Your vehicle is smarter than you give it credit for. Whenever your vehicle’s OBD ( On-Board Diagnostics System) senses that there is a problem that could be potentially hazardous, it goes into limp mode.
As the name suggests, the limp mode is when your vehicle’s engine power gets reduced, which means you’ll have a much lower RPM, and the speed of your car will take a hit.
You’ll also find that switching gears will become impossible, among other things.
Sounds like a pain, right?
Keep reading to find out how you can get your Jeep out of limp mode and back to regular performance.
Quick Navigation
How Does Limp Mode Help Your Vehicle?
While the limp mode is an annoyance, it’s there to protect your vehicle.
When the OBD finds a mechanical fault that can cause more damage or pose a safety hazard, it sends your Jeep into limp mode.
The damage is reduced, and potential accidents are prevented by entering limp mode. Additionally, it allows you time to fix the problem by driving your car to the shop or home.
Causes of Limp Mode
A handful of issues could cause your vehicle to go into limp mode, so it’s important to understand why this issue happens in the first place.
Engine sensors
Bad engine sensors can cause your car’s OBD to go into limp mode. Your engine contains a lot of sensors. So, it can be challenging to identify the precise location of the issue. There are a few typical offenders, though:
- MAF Sensor
- Engine temperature sensor
- Boost pressure sensor
- MAP sensor.
Transmission issues
If your car is in limp mode, your transmission can also be responsible. This occurs more frequently in automatic transmission vehicles since the OBD may detect possible transmission problems immediately and enter limp mode. The following are the most typical causes of transmission problems:
- Faulty sensor
- Low Transmission Fluid Level
- Bad Shift Solenoid
You can pinpoint the precise cause of this issue with an OBD II scanner.
Wiring issues
The wires in your vehicle are sensitive and can get damaged quite easily, whether due to heat, battery acid, contact with water, or more. When these wires get damaged, they send incorrect information to your vehicle’s control unit. Your control unit will recognize this issue and enable limp mode.
Symptoms of Limp Mode
There are several symptoms of the limp mode that you should be looking out for.
Reduced performance
The most apparent symptom of limp mode is that your vehicle has reduced performance overall. Your ECU will make your car stuck in second gear and significantly lower your top speed to 35 and 40 mph.
Another side effect of reduced performance is that your vehicle may start juddering on the road. You’ll also notice that you can’t accelerate as easily while in limp mode. Also, you may notice whirring sounds coming from your engine.
Check engine light turns on
When the limp mode is activated, generally, you’ll notice the check engine light. This is because, usually, the limp mode is caused by issues in your engine.
Additional functions shut off
Under limp mode, you can also notice that additional functions of your vehicle, such as air conditioning and radio, may turn off. This is done to minimize power use, assuming the problem causing limp mode is in the electronic system.
Also Read:
- How to Fix The ESP BAS Light On The Jeep Liberty?
- How To Fix The Jeep Grand Cherokee Starting Problem?
- How To Fix ESP Bas Light On Jeep?
How to Fix Limp Mode?
Since there are multiple reasons why you may be facing limp mode on your vehicle, the solutions vary too. First, you must clearly understand what is producing limp mode in your particular situation.
Having an OBD II scanner will help you troubleshoot where the fault lies. Before we get to that, you must take your vehicle someplace where it can rest, whether at home or preferably at the mechanic.
If you’re having trouble trying to switch gears, the issue likely lies with your transmission. Usually, this can be resolved by checking whether or not your transmission fluid is at the level it should be. If it isn’t, simply top up your transmission with more fluid, and this problem will be resolved. This is a cheap and easy solution.
However, if your issue lies with a faulty transmission sensor, prepare to dole out more cash, as a replacement will set you back between $200-$300. Similarly, replacing a bad transmission solenoid will cost you between $300-$400.
Another easy way to resolve limp mode, which works for most people, is to clear your check engine light. You can do this by turning your car off. Next, disconnect your cable wires from the battery and wait for 15-30 seconds.
This will have the effect of causing your computer to forget all the codes that were causing limp mode to occur in the first place. While this is an easy way to get out of limp mode, it is not advisable.
Turning off the safety mechanisms activated during the limp mode does nothing to address the underlying problem and might make things worse.
Another way you can get out of limp mode is to turn off your engine and allow it to cool down. This will likely solve the issue if your vehicle has entered limp mode due to overheating.
Conclusion
Limp mode is one of the ways your vehicle prevents damage from intensifying. While it is possible for you to reset your computer and ignore the issue, this will only cause the damage from accumulating over time.
FAQS
How long is it possible for me to drive in limp mode?
While you’re in limp mode, remember that you should deal with the root problem as soon as possible. It will be annoying to deal with the reduced power and absence of air conditioning, though.
Will clearing the check engine light resolve limp mode?
The limp mode can only be temporarily overridden by turning off the check engine light. It won’t fix the problem, though, and your car will probably go back into limp mode soon after.
Does limp mode damage the engine?
Driving in limp mode does not damage your engine. Conversely, it prevents components of your engine from getting damaged by overheating.
Can limp mode go away on its own?
Unless the root cause is addressed, limp mode typically won’t go away.