard and not buy another Nissan.
Musyani
Hi,I have a Mercedes-Benz vito 1998 model,it's in limp home mode and when I run it in the diagnostic machine it gave an code B01ff that's stated "short circuit on ground " could this be the reason why it's in limp home mode?
Magnusua burgess
can wires going to place were your code reader b or not connected right or messed up can that cause it to go into limp mode,and can a whole inuffler cause it
Janet Scovell
My 2010 Pajero Activ is going into Limp Mode but mechanic says no diagnostic faults recorded, everything looks good mechanically. Fuel filter and suction control valve replaced. Auto electrician also unable to find fault. Any suggestions?
Larry
2004 honda civic check engine light is on not flashing, RPM not reading, temperature gauge not reading, green key flashing, car starts ,runs at reduced speed no power ,hooked up odb ll won't read codes, I was backing out of my driveway car started acting funny, smoke came up from under the hood I pulled back up in the driveway shut the car off open the hood and belt for alternator an AC was burnt off the AC pulley froze up I took belt off and got a replacement belt without AC started the car up and my results I written above
cj
hello, having same problem-read codes with obd2-got nowhere. transmission control system module was the code i got-replaced transmission speed sensors, then replaced fuel pump just to be on safe side. still having limp mode... in past 2 weeks it went from limp mode 2-3 times a day to limp mode 24/7. Help?
Christian
Is there any way the cold start switche can affect the acceleration of the car
Ayobami
What are the common reasons why electric throttle pedal fail to respond
Shan
Hi from S Africa. My mazda 6 2007 has had a complete engine overhaul. Mini cath in place. Radiator, starter and alterntor replaced. While in motion, not always, it occurs that the car suddenly goes into limp mode. Engine is running but no acceleration. Engine management light is on. Sometimes it occurs that the same occurs, but the car just switches off and stalls. I then have to ooen the bonnet, remove the battery terminal lead, wait 20 seconds then put back, start the car abd go. But the problem occurs again at any time without any warning. Fault code sats ecu, but had that checked and shows no problem. Does not occur when idling.
Diego
Hi from South Africa: (Sorry for the long story.) I know I make a mistake buying a Scenic 2004 1.9dci but was cheap with a lot of space for my 2 small boys. then slowly start fixing it, done: the Motor, the turbo, the injectors & turbo hose pipe, put new mass air sensor, clean the boost pressure sensor. And still have no power, meaning I press the accelerator hard and no power is like the motor is starving, at any uphill need to go down to second even first gear to make it. Done the diagnosis last time and the boost pressure sensor is in fault and can't get it to clear . Could that fault be the cause of the Scenic not giving me any power when I accelerate on 3rd or more? & why the motor die on the uphills? I can't believe the problem is in the Hi pressure diesel pump. I did specialist check the diesel filter & injectors & they are ok. They want to charge me ZAR 4000 = $ 285 just to check the diesel pump and to repair it ZAR 8500 = $ 600 First how do I know that they will be honest enough and say the pump was ok after testing it, they can easy say that is not pumping properly to make more money and I will have to believe it. But imagine If I can save in time $600 to do the pump, then after they put the pump back, there is no improvement at all in the scenic. What would you do? I insist it could be a bad contact wire. May be the on board computer sense a error in the system(boost pressure sensor) and don't let the diesel pump supply the right amount of diesel for the equal position of the accelerator. I promise, while you are driving (slowly) push the accelerator and no reaction, nothing happen, is so frustrating I can't explain it. I stop a year ago taking the children to school with the Scenic as I was embarrass going in the uphill of the school in first gear to get to the entrance while all other dad's overtaking me and hoot without understand that is not my fault. (that bad). Save some money done the injectors and still the same. Now I need it in case it rains to go to a new job (I usually drive a motorbike) What can I do next? Any suggestions? (except putting petrol on it and burn it). Thank you
Adam
I have an 05 toyota highlander. It wemt into limp mode with the check engine, trac off and vsc light on. The OBD told me code P2102 throttle actuator control circut low. I replaced the throttle body, relays, fuses and accelerator. Ive done the idle relay reset and cleared codes, and still same thing. Limp mode still on. Please someone help me!!
Edwin Hernandez
Did you ever find out what it was? I’m having the same issue when I replaced the alternator and can’t figure out how to get the car off of limp mode.
Joseph Moselelane
Hi Magnus! Thanks a lot for your info, very helpful indeed. I drive a Megane II 2.0T I have an intermittent limb mode, sometimes the car takes a while before it fires up, gets into limb mode briefly at idle and while driving slow than it just gets stuck at 2500 revs then it quickly goes away, put it on my OBD 2 scanner it came up with lambda sensor fault so I took it to a garage just to be sure they got the same fault so I went and bought the 4 wired sensor but it came out with different plug than the one on car but wires all the same but still gets the same symptoms and fault as previously. Is it possible that the sensor is not compatible with the car or do I have something else faulty. My coils and plugs got tested and they fine. No other sensor comes up except the 02 sensor P0130 and P0141 being up and down stream 02 sensor. Could it be electrical? Will a non turbo sensor malfunction on my turbo car? Thanks again.
Joe Tursi
I have a 2017 Kia Soul that has gone into limp mode three times,the first two happened right after filling my tank and the mechanic though I had to have topped off the gas tank .I may have but I don't think so. The first time it started up the following morning. The second time I had it towed to a dealer and it must have started right up the following morning ( that's when the mechanic assumed I had topped it off ) the third time I was nowhere near a fuel pump and I was at the ranch when, for so train, it went into limp mode and stayed the following am. I had it towed once more and for the last three days the mechanics have been trying to get it to go into limp mode again. Apparently the can't find any coded in the computer that would indicate specific problems Help!!!
Robert Russell
I've tried everything put a new transmission and input output sensors unplugged the battery for 5 minutes all kinds of stuff I've heard on the internet and nothing I'm thinking maybe my computer has to be reset or clear it or something but that cost a lot of money
Clinton Gregg
Hi Robert, Try unplugging the cruise control switch on on the brake pedal. My cruise control control module is a integral part of the Engine Control Module or ECM. You may need to send your ECM out for repairs and recalibration. Remember there are only three parts to a drive by wire system. Throttle pedal, electronic throttle body and the ECM. Most likely the cruise control circuit has malfunctioned and is keeping you in limp mode. I removed the cruise control switch and the engine roared back to life in drive. That's when I discovered I had a bad bearing in the transfer case. Limp mode was preventing me from seeing this problem. In limp mode I didn't have the power to climb a short hill. Limp mode disabled the torque converter and prevented the car from gaining enough speed to overcome the hill. Very aggravating. Hope this helps. Clinton Gregg
Dennis
Hello Clinton I have this same problem and i replaced the whole ecm and its still stuck in limp mode. 07 navara
Steven Grenier
2005 Honda Civic LX drove fine for two days when I bought it, third day backed out of the driveway and tach/temp gauge dropped, limp mode now
Keith john Wells
I have replaced the ega valve but still goes into limp mode what could be causing it
Shane ferguson
Hi, have a 2009 Honda jazz 1.5 litre, started with a minor idle issue after a few days the engine check light came on eventually went into limp mode. This usually occurred after 10 min driving in the morning. I had the injectors cleaned but still went into limp mode. After turning the engine off and restart it was normally ok for the rest of the day. Two days after injector clean the engine blew a spark plug out on no 2 cylinder. Coil was destroyed, Managed to get new plug back in but with only 1/2 the threads in the head. It now misfires on 2 and 3 and stays in limp mode. Garage that has it says plugs, coil, injectors, valve clearance all good, said if problem cannot be solved a replacement engine might be the best way to go. Car has 350000 km and has been well maintained. Scanner used used but seems like it can only help so much. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Apsha
Hello there. I got a question to ask. My car model is Mercedes Benz C 204. Recently, the transmission of gear getting slower. I had done the OBD SCANNING. But no faulty was detected regarding transmission. Can you guide me on how to solve it? I already asked mechanic to look for the causes. Still no solution. Thanks in advance.
Stan
I have a Ford Transit Diesel. Fault codes for DPF and DPF temperature sensor bank 1. The vehicle was running on limp mode during this time. I have removed and clean out the DPF and put back on to the vehicle but the limp mode still there. However I have re scanned and now fault code for temperature sensor now came up. I then removed the sensor and cleaned out and put back to the vehicle but now received a different symptom. The vehicle only starts and run for 3 to 4 seconds and shut it self off. It will take up to one or two hours may be longer to re start again but only run for 3 to 4 seconds. please help
Livhuwani Tshivhase
Good day, i am driving a Q5 2.0TDI the vehicle start and cut off the fuel. @ audi they did all the test and replace fuel pump as well as fuel control unit but it didn't solve the problem. Today i am getting answer that the vehicle is on limp mode. what can be the course
Magnus Sellén
You should read the trouble codes and post them here. Are you sure that it's not an immobilizer problem? Usually the engine will run for 2-3 seconds and then shut off if there is a problem with the immobilizer/key recognization. This problem will shut down the ignition and/or fuel.
Steve
A friend of mine wants to give me his 2004 Nissan Murano. They have told me that usually in summer, and not very often, the car will not move at all from a complete stop for 20-30 seconds, then it just takes off and it's fine. Never one engine light or codes. No mechanic has found the problem and I believe replacing the throttle body was the only part replaced so far. My only clue is it happens in hotter ambient temperatures. Tranny overheating? I am worried about using it for a daily driver. Thanks
Magnus Sellén
Does the engine shut off completely for 20-30 seconds or is it just not driving forward? If the engine is going down, you should measure the fuel pressure while it's shutting down. If the pressure is low it could be caused by a bad fuel pump or fuel pump relay. Other common causes for sudden engine stop is a faulty crankshaft sensor or a faulty throttle body like you mentioned.
Jrnnifer
Have a 2006 Mitsubishi outlander. It went into limp mode and the code that comes up is P2135 & P2135 again. This is the only car I have to get to work n back so I've been driving it around town at 30mph. I've replaced the throttle body and still same problem. Please help me fix it?!!??
Magnus Sellén
If the throttle body sensor is replaced, and a basic setting is done properly there is most likely a faulty wire between the engine control unit and the throttle body sensor that is causing your problem. I would recommend to let a good workshop make a basic setting and measure the signals from the engine control unit for you.