Identifying Limp Mode

It’s never a good feeling when your car starts acting up as you’re driving. One such example is when your vehicle enters limp mode. Usually, the check engine will illuminate, the auto will slow to a snail’s pace even though you didn’t let off the gas or depress the brake pedal. This is also called limp home mode by some manufacturers. Although it can be frightening, understand what your auto is doing and that this is better than the alternatives. It prevents your car from succumbing to catastrophic engine failure, and it keeps you from becoming stranded in a remote area beside the road. If your vehicle enters limp mode, don’t panic. Instead, notify the ASE certified technicians at First Tire & Automotive in the First Colony area of Sugar Land, Texas. For more than 26 years, our neighbors have been relying on us for trustworthy auto repair.

Limp Mode Explained

Although limp mode sounds and feels bad, it occurs when your auto’s computerized monitoring system recognizes an engine or transmission issue that could harm your vehicle if it keeps operating at full speed. The detected issue, however, does not render the car completely immobile. For these reasons, the computer offers an acceptable compromise–limp mode. This allows you to slowly reach your house or a repair facility, a reasonably short destination at a slow speed. Therefore, as concerning as it may be to you, this operational capacity is a way of the vehicle protecting both itself and you. All considered, it’s a decent solution. You should not, of course, attempt to drive your car long distances in limp mode. It’s not designed for that. As described, it’s a means of getting to a safe place. If you can reach such a place by traveling a reasonable distance while navigating a traffic pattern that’s accommodating to slower cars, do so. However, if you’re a long way from your final destination or in heavy traffic, you’re advised to find a nearby place (whether it was within your original travel plan or not). If there’s no safe place close at hand, you should consider calling a tow truck to take your auto to a repair facility.

Your Choices After Your Car Has Entered Limp Mode

As described, once your vehicle is in limp mode, weigh your options to determine whether you should continue at a slow speed or get a tow. Regardless of the option you choose, your best choice for auto repair is First Tire & Automotive. We’ll use our OBD-II reader and expertise to pinpoint your car’s problem, fixing it so that you’re up to speed again.