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Limp mode: Codes, Causes & Fixes

Limp mode (also called reduced power or fail-safe mode) is the vehicle protecting itself: the engine or transmission computer limits power, RPM or gear selection after detecting a fault. Typical triggers are throttle pedal or throttle body faults, turbo boost problems and transmission sensor or solenoid faults. Drive gently to a safe place or a shop; restarting may clear it temporarily, but the stored codes show the real cause.

165Codes
3.3Average severity
28%High or critical
4%DIY-friendly
Severity distributionSeverity distribution

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All codes (165)

P2123 Powertrain The main gas pedal sensor reads near its full 5-volt supply or higher, even with your foot off… Moderate P2125 Powertrain The PCM lost a valid signal from the second, cross-check sensor in the gas pedal. Moderate P2127 Powertrain The second gas pedal sensor dropped below its minimum voltage, so the PCM can't verify pedal… Moderate P2128 Powertrain The second gas pedal sensor reads above its allowed maximum, so the pedal position can't be… Moderate P2135 Powertrain The two position signals inside the throttle body disagree, so the PCM can no longer trust… Moderate P2138 Powertrain The two sensors in the gas pedal report different pedal positions, so the PCM limits throttle… Moderate P2146 Powertrain The shared power feed for one group of injectors is open, so every injector in that group has… High P2200 Powertrain The engine computer lost a usable signal from the NOx sensor ahead of the SCR catalyst on bank… Moderate P2201 Powertrain The upstream NOx sensor still communicates, but its readings don't match what the ECM expects. Moderate P2202 Powertrain The upstream NOx sensor reports a signal or internal circuit below its lower limit. Moderate P2203 Powertrain The upstream NOx sensor reports a value or circuit stuck above its upper limit. Moderate P2204 Powertrain The upstream NOx sensor signal keeps dropping out or jumping around for short moments. Low P2209 Powertrain The heater in the upstream NOx sensor can't reach or hold its working temperature properly. Low P2228 Powertrain The baro sensor signal is below its valid range, as if the car were far higher than any road… Moderate P2262 Powertrain The engine computer commanded boost but saw almost none, pointing to a mechanical turbo… Moderate P2263 Powertrain Boost isn't tracking its target closely enough: too low, too high or too slow to respond. Moderate P2293 Powertrain The second fuel pressure control stage can't hold its target; on VW/Audi 2.0T often… Moderate P229F Powertrain The NOx sensor after the SCR catalyst is sending believable-looking but wrong or sluggish… Moderate P242F Powertrain The DPF is filling up with ash that regeneration can't burn off; it needs cleaning… Moderate P2440 Powertrain The valve that should seal the air pump off from the bank 1 exhaust stays open, letting hot… Moderate P2442 Powertrain The bank 2 secondary air valve on a V engine doesn't seal, so exhaust pulses reach the air pump… Moderate P244A Powertrain The pressure drop across the DPF is lower than physically expected: a hose is off… Moderate P244B Powertrain The DPF is resisting exhaust flow far more than it should – usually a filter packed with soot… Moderate P2452 Powertrain The ECU has lost a usable signal from the DPF pressure sensor – usually a wiring, connector… Moderate P2453 Powertrain The DPF pressure reading doesn't make sense for the exhaust flow – most often a hose or tube… Moderate P2454 Powertrain The DPF pressure sensor's signal voltage has dropped below the lowest value a working sensor… Moderate P2455 Powertrain The DPF pressure signal is stuck above its valid range – a wiring fault, or a filter that's… Moderate P2457 Powertrain The EGR cooler isn't cooling the recirculated exhaust enough – it's clogged, bypassed or low… Moderate P2458 Powertrain A DPF regen took too long or never finished, usually from short trips or exhaust that won't get… Moderate P2463 Powertrain The DPF is loaded with more soot than the ECU allows; it needs a regen or cleaning before it… High

Symptoms