Cars go in limp mode when the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system detects a critical problem. Vehicle Stuck in Limp Mode | Problems | How to reset.
The main function of limp mode is to prevent further damage to the engine or transmission.
Limp mode reduces engine output, limits the RPMs and speed, prevents the transmission from shifting gears. Limp mode allows you to reach up to 40 mph speeds.
Limp mode is also called “emergency mode” or “limp home mode.”
Symptoms
Common symptoms of limp mode include:
Reduced power
Speed limited to 40 MPH.
Engine revolutions are limited to 2000 or 3000 RPM.
Transmission won’t change gears (Stuck in 2nd or 3rd)
Very slow response when pressing the gas pedal
Check engine light on or flashing.
Engine may overheat
If your vehicle goes into limp mode, don’t ignore the problem.
diagnose reset limp mode
Read the trouble codes with an All System OBD-II scanner as soon as possible.
Vehicle Stuck in Limp Mode | Problems | How to reset. You can read the codes yourself with an OBD-II scanner or have your dealer or mechanic do this for you.
The Engine Control Unit (ECU, PCM, ECM) and Transmission Control Unit (also known as TCU, TCM) can force vehicles to get stuck in limp mode.
Engine Control Unit fault codes can be read with a generic OBD-II scanner.
Transmission Control Unit fault codes can be read and cleared with a multi-system OBD-II scanner. Generic scanners and code readers can only read ECU codes but not transmission codes.
An option that won’t cost you money is to stop at auto parts stores (Autozone, Advance Auto Parts, PepBoys) and have them read the codes free of charge.
How to get a car out of limp mode?
restart engine to reset limp mode
If your vehicle goes in limp mode while driving, find a safe place to stop and restart the engine. Allow the car to stay completely off for at least one minute before you restart it.
In many cases, an engine restart will reset the limp mode and allow the vehicle to operate normally.
How to get a car out of limp mode:
Park your vehicle in a safe location.
Move the shifter to the “PARK” position.
Turn off the ignition or press STOP if the vehicle is equipped with Start/Stop button.
Wait at least 60 seconds.
Next, turn on the engine.
Start driving.
In most cases, restarting the engine will get the car out of the park. This procedure may not always work especially if there is a transmission issue. Vehicle Stuck in Limp Mode | Problems | How to reset.
If the limp mode happens again, you should get your vehicle diagnosed with an OBD-II scanner as soon as possible.
If your engine overheats, allow it to cool down before you restart it.
What to Do if Car Won’t Get Out of Limp Mode
Check Transmission Fluid Level
low transmission fluid level causing limp mode
One of the most common issues that cause limp mode is low transmission fluid.
If your vehicle has a dipstick for the transmission, check the oil level.
The procedure for checking the transmission fluid level is not the same as the check engine oil level.
Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to learn how to complete this step. You may have to drive the vehicle to warm up the transmission fluid before checking the level.
Troubleshooting Transmission Limp Mode
If restarting the engine or correcting the fluid level does not fix the problem, your next step would be to read and clear the codes with an OBD-II scanner.
It is preferred to use a multi-system scanner such as Launch Creader VII+ or Foxwell All System Scanner to read and clear codes from engine and transmission modules.
Get the vehicle diagnosed by a professional mechanic, especially if the problem returns.
Common Problems
Vehicle Stuck in Limp Mode | Problems | How to reset. The limp mode can be caused by a lot of different issues and sensors. For example, the limp mode can be caused by a dirty MAF sensor, which takes 15 minutes to replace.
limp mode engine repair LIMP MODE caused by a blown head gasket
On the other hand, it could indicate a more serious problem such as a blown head gasket or transmission failure.
There is no need to panic, though.
If your check engine light is on, use a multi-system OBD-II scanner such as Launch Creader to read the fault codes from Engine and Transmission modules.
Please write down the codes that show on your scanners, such as P0300 or P0720, and do further research to understand what causes them.
Let’s take a look at the most common problems that cause limp mode.
1. Transmission Fluid Level Low
limp mode caused by low oil level Checking transmission fluid level
One of the most common problems that put a vehicle in limp mode is the low transmission fluid level.
If your vehicle goes in limp mode intermittently but then drives fine after restarting the car, check the transmission fluid level.
When you drive, and your transmission fluid level is low, the transmission oil pump may run dry, especially during hard accelerations or sharp turns.
As soon as the transmission control module (TCU) detects low fluid, it will put the vehicle in limp mode to prevent further damage to the automatic transmission. Vehicle Stuck in Limp Mode | Problems | How to reset.
2. Bad Spark Plugs
spark plug caused limp mode Worn spark plugs caused P0300 and eventually LIMP HOME MODE.
Worn spark plugs are another issue that often causes limp mode. In addition to the vehicle going into limp mode, your check engine light may stay on or flash. The engine will run rough, and in case of a misfire, the engine may shake.
In some cases, a bad spark plug (or, in some cases, an ignition coil) causes what is known as a misfire where one of the cylinders stops working. A bad MAF sensor or clogged catalytic converter can also cause an engine misfire.
Driving a vehicle where one or more of the cylinders are not firing causes damage to the catalytic converter and can cause the engine to overheat.
3. Mass Air Flow Sensor
maf sensor triggers check engine light A defective MAF sensor can trigger the LIMP MODE.
The mass airflow sensor, also known as the MAF sensor, detects the volume and temperature of the air entering the engine.
These parameters are very critical for the normal operation of the engine.
Dirt build-up on the MAF sensors can prevent them from functioning correctly.
A dirty mass airflow sensor may send a 1.0 voltage reading to the ECU instead of 5.0 volts when the engine is idling.
Vehicle Stuck in Limp Mode | Problems | How to reset. To find out why your car is in limp mode, read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner.
Other possible problems that can put your car in limp mode include:
Transmission valve body
Overboots or under boost ( Turbo engines )
Faulty engine sensors
Damaged wire harness
Ground connection
Low battery voltage
ABS or Brake system issues
Wheel speed sensor
Manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
Throttle position sensor (TPS)
Engine overheating
ECU needs calibration
Car accident
Blown fuse for critical vehicle systems
If water gets on an engine sensor, for example, after a car wash.
Will Driving In Limp Mode Damage Car
Should I drive on limp mode, vehicle towed
Driving in limp mode for an extended time can cause damage to the vehicle.
Most manufacturers recommend that you ONLY continue to drive a vehicle in limp mode to take it to the nearest mechanic or home. Vehicle Stuck in Limp Mode | Problems | How to reset.
Do not drive in limp mode if:
engine is overheating
oil light is on
temperature light is on
check engine light is flashing
there is noise from the engine or transmission
Driving in limp mode can be dangerous. If you decide to continue to drive, monitor the engine temperature ensuring the engine doesn’t overheat.
Operating a vehicle for an extended time in limp mode is unsafe and can cause unnecessary damage to your vehicle.
Vehicle Stuck in Limp Mode | Problems | How to reset. Your speed will be limited to 30 mph or a max of 45mph. If your car is stuck in limp mode, considering taking other routes than driving on the highway.
That’s the discussion Vehicle Stuck in Limp Mode | Problems | How to reset.
