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What to Know About Engine Limp Mode

Has your vehicle ever suddenly refused to accelerate while the check engine light pops up on your dashboard? Welcome to limp mode.

While it may sound like some rare medical disorder, engine limp mode is quite common for many cars. This self-preservation feature disables certain vehicle features from working, including the air conditioning. A car will go into limp mode when it detects a potential engine or transmission problem. Engine limp mode is your car’s way of telling you that it needs to be inspected immediately.

Campus Automotive in Blacksburg, Virginia is here to explain the common causes and symptoms of limp mode.

Symptoms of Limp Mode

Three common symptoms of engine limp mode include:

Limited RPM and Speed:

Limp mode vastly reduces the amount of power to your car’s transmission and engine. Because of this power limitation, your RPMs will be less than 3,000 and you won’t be able to drive faster than 45 MPH.

Poor Performance:

Your engine might misfire or shudder and acceleration will be sluggish.

Check Engine Light:

Your check engine light will be illuminated on your dash.

Common Causes of Limp Mode

Some common culprits behind engine limp mode include:

Low Fluid Levels:

If your oil or transmission fluid is running low, your car might enter limp mode.

Sensor Issues:

Many sensors control the transmission and engine. If one of these sensors, such as the TPS or MAP, starts sending improper signals to your car’s computer, it could activate the limp mode.

Faulty Wiring:

Broken or damaged wiring can cause engine limp mode. Wires can be damaged by a battery acid leak, heat, or debris.

How to Deal with Engine Limp Mode

While you can try and bypass limp mode yourself by topping off your fluid levels or restarting the engine, the best way to fix limp mode is to take your car to an experienced auto repair technician.

If you need engine or transmission repair, call the team at Campus Automotive in Blacksburg, Virginia right away at 540-951-7398. We can quickly and efficiently get your car running like new once again. Make your automotive service appointment now.