Despite being provided as an important feature to save your car engine, the Reduced Engine Power Mode actually makes us suffer sometimes.
Even, having an annoying ride for the slightest vehicle problem is not acceptable at all. So, let’s learn how to bypass reduced engine power mode on any car.
What Is Reduced Engine Power?
The reduced engine power mode is basically a warning sign for some specific cars, usually on GM cars such as a Chevy or a Buick. When your car has any potential problem that may damage the engine, the electronic control unit (ECU) switches the car to a reduced engine power mode.
This sign indicates any sort of system failure in your car and displays a warning on the instrument cluster. It sometimes notifies the rider by a “Check Engine” light as well. This actually compels the rider to scrutinize the vehicle to discover any possible damage in the vehicle.
Limp-in is another name of this mode. You would be surprised to know that some vehicle’s dashboard even comes with a reduced engine power sign. Now, the concern should be about the reasons that turn the sign on.
Well, it solely depends on the car’s model. Different cars run on different electric control programs, and the problems are actually pretty different. Let’s see some common parts of a vehicle whose problems may trigger the limp-in mode—
- Clutch
- Accelerator pedal position sensor
- Sensor for throttle position
- Throttle control system
- Circuit wiring
- Fuel pump
- Sensor for transmission speed
- Catalytic converter
- Oxygen sensor
- The timing belt, and more
Lots of the stated issues may not be big for your vehicle, yet it switches to the limp-in mode. The car will automatically detect the problem or even the slightest imbalance among the sensors will turn on the mode.
If you go through facing limp-in mode, you will know all the pain and trouble. It limits the performance of the car to such an extent that it is not even possible to drive it peacefully. Let’s see how exactly a limp-in mode limit your car performance—
How Does The Limp-In Mode Affect My Car Performance?
A few changes get changed by the limp-in mode which affects the performance and the experience of driving the vehicle. Depending on the model, the limp mode may exert different limitations in different cars. The backup system includes the steps stated below.
- Decreased speed limit
- No acceleration
- Non-operable components like radio, air condition
- Limited or no fuel pump
- Car shut down, sometimes only enough power to take it to the adjacent shop or house, etc.
You may argue with the list because lots of models require more. However, it includes the most common ones faced by thousands.
How To Fix Reduced Engine Power
It may not be possible to solve or turn off the limp-in mode if you are not an expert on this matter. In that case, it is better to call a mechanic or visit a nearby automobile servicing center. They would run the engine control unit and do a full checkup to fix the issue once and for all.
You can scan the vehicle using a scanning tool named OBD II, or any other tool one usually relies on. Even if you don’t have it, your nearby automobile service will scan your vehicle for free (maybe).
After you get the results, you can pretty much address exactly where the problem lies. It could be a loose wire, it could be a loose clamp, or a fault in a sensor anything.
If you happen to use a high-quality scanning tool, you’ll definitely get to the right spot. Fix these problems if you can, or seek help from an auto service.
How To Bypass Reduced Engine Power
You don’t have to seek out the help of a mechanic if you can learn to sidestep the limp-in mode yourself. If you can happen to diagnose the exact problem in your car, you can fix that yourself too. As a normal user, one can easily solve these casual problems except the complicated ones. Let’s see how you can do that.
- Loose wire, clamp, and harness are some common reasons for the limp-in mode. Disconnect the car’s battery and check for loose wires or unhooked grounds. Reconnect them or change the wire whether one of them is damaged.
- For a dysfunctional oxygen sensor, clean that oxygen sensor really well. In case the sensor still not functioning properly, get a new one to replace it.
- Those who detect a problem at the throttle (can be the throttle position sensor or the throttle body), replace the entire sensor or body. They aren’t very expensive, so you can easily order a new one.
- Among other reasons for your car switching to limp mode is a faulty mass airflow sensor. Usually, the sensor is located at the air filter or in between the intake manifold & air filter. You should clean it with a dry rag and check its function. Replace the sensor if it is still not fixed.
- If the problem can be in the electric control unit (ECU), you have to take help from the auto service. You’ll have to either get a new part or re-flash the unit to address the problem.
- One other reason for reduced engine power is a clogged catalytic converter, usually located underneath the vehicle. Replacing this part is kind of expensive since a new one costs almost two thousand dollars. Ask your nearby auto servicer to replace the unit for you.
- Now, check for corrosion or loose connection down the line for solving the battery problem. Clean off the corrosion and reconnect the cables to solve this issue. If the battery unit is dead, replace the whole thing.
- A slipping clutch or low transmission fluid also triggers reduced engine power mode. Check the transmission fluid and replace it if necessary.
These are mostly the common problems behind the reduced engine power. However, it is not unusual if you can’t match the condition you are facing with the above ones. In that case, we highly recommend others call for expert help.
That’s it; those are the ways on how to bypass reduced ending power mode that one can do by themselves. Now you won’t have to sweat out trying to understand fixing your vehicle. Happy driving!